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A Basic Guide To First Aid And CPR | Homesteading Skills

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Knowing first aid and CPR can mean the difference between life and death for you and others around you, be it a relative or a stranger. Find out how to deal with emergency situations and learn to apply first aid and CPR as a vital homesteading skill!

A Homesteader’s Guide to First Aid and CPR

Being a homesteader means being self-sufficient, not just in everyday tasks but in every aspect of your life. It includes learning how to deal with accidents and emergency situations, especially first aid and CPR. You never know when an accident will befall you or a family member so it’s always good to know what to do in case of an emergency. These tips, ideas, and short guide will help you deal with emergencies from minor accidents to critical ones.

1. Keep A First Aid Kit Handy

Keep A First Aid Kit Handy | A Basic Guide To First Aid And CPR | Homesteading Skills

Keep A First Aid Kit Handy | A Basic Guide To First Aid And CPR | Homesteading Skills

Knowing basic first aid is one thing but having the right equipment to perform first aid is another. You don’t have to have everything, just the basic supplies will help you do the job. Here are some of the common items your first aid kit must have:

  • Alcohol or non-alcohol antiseptic wipes
  • Bandaids
  • Cotton balls
  • Cotton swabs
  • Iodine
  • Bandages
  • Hydrogen Peroxide
  • Gauze
  • Saline
  • Dressings
  • Mask and gloves
  • Scissors and tweezers

2. DRSABCD Action Plan

DRSABCD Action Plan | A Basic Guide To First Aid And CPR | Homesteading SkillsDRSABCD Action Plan | A Basic Guide To First Aid And CPR | Homesteading Skills
Image via St. John.org

Know the basic action plan for any emergency situation. Assess the danger first, respond and always ask for help. Remember that knowing first aid doesn’t make you a health care professional. For severe cases, getting the patient to a hospital is always important.

3. Choking

Choking | A Basic Guide To First Aid And CPR | Homesteading SkillsChoking | A Basic Guide To First Aid And CPR | Homesteading Skills
Image via Simple Family Preparedness

Find out what the signs of choking are. If the person can’t talk, breathe, cough or is turning blue or dusky, these are definitely telltale signs that the person is choking. Remember adults and infants are treated differently when responding to a choking incident. For adults, the abdominal thrust or the Heimlich maneuver is commonly applied.

4. Poisoning

Poisoning | A Basic Guide To First Aid And CPR | Homesteading SkillsPoisoning | A Basic Guide To First Aid And CPR | Homesteading Skills
Image via Preparedness Mama

Don’t try to induce vomiting in a person whose taken poison–this won’t help and will matter even worse. The best thing you can do it stay calm, try to determine what and how much they took in, and call for help.

5. Burns

Burns | A Basic Guide To First Aid And CPR | Homesteading Skills

Burns | A Basic Guide To First Aid And CPR | Homesteading Skills

Hopefully, you’ll only encounter minor burns, but if someone or you caught fire, don’t forget the basic “STOP, DROP and ROLL”. For minor burns, do the following steps to help relieve pain and apply necessary treatment:

  • Let cool water run over the burnt part for 10 to 30 minutes.
  • Don’t apply ice, ice water, creamy or greasy stuff like butter.
  • Cover the burn with cling film and treat pain with paracetamol or ibuprofen.
  • Go to the hospital immediately for serious burns and electrical or chemical burns.

6. Bleeding Wounds

Bleeding Wounds | A Basic Guide To First Aid And CPR | Homesteading Skills

Bleeding Wounds | A Basic Guide To First Aid And CPR | Homesteading Skills

Cuts and wounds are normal which nothing a home first aid kit can handle. In the case of deep cuts where bleeding won’t stop, applying pressure is a must until help arrives. Keep the bleeding part of the body elevated above heart level.

7. Sprains And Strains

Sprains And Strains | A Basic Guide To First Aid And CPR | Homesteading Skills

Sprains And Strains | A Basic Guide To First Aid And CPR | Homesteading Skills

Do you know what RICE is? It’s the basic first aid for sprains and strains until a trained professional arrives or when you get the patient to the hospital. Remember RICE: Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevate.

