State agency marks ‘Red Cross Month’

COLUMBUS – March commemorates Red Cross Month and the Ohio Department of Public Safety’s Division of Emergency Medical Services is encouraging Ohioans to work together to prepare their communities for disasters or emergencies.

“Our EMTs and firefighters offer Ohioans the highest level of trauma care possible when responding to injury, illness, fire or other disasters,” said Richard N. Rucker, director of the Division of Emergency Medical Services. “However, there are some simple precautions that citizens can take to assist first responders when responding to emergencies.”

In the spirit of The Red Cross and emergency preparedness, the Division is challenging individuals, businesses and communities to take responsibility for the safety of their families, employees, homes and neighborhoods.

Ohio EMS offers five basic steps Ohioans can take to prepare for an emergency or crisis:

1. Get trained. Learn to save lives. The Red Cross offers classes year round to individuals and businesses on first aid, CPR, defibrillator use and much more.

2. Volunteer. Don’t wait until disaster strikes. Learn how to help now.

3. Donate blood. Become a regular and frequent blood donor to ensure a blood supply that meets everyone’s needs, all of the time.

4. Make the right call. Call 911 immediately when someone is badly hurt, suddenly sick, or anytime someone’s life is in danger. If you are ever in doubt that someone is having a medical emergency, you should call EMS by dialing 911.

5. Get involved. Become familiar with your neighbors and discuss the skills you posses that may prove vital in the event of a neighborhood emergency.

For more information on emergency preparedness, visit www.ready.ohio.gov or visit Red Cross online at www.redcross.org.