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Rescuer's Lifesaving Checklist

Anywhere and everywhere you go, there is the potential for an emergency situation to arise. A passerby might twist her ankle on the sidewalk; a road worker may have heat exhaustion; a shopper might have a heart attack; a child may choke on a piece of candy. Whatever the situation, and whether you are a professional or a trained volunteer, it is always good to be prepared for an emergency by having a basic rescue checklist.

  1. Training

    • The most important item on a rescuer's checklist is proper training. While some aspects of rescuing can be a matter of common sense, there is no replacement for knowing exactly what to do in case of an emergency. In every community, the local Red Cross chapter provides training in first aid, CPR, administering emergency oxygen, preventing disease transmission, lifeguard procedures, and wilderness and remote first aid. If you already have a level of training, keep current by updating your certifications as they expire.

    First-Aid Kit

    • A first-aid kit is a must for a rescuer. Items should include gloves, antiseptic wipes, gauze bandages, Band-aids, tweezers, Tylenol, aspirin, anti-biotic cream, scissors and thermometer. There should also be a breathing barrier, including a one-way valve. These items can cover a host of common ailments and injuries, including cuts, scrapes, bites, stings and breathing emergencies.

    Stay Cool, Calm and Collected

    • After training and supplies, the next item on a rescuer's lifesaving checklist is a cool head. Panicking in emergency situations can lead you to make wrong choices for providing care and to forget your training, which could lead to further injury of the victim. Practice keeping your cool by thinking through various emergency scenarios and listing the steps of care you should provide.

    Know Your State's Good Samaritan Laws

    • Another must on the rescuer's checklist is knowing how you are affected by laws concerning giving care. Many states have laws protecting rescuers who provide care in good faith within the bounds of their training. If you are a rescuer, it is your responsibility to know if you are covered by these laws. You must always stay within the limits of your training. You should also know if you have a duty to act. These types of laws can be found on your state government website. With good training, handy first-aid supplies, confidence and a good understanding of the law, you have all you need to rescue somebody in trouble.

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