8. Broken Bone

Broken Bone | A Basic Guide To First Aid And CPR | Homesteading Skills

Broken Bone | A Basic Guide To First Aid And CPR | Homesteading Skills

Depending on how the bone was broken, there are different methods on how to administer first aid. Assess the situation first, then call for help before you address or apply necessary actions which are as follows:

  • Provide CPR if necessary in cases where the injured person is not breathing and you can’t feel a pulse on the wrist or neck.
  • If the injured part is bleeding, you must try to stop the bleeding whether there’s a fracture or not.
  • Apply means to make the injured part immobile with a piece of stiff cardboard and a stick.
  • Apply ice to the injury and watch for signs of shock.

9. Heat Stroke

Heat Stroke | A Basic Guide To First Aid And CPR | Homesteading SkillsHeat Stroke | A Basic Guide To First Aid And CPR | Homesteading Skills
Image via Family Survival Planning

With global warming, heat has become almost unbearable nowadays, even leading to multiple casualties in several countries. Heat stroke can be serious and your knowledge and presence of mind in this situation can help you or help you save lives.

10. Snake Bite

Snake Bite | A Basic Guide To First Aid And CPR | Homesteading SkillsSnake Bite | A Basic Guide To First Aid And CPR | Homesteading Skills
Image via SMP Illustration

Snakes are sneaky little critters and will almost always catch you off guard. Well, don’t be caught in this situation completely clueless but know the basic first aid treatment for snake bites.

11. Bug Bites and Stings

Bug Bites and Stings | A Basic Guide To First Aid And CPR | Homesteading Skills

Bug Bites and Stings | A Basic Guide To First Aid And CPR | Homesteading Skills

Anyone who has spent time outdoors would know how common insect bites are. If it’s not just mosquito bites, better be equipped with the basic first aid treatment. Different insect bites will call for different responses, especially toxic insect bites in some spider species. If a person has allergic reactions to insect bites, this may become even more serious.

  • Immediately call for help and stay calm so the people attending to your call can better assess your situation.
  • Wash the area with soap and water and place cold compress to avoid swelling and help reduce pain.
  • Apply calamine lotion or baking soda paste or as advised by medical professionals.

12. Nosebleeds

Nosebleeds | A Basic Guide To First Aid And CPR | Homesteading SkillsNosebleeds | A Basic Guide To First Aid And CPR | Homesteading Skills
Image via RCH.org

Nosebleeds are just minor injuries but some people tend to freak out at the sight of blood. Know exactly what to do in this situation as illustrated here. Remember not to keep on removing your thumbs from squeezing the nose to check if the bleeding has stopped. Blood needs to clot and it will take some time.

13. CPR or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

CPR or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation | A Basic Guide To First Aid And CPR | Homesteading Skills

CPR or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation | A Basic Guide To First Aid And CPR | Homesteading Skills

There are many emergency cases when CPR may be necessary, just take choking, for instance. Knowing the basics will not make you a pro, but having an idea of what to do can still help.

Watch this video for a more detailed emergency response with first aid and CPR:

Even if you know much about first aid, it’s still best to avoid these kinds of situations when you can. Prevention is always better than cure, but in case you do get into an emergency situation, regardless of what you’ve learned it will not matter if you panic. Always stay calm, have a level head and put what you’ve learned about first aid and CPR into action!.

What do you think of these basic first aid tips? Let us know what your thoughts are on the comments section below!

Check out these simple household items you didn’t know can be first aid items to use in an emergency here.

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This post was originally published in June 2015 and has been updated for quality and relevancy.

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Self Sufficiency

NYC Adds Nearly 4,000 People Who Never Tested Positive To Coronavirus Death Tolls

New York City added nearly 4,000 people who never tested positive for the coronavirus to its death toll Tuesday, bringing coronavirus-related deaths in the city to around 10,000 people.

The city decided to add 3,700 people to its death tolls, who they “presumed” to have died from the virus, according to a report from The New York Times. The additions increased the death toll in the U.S. by 17%, according to the Times report, and included people who were suffering from symptoms of the virus, such as intense coughing and a fever.

