First aid TODAY: Life-saving resources

In a three-part series, "First Aid TODAY," TODAY talks to experts to show you some of what you need in a medical emergency before help arrives. Below, find additional resources from the American Red Cross and KidsHealth.org.

First aid for kids
For parents with small children, accidents in the home are the stuff of nightmares. KidsHealth.org shares resources to help you prepare in case of an emergency:

• Getting Help: Know the Numbers
  The best time to prepare for an emergency is before it happens. Make sure your family knows emergency phone numbers with the printable Emergency Contact Sheet.
• Choking
  It's important to know the signs of choking and how to help a child breathe easily again.  Use the printable tip sheet as a quick reference guide.
• Household Safety: Preventing Poisoning
  Knowing the signs of poisoning and what to do are important steps in keeping your home safe. The printable tip sheet gives advice on how to react in an emergency situation.
• Going to the Emergency Room
  Knowing what to expect when you need to take your child to the emergency room can help make it a little less stressful.
• What You Need to Know in an Emergency
  In an emergency, it's hard to think clearly about your kids' health information. Here's the important medical information you should have handy, just in case.

Be prepared for an emergency at home
If an emergency occurs in your home, being prepared before help arrives can mean the difference between life and death. Find life-saving resources from the American Red Cross:

• American Red Cross First Aid, CPR and (AED) Courses
• Saving a Life is as Easy as A-E-D
• Red Cross First Aid Kits

First aid for pets
According to the U.S. Pet Ownership & Demographics Sourcebook, in 2006, there were more than 72 million pet dogs in the U.S. and nearly 82 million pet cats.

But many people have no idea what to do when all of there's suddenly an emergency with their pet. They never think that their animal will have the same problems that a child would. But children and animals suffer from many of the same things. And, as with young children, the animal can't tell you what's wrong and are very curious about their environment.

Here are some resources that can help you find help for your pet:

• Pet first aid information
  The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) offers tips on what to do if your pet falls down the stairs, eats something inappropriate, overheats, etc.
• Pet first aid supplies
  As a pet owner, you need to be sure to have basic first aid supplies for your pets in your household.
• Tips for handling injured pets
  If your pet is injured, it could be in pain and is also most likely scared and confused. You need to be careful to avoid getting hurt, bitten or scratched.
• Pet first aid when traveling with your pet
  Pet medical emergencies don't just happen at home. A few simple steps can better prepare you to help your pet with first aid treatment while you are traveling.

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