Fire and safety · Prepare for medical emergencies, security and child safety · safety-19

Stock a medical kit and get first aid training

When an ambulance is far away, the first minutes of care come from the household. A good kit and real training matter more than expensive gear.

How

Have at least two adults take a recognised first aid and CPR course from a national provider (for example a Red Cross or Red Crescent society), and keep it current. Examples: UK workplace first aid certificates last three years and HSE strongly recommends annual refresher training; American Red Cross renewal courses extend a certificate by two years.
Choose a course aimed at remote or wilderness settings if help may be hours away.
Stock a first aid kit in the house, each vehicle and the workshop, as the US Ready kit list includes. Add items for your own hazards: burns dressings near the stove and kitchen, and a large bleeding control kit near machinery.
Keep extra prescription medicines on hand, as Ready.gov advises, with a written list of conditions, allergies and doses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how large a reserve is possible.
Post the address, directions and grid reference by the phone and radio so anyone can give them to emergency services.
Check the kit every few months and replace used or expired items.