The boy scouts use the phrase “Be Prepared”. What does it really mean?
Scouting founder Robert Baden-Powell wrote that to Be Prepared means “you are always in a state of readiness in mind and body to do your duty” (Wendell, 2017).
I believe that being prepared for emergencies also means having a first aid kit handy. At home. In your car. At work. At your cottage. In your boat. When you travel.
Being prepared means that you can make sure an ill or injured person gets help as soon as possible. And that can mean the difference between life and death.
Make sure your first aid kit has:
Emergency numbers for EMS/9-1-1, your local poison control centre, and your doctor
Phone numbers for family members, friends, or neighbours who can help
Sterile gauze pads (dressings) in small and large squares to place over wounds
Adhesive tape
Roller and triangular bandages to hold dressings in place or to make an arm sling
Adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
Scissors and tweezers
Safety pins
Instant ice packs
Disposable non-latex gloves such as surgical or examination gloves
Flashlight with extra batteries in a separate bag
Antiseptic wipes or soap
Pencil and pad
Emergency blanket
Eye patches
Thermometer
Barrier devices such as a pocket mask or face shield
The Red Cross First Aid, CPR & AED course can teach you how to use your first aid supplies to help someone who is injured. It can give you the confidence to act.
Register now for the next Red Cross First Aid, CPR & AED. You could save a life!
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Wendell, B. (2017, May 8). Be Prepared: The origin story behind the Scout motto. Scouting magazine. https://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2017/05/08/be-prepared-scout-motto-origin/.