The report stated that Democratic New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio decided over the weekend to change the way the city is counting deaths.

“In the heat of battle, our primary focus has been on saving lives,” de Blasio press secretary Freddi Goldstein told the Times.“As soon as the issue was raised, the mayor immediately moved to release the data.”

The post New York City added nearly 4,000 people who never tested positive for the coronavirus to its death toll appeared first on Daily Caller

This Article Was Originally Posted On dailycaller.com Read the Original Article here

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Self Sufficiency

How To Make Lacto-Fermented Sauerkraut In A Mason Jar

The thing about homesteading is you get to create your own ingredient right from scratch! Cheese, yogurt, butter and now sauerkraut, a delightfully sour and crunchy ingredient you can use on your meals — or consume by itself — while on a homestead, or while facing this health crisis!

This homemade sauerkraut is a great meal because it has a long shelf life. You can either make plain sauerkraut or mix it with herbs and spices. In this tutorial let us make Lacto-fermented sauerkraut that preserves all the good probiotics in a jar, good for your guts.

So how to make sauerkraut in a mason jar?

RELATED: How To Make Buttermilk On Your Homestead

Delicious Sauerkraut Recipe Every Homesteader Should Know

Why Make Sauerkraut?

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Not only does sauerkraut spoil a long time, but it is also a meal in itself, and it is also easy to make! You don’t need to be an expert cook, all you need to do is follow these simple steps.

So let us get started. Here are the steps in making sauerkraut in a mason jar.

Ingredients:

  • 1 head of cabbage or 2 1/2 lbs cabbage
  • 1 tablespoon of salt

Tools Needed:

  • knife
  • bowl
  • mason jar
  • smaller jar
  • rubber band

Step 1: Wash & Clean the Tools & Ingredients



Wash all the equipment and utensils you need. Wash your hands too.

You don’t want to mix your sauerkraut with bad bacteria, anything that is going to make you sick.

Next, remove the faded leaves from your cabbage. Cut off the roots and the parts that don’t seem fresh.

Step 2: Cut the Cabbage Into Quarters & Slice Into Strips



Cut your cabbage into quarters and remove the core. Then, slice it into strips.

Step 3: Place in a Bowl & Sprinkle With Salt



Put the stripped cabbage into a bowl. Sprinkle the cabbage with 1 tablespoon of salt.

TIP: Use canning salt or sea salt. Iodized salt will make it taste different and may not ferment the cabbage.

RELATED: Homemade Yogurt Recipe

Step 4: Massage the Cabbage



Massage the cabbage for five minutes or more to get the juice out.

TIP: You’ll know it’s ready when you see a bit of juice at the bottom of the bowl and will look similar to coleslaw.

Step 5: Press Cabbage Into the Mason Jar



Add the cabbage to the mason jar gradually. Press it in hard to allow the juice to come out. Do this every time you add about a handful of cabbage.

IMPORTANT: Food should be covered by the liquid to promote fermentation. Add any excess liquid from the bowl to the jar.

Step 6: Press a Smaller Jar Into the Mason Jar



You want to squeeze every ounce of that juice from the cabbage. To do this place the mason jar in a bowl and get a smaller jar.

Fill it with water or marble to make it heavy. Press it into the bigger mason jar. Allow any juices to rise to the surface.

Step 7: Cover the Jars With Cloth & Tie With Rubber Band



Leave the small jar on. To keep your jars clean from annoying insects and irritating debris, cover your jars with a clean cloth. Then, use a rubber band to tie the cloth and the jars together, putting them in place.

Step 8: Set Aside & Check Daily

Set it aside in a cool dry place, away from direct sunlight. Check the water level daily. It should always be above the cabbage.

Step 9: Taste Your Sauerkraut & Keep at Cool Temperatures

Homemade Sauerkraut Cumin Juniper | How To Make Lacto-Fermented Sauerkraut In A Mason Jar

After about five days, you can taste your sauerkraut. If the taste is to your liking, tightly cover it with the lid and store in the fridge or cellar.

NOTE: If after five days it’s still not your desired taste, leave it for a few more days. This will allow the fermentation process to continue.

