When workers on a PPL contractor crew were faced with a life or death situation last year, they responded by helping to save someone’s life.

And they managed to do so because they were alert and prepared to react in an emergency situation with the knowledge of how to find and use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).

Their heroics that day were a reminder of the importance of being as prepared as possible to respond to health emergencies.

National Preparedness Month is a good time of the year to make sure you have access to a first aid kit at home and during your travels and to get familiar with the use of and locations of AEDs.

For information on life-saving skills tools, visit the Department of Homeland Security’s Ready.gov website and its section on life-saving skills.

It’s a good idea to get in the habit of discussing what to do when an emergency occurs and where to direct first responders during an emergency.

It’s also important to make co-workers, friends and relatives aware of any health-related issues, allergies or conditions that could lead to emergency situations at home and at work.