How do you manage medical problems until medical care is available?

Impressively, folks survive all the time with very little in the way of supplies, training, or equipment, but not everyone is so lucky. In the wake of Hurricane Sandy, many people were cut off from the normal medical care that they need. Worse still, many were injured by the storm and had few places to turn for help.

Help can be difficult to reach through a variety of situations, not just hurricanes. Those in rural areas and wilderness areas may be far from help on a good day. Natural disasters and terrorist attacks can also create a delayed-help scenario anywhere or anytime. What can you do when you or someone with you cannot get the help they need?

First, you need to get yourself and your patient away from any dangers that may be present. Second, call for help or send someone to get help, if doing so is possible. In remote areas, this might mean signaling for help after treating the patient. Third, treat the wounds as best you can with a first aid kit. This kit should include a minimum of the following: