Being prepared for emergencies, whether medical or natural disasters, is crucial. Over 1,800 Kentucky residents die each year due to out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and over a hundred people died in the most recent disasters such as floodings and tornadoes. This seminar increases awareness about CPR or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, Wound Care, Disaster Preparedness to save valuable time and possibly lives. 

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reports, “Being prepared can reduce fear, anxiety, and losses that accompany disasters.”  To encourage individuals to be prepared, the Fort Harrod Area Family and Consumer Sciences agents hosted the multi-county seminar on First Aid as part of the Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association (KEHA) leadership lessons. The seminar focused on Emergency Health Information cards that contain essential details about your health; CPR techniques which can significantly increase a person's chances of survival after cardiac arrest; Wound Care to prevent infections and promote healing; and, Disaster Preparedness to stay informed about local emergency alerts, weather updates, and how to create an emergency supply kit containing essentials like water, non-perishable food, first aid supplies, flashlights, and important documents. Thirty-one people participated in the seminar along with five area agents, two community partners from the Frankfort Fire & EMS, and one community partner from the Franklin County Health Department.

Thirty-one people completed the post-evaluation.  Of those surveyed, 97% (n=30) indicated the program increased their knowledge of first aid. 100% (n=31) reported they feel more confident in the event of an emergency or natural disaster. Finally, 94% (n=29) reported they plan to share the information learned with others.

The most significant part of the program was the preparedness feeling more comfortable performing CPR.  Other participant comments included: 

• "Making an emergency kit for home and car."
• "Made me more comfortable if put in this position."
• "Good to know in case needed, loved the preparedness info, handouts, and showing the on-the- go bag.

It's commendable that the seminar brought together community members, agents, and partners to discuss these critical topics. By spreading awareness and encouraging preparedness, we can collectively make our communities safer.

Report 31 people against indicator 2083, Number of individuals reporting improved knowledge regarding disaster preparedness and an intent to implement one or more disaster preparedness strategies/plan. 

References:

American Heart Association: CPR & First Aid. CPR Facts and Stats. https://cpr.heart.org/en/resources/cpr-facts-and-stats  

Bensen, W. F. CDC Healthy Aging Program. (nd). CDC’s Disaster Planning Goal: Protect Older Adults. Retrieved https://www.cdc.gov/aging/pdf/disaster_planning_goal.pdf

CDC Emergency Preparedness for Older Adults. https://www.cdc.gov/aging/publications/features/older-adult-emergency.html. This information has been specifically created to help older adults know what they should disaster strike.

Kentucky Heartsafe Communities. https://www.chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dph/dpqi/cdpb/Pages/heartsafe.aspx

The Department of Homeland Security’s Ready.gov site offers a specific list of emergency resources, including items that should be in a basic emergency kit. https://www.ready.gov/kit