Citizens unanimously state that for them, first aid is the most important component of disaster response, and the part that's most beneficial to them personally. A common complaint about CERT programs is disappointment in the first aid segment: "It was not enough."

Disaster First Aid© is concise but complete, written in clear plain language, with no medical words, and no unrealistic expectations. Anyone can save lives if they know these simple but critical things to do, and do them quickly.

Unlike standard first aid, Disaster First Aid is a compact, one-day course that contains ONLY the most essential skills and information for saving the saveable lives in multi-casualty incidents. This course is based on standard disaster protocols of EMTs & firefighter first responders, adapted to the citizen's level of ability and resources.

Disaster First Aid includes a First-24-Hour Action Outline, *S.T.A.R.T. Rapid Triage, and the simple correct procedures for the most common trauma injuries and shock likely to occur in multi-casualty incidents.

Everything you need is in the Instructor package: The Instructor Guide, an 80-slide PowerPoint presentation, Teaching Outline in the California State Fire Marshall's T-Format, class forms, test & answer key, liability release form, task checklist and equipment checklist. The PowerPoint cues you through the lecture segments and guides the hands-on practice segments. There are also ideas and suggestions for improvising first aid supplies for bandaging and splinting from common materials found in the home or office.

Some Departments train Citizen Team Leaders to teach Disaster First Aid in their own neighborhoods and workplaces.

Author/ Publisher Disclaimer and Statement: The information and techniques in this course are standard protocols used by Disaster Response Public Safety Agencies, adapted to citizen-level use. They are NOT a substitute for professional medical or emergency care at any time when that is available.

This course is intended for non-professionals and citizen volunteers and is not a certification course. No cards or certificates may be issued other than a “Recognition of Course Completion” issued to students under the name and responsibility of the organization, group or agency which teaches those students.

The entity of Disaster First Aid© does not qualify, license, monitor, approve or sanction individual instructors or teaching agencies, and does not accept any responsibility or liability for the use or misuse of this training program. All instructors are assumed to be sincere and well-intentioned, and are expected to follow these guidelines and teaching materials in good faith to the best of their ability. This means adhering to the plan and use of the information in this course as-is, without any changes, additions or deletions.

Disaster First Aid ©1996-2010 V. Chames / Darkhorse Press United States