It’s always nice to be in a position to help others. In some cases, however, you might not be entirely sure how to prepare for situations when people might need your help. By getting ready ahead of time, you can put yourself in a better position to help people when you find yourself in the middle of their problems.
While it’s great that you’re willing to help, it’s more beneficial if you have the skills to actively provide that help. Get started by learning basic first aid, from how to stop bleeding to how to perform CPR. Develop a basic understanding of car maintenance, from how to jump off a car when the battery has died to how to check fluids and oil. It can also be helpful to know how to change a flat or even how to tow a car if necessary.
Simply carrying around a first aid kit can put you in the position to help many people on a regular basis. Make sure your first aid kit has the right supplies. While simple Band-Aids, wraps, and cleansing towelettes may see the most use, you’ll also want to carry a tourniquet, gloves, and other items that will allow you to help with more than basic first aid tasks. Make sure you add information like local emergency numbers to your kit so that if there is an emergency, you’ll immediately know who to call.
Installing a towbar, or having a company like Speedy Towbars install it, can give you the ability to tow a friend or loved one’s car if needed. Keeping jumper cables and an automobile emergency kit in your car won’t just ensure that you have the tools you need in the event of an emergency, it will also mean that you’re better positioned to help out in an emergency. Simply carrying blankets and bottles of water in the back of your car can also allow you to provide basic help in a wide range of situations.
Putting yourself in the position to help people, from friends to strangers, is admirable. Planning ahead so that you’ll have the right tools, however, can position you to be a hero when you’re needed most. By making sure that you’re prepared for whatever comes your way, you’ll quickly discover that you get to help more people than you ever imagined.
Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She loves the outdoors and spends most of her time hiking, biking, and gardening.