You can now enjoy your sauerkraut in a mason jar. Enjoy its goodness! You can use it as a side dish or mix it with your favorite sandwich.

Things to Remember in Making Sauerkraut

  • Store away from direct sunlight and drafts.
  • Colder weather will make the process longer. Spring is the best time to make them since the warmth helps activate the fermentation.
  • Always make sure that the cabbage is below the water level during the entire fermentation process.
  • If the water level decreases during the fermentation process, you can make a brine and add it.

Let us watch this video from Kristina Seleshanko on how to make delicious Lacto-fermented sauerkraut in a mason jar!

So there you have it! Making Lacto-fermented sauerkraut in a mason jar is as easy as slicing the cabbage into strips. Remember that as long it remains unopened, your sauerkraut can last for months. Best of all, you can partner this sauerkraut in many recipes.

What do you think of this homemade recipe? Share your best sauerkraut recipe in the comments section below!

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Self Sufficiency

9 SPRING VEGETABLES FOR YOUR GARDEN

Having plants in the house will bring peace to people. Having a little garden with vegetables is even better! You can grow these vegetables in your backyard garden easily as well!

RELATED: Microgreens Growing Guide

In this article:

  1. Tomato
  2. Eggplant
  3. Beet
  4. Spinach
  5. Pea
  6. Carrot
  7. Radish
  8. Cauliflower
  9. Asparagus

Growing veggies in your garden will give you an opportunity to understand what you eat and value it more. Early spring is when most vegetables are being planted. Keep reading to learn about 9 spring vegetables that anyone can grow in their garden!

Tomato

Tomato is the most popular garden vegetable in the States! There are different varieties to choose from. Tomatoes need to be planted in early spring because they won’t survive a frost.

Because tomatoes are consumed daily, try adding them to your garden! They’re not difficult to grow either.

Eggplant

Eggplants are known to have low-calorie, vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. Plus, they are delicious! So why not plant them in your garden?

Eggplants shouldn’t be planted too early because they won’t be able to survive a frost. So you could consult an expert in your area before you plant your eggplants.

Beets

Beets are known to be a superfood for its various health benefits. They’re easier to grow in the garden, usually around late March or early April.

If the weather is always cool, beets will keep getting bigger and bigger. Once the weather starts to warm up, you’ll need to harvest them, or they’ll go to waste.

Spinach

Spinach is a delicious early spring veggie, and it’s also very beneficial for health. And it’s not difficult to grow spinach in your garden!

Spinach needs cold weather to grow. Getting spinach to grow is easy, but keeping it growing will require some extra care.

Pea

Peas are usually planted in late April. Peas will die in freezing temperatures, but they also won’t survive the heat either. So make sure you plant your peas in early spring.

Peas are widely used in many different ways, and there are different types of peas. The soil you’ll be planting your peas should be suitable for them, so make sure you ask while buying seeds.

Carrot

There are different types of carrots, but regardless of their size and color, it’s a fact that carrots are both delicious and rich in vitamins.

They’re root vegetables, so with proper sun and watering, they can be picked up as baby carrots as well.

Radish

A radish is an excellent option for beginners because it doesn’t require too much care. Radish is easy to harvest.

Radish grows fast, so it’s better to keep an eye on it after a few weeks. Radish usually is grown pest-free, but there’s always the chance of unwanted guests, so watch out for worms. Radish can be eaten raw or can be added to garnish recipes.

Cauliflower

Cauliflower isn’t the easiest vegetable to grow at home, but it is very popular.

Cauliflower grows better in colder weather, so before you plant it, consider the climate of your garden. Cauliflower can be eaten raw or cooked, and it is known to be very beneficial for health.

Asparagus

Freshly picked, tender asparagus is very delicious!

Asparagus plants get more productive with each harvest, and mature asparagus harvest can last for months! Make sure you plant them at the correct time, or else they might go to waste.

All the vegetables listed above are great for your healthy diet, and it’s fun to watch them grow. So don’t miss out on the opportunity to grow your own veggies and eat healthy this spring!

So tell us which veggies will you be growing this spring? Tell us in the comments section!

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