Target Study Finds Many Western Canadians Lack First Aid Kits

In-store pharmacists across Western Canada help guests prepare for summer safety with first aid kit giveaways

MISSISSAUGA, ON, June 20, 2013 /CNW/ - This summer, Target pharmacists in stores across Western Canada are helping guests stay safe from scrapes, bites and burns by providing advice and essentials for first aid kits. According to a new Leger Marketing survey commissioned by Target, almost one-quarter of Western Canadians (22 per cent) do not have a first aid kit at home, and the majority (60 per cent) reported not having a first aid kit in their car.

The survey found 58 per cent of people without first aid kits believe that they have first aid essentials in various locations throughout their home. However, Target pharmacists believe clearly marked first-aid kits are critical to ensure proper steps are performed when treating injuries. Pharmacists propose families place first aid kits in easily identifiable and accessible areas in the home and car.

"In addition to sunshine, summer brings an uptick in cuts, scrapes and bruises," said Jeffrey May, director of healthcare operations, Target Canada. "Properly treating wounds can increase healing by up to four days, which is why Target recommends having first aid essentials in a kit that is easy to locate, and visiting your local pharmacist to learn how to properly treat scrapes and bruises."

Target First Aid Kit Giveaway:
From June 30 to July 15, Target pharmacists in stores across Western Canada will be giving away Target-branded first aid kits in preparation of summer safety. Target pharmacists will be onsite to provide tips and educate guests about a well-stocked first aid kit as well as how to properly treat and heal wounds up to four days faster.

Remembering first aid essentials:
The survey also found that Western Canadians are missing many of the first aid essentials from their personal kits. Although those with first aid kits have common items such as adhesive bandages (91 per cent), sterile gauze pads (87 per cent), and adhesive tape (85 percent), many people tend to forget about non-medical supplies that should be included such as emergency telephone numbers (22 per cent), a pencil and pad (29 per cent), instant ice packs (32 per cent) and a flashlight with extra batteries (35 per cent).

Must haves for a first aid kit include:

• Emergency telephone numbers for EMS/911, your local poison control centre and your personal doctors
• Home and office phone numbers for family members, friends or neighbours who can help
• Sterile gauze pads (dressings) in small and large squares to place over wounds
• Adhesive tape
• Roller and triangular bandages to hold dressings in place or to make an arm sling
• Adhesive bandages in assorted sizes (BAND-AID® Brand Adhesive Bandages)
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Safety pins
• Instant ice packs (up&up 2-ct Instant Cold Pack)
• Disposable non-latex gloves, such as surgical or examination gloves
• Flashlight, with extra batteries in a separate bag
• Antiseptic wipes or soap (POLYSPORIN® POLY TO GO® Antiseptic Spray)
• Pencil and pad
• Emergency blanket
• Eye patches
• Thermometer
• Barrier devices, such as a pocket mask or face shield

Leger Marketing OmniWeb Poll:
The survey was completed online Monday, May 27, 2013 to Thursday, May 30, 2013 using Leger Marketing's online panel, LegerWeb, with a sample of 1,500 Canadians, 18 years of age or older. A probability sample of the same size would yield a margin of error o +/- 2.53%, 19 times out of 20.

About Target
Minneapolis-based Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT) serves guests at 1,832 stores - 1,784 in the United States and 48 in Canada - and at Target.com. Since 1946, Target has given 5 percent of its profit through community grants and programs; today, that giving equals more than $4 million a week. For more information about Target's commitment to corporate responsibility, visit target.ca/corporateresponsibility.

SOURCE: Target Canada

Tamar Nersesian, Target Public Relations, [phone]
Target Media Hotline, [phone]