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American Red Cross

Our Mission

Since 1881, the American Red Cross has aided victims of natural disasters and empowered people to respond to emergencies and help others. It also supports military members and their families; collects, processes and distributes blood; offers community services for the needy; provides international relief and development; and teaches preparedness and health & safety courses such as first aid/CPR.

Activity

  • American Red Cross
    American Red Cross answered:
    How can I prevent asthma attacks?
    A person can follow these preventative measures to reduce his or her risk of an attack:
    • Limit triggers in the home
    • Control emotions
    • Prevent infections
    • Reduce environmental triggers
    • Exercise carefully
     Full Post
  • American Red Cross
    American Red Cross answered:
    How does an epinephrine auto-injector work?

    The instructions provided by the manufacturer and healthcare provider always should be followed when assisting someone with a prescribed epinephrine auto-injector.

    An auto-injector contains a preloaded dose of 0.3 mg of epinephrine for adults or 0.15 mg of epinephrine for children weighing

    ...  Full Post
  • American Red Cross
    American Red Cross answered:
    Are febrile seizures harmful?
    Most febrile seizures last less than five minutes and are not life threatening. However, there are conditions where the child may require additional care. Immediately after a febrile seizure, it is important to cool the body if a fever is present.  Full Post
  • American Red Cross
    American Red Cross answered:
    Should I put anything in the mouth of child having a febrile seizure?
    • Do not put anything in the child’s mouth or between the teeth.
    • Children having seizures rarely bite their tongues or cheeks with enough force to cause significant bleeding; however, some blood may be present.
     Full Post
  • American Red Cross
    American Red Cross answered:
    Should I seek medical care for a child with diaper rash?
    Seek care from a health care provider if diaper rash:
    • Develops blisters or pus-filled sores
    • Does not go away within two to three days
    • Gets worse
     Full Post
  • American Red Cross
    American Red Cross answered:
    What is splinting?
    Splinting is a method of immobilizing an injured part to minimize movement and prevent further injury, and should be used only if you have to move or transport the person to seek medical attention and if it does not cause more pain.
     Full Post
  • American Red Cross
    American Red Cross answered:
    Why do children get rashes?
    Young children and infants have sensitive skin. Their skin develops rashes easily. Two common rashes in young children and infants are heat rash and diaper rash.
     Full Post
  • American Red Cross
    American Red Cross answered:
    Should I call 9-1-1 for someone having an asthma attack?
    Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number if the person’s breathing trouble does not improve in a few minutes after using the quick-relief medication.  Full Post
  • American Red Cross
    American Red Cross answered:
    What type of thermometer should I use to take my child's temperature?
    Multiple types of thermometers are available. Do not use glass thermometers, and, whenever possible, use an electronic (digital) thermometer.

    Use a thermometer that is specifically designed for the type of temperature being taken. For example, do not use an oral thermometer to take a rectal t...  Full Post
  • American Red Cross
    American Red Cross answered:
    How does a dry powder inhaler (DPI) deliver asthma medication?
    A dry powder inhaler (DPI) is a hand-held device that delivers a dry powder form of the medication. Some dry powders are tasteless. Others are mixed with lactose to give them a sweet taste.

    The DPI is administered by breathing in quickly to activate the inhaler. The person does not have...  Full Post
  • American Red Cross
    American Red Cross answered:
    How does a metered dosed inhaler (MDI) deliver asthma medication?
    A metered dose inhaler (MDI) sends a measured dose of medicine in mist form directly into the person’s mouth. The person gently presses down the top of the inhaler.

    This causes a small amount of pressurized gas to push the medicine out quickly. Sometimes a “spacer” is used to control the...  Full Post
  • American Red Cross
    American Red Cross answered:
    Should I seek medical care for a child with a fever?
    A healthcare provider should be contacted for:
    • Any infant younger than 3 months with a fever (100.4º F or higher)
    • Any child younger than 2 years with a high fever (103˚ F or higher)
    • Any child or infant who has a febrile seizure
     Full Post
  • American Red Cross
    American Red Cross answered:
    How does an epinephrine auto-injector work?

    The instructions provided by the manufacturer and healthcare provider always should be followed when assisting someone with a prescribed epinephrine auto-injector.

    An auto-injector contains a preloaded dose of 0.3 mg of epinephrine for adults or 0.15 mg of epinephrine for children weighing

    ...  Full Post
  • American Red Cross
    American Red Cross answered:
    How does an epinephrine auto-injector work?

    The instructions provided by the manufacturer and healthcare provider always should be followed when assisting someone with a prescribed epinephrine auto-injector.

    An auto-injector contains a preloaded dose of 0.3 mg of epinephrine for adults or 0.15 mg of epinephrine for children weighing

    ...  Full Post
  • American Red Cross
    American Red Cross answered:
    How should I care for a bone injury using RICE?
    • REST -- Do not move or straighten the injured area.
    • IMMOBILIZE -- Stabilize the injured area in the position it was found. Splint the injured part only if the person must be moved or transported to receive medical care and it does not cause more pain. Minimizing movement can prevent further injury.
    ...  Full Post