As the days grow longer and the air gets warmer, there’s no better time to escape the routine and immerse yourself in the natural beauty that surrounds us. Hiking, a very accessible outdoor activity, yields both adventure as well as tranquility, be it exploring lush forests, arid deserts, or coastal ridges. For Southern Californians, many trails are awaiting exploration. This is especially true for many people in Los Angeles, as well as those near Long Beach, just within a short drive.

Approximately 356,000 Americans experience out-of-hospital cardiac arrest annually, as estimated by the American Heart Association. All too often, some 90% are fatal due to a lack of timely enough help or because bystanders simply do not know how to save them. And on top of this, an estimated 800,000 Americans are treated in the emergency room every year for heart attack, making heart-related emergencies one of the leading killers throughout the country.

Imagine yourself in a life-or-death scenario where someone is bleeding profusely due to a severe limb injury. In such life-changing moments, being aware of when and how to use a tourniquet can literally save a life or be left standing doing nothing. Being first aid trained, particularly in tourniquet application, sets you ready to act quickly when every second counts.

Bruises, or contusions, are common injuries that occur when small blood vessels beneath the skin are injured by trauma. Trauma can be caused by a fall, bumping against something, or direct impact. The blood leaks into surrounding tissues, producing discoloration that first appears as a deep blue or purple color and then fades with time. Bruises typically resolve in two weeks, though healing time varies on factors like age, health, and treatment regimens.
Bruises are typically benign and resolve spontaneously, but can be sore, swollen, and painful. With proper knowledge on how to manage a bruise, discomfort may be avoided, and recovery will be faster.

Drowning is a leading cause of accidental injury-related death, particularly among children under five years old. Over 4,500 individuals drown annually in the U.S., according to the latest statistics. Having knowledge of what to do in an emergency, including how to give CPR correctly, could literally be a lifesaver for a victim.

A great number of individuals know the importance of first aid training, but very few know how critical it is to be CPR and emergency response certified. In the US, we have the luxury of living a reasonably safe life, but natural disasters can strike anytime. We have hurricanes and earthquakes, as well as wildfires and floods. The truth is that the state of emergency takes place when we least expect it. The recent wildfires in LA, for example, show just how terrible things can go in an instant, forcing thousands to move and communities left in ruins. In these cases, having an emergency first aid kit and the knowledge of how to utilize it properly can save lives.