Don’t assume that because you have one or two first aid kits in your home and car that you have all the medical supplies needed to get you through any situation. You don’t.
Not only does the average first aid kit contain only a few different types of supplies, but the quantities are also minimal. It’s up to you to make sure you have everything needed to provide yourself with long term medical care in your emergency supplies.
#1 – A Treatment Area
It doesn’t matter if you’re dealing with a splinter that needs to be removed or a severe laceration, you need to include a safe, quite place where you can work in your supplies. If you’re in an emergency situation, the area needs to be secure, as clean as possible, and unexposed to the elements. If you’re bugging out, identifying an area that will be used for medical emergencies needs to be one of your first priorities.
#2 – Knowledge
Everyone in your family should be proficient with each item in your emergency first aid kit and the best way to get the training needed is to take advantage of first aid classes and wilderness survival classes which are often taught at community colleges or community centers. Programs run through Red Cross tend to be more in depth than other programs.
#3 – Natural Multi Vitamins
Staying healthy will be much harder when you don’t have easy access to fresh fruits and vegetables. Stock up on multi-vitamins to insure that your immune system doesn’t suffer when you can’t afford to be sick.
#4 – Large Commercial Trash Bags
They can be used to help create a waterproof bandage and to also prevent the spread of infection
#5 – Needles and Scalpels
Make sure you have someone instruct you on the proper and safe way to use and dispose of both needles and scalpels.
#6 – Extra Batteries for your Cell Phone and Contact Numbers
When it comes to medical emergencies, time is of the essence. Keeping a spare battery as well as the numbers of emergency contacts in your first aid kit makes increases the odds of everyone surviving the medical emergency you’ve encountered.
#7 – Reference Materials
Make sure you have copies of the Merck Manual, CPR & Cardiac Care Guides, and Tarascon’s Pharmacpea on hand so you can consult them about the best way to handle specific medical emergencies.
#8 – Penrose Drain Tubes
You won’t believe how handy these are as drains and when you need to use a tourniquet. This is an easy supply to buy online and it could be a major asset if SHTF.
#9 – Bouillon cubes
Not only do these make a tasty soup, but they’re also a great form of electrolytes. Just mix them with water.
#10 – Antibiotics
Stock up on antibiotics every chance you get. If your doctor won’t prescribe some for emergency storage, then you could consider buying fish antibiotics from a veterinary supply company.
#11 – LED Lights
In a pinch, these work wonderfully as surgical lights. You could even opt for a head lamp style so that you don’t have to worry with finding a way to aim the light while you’re trying to handle a medical emergency.
#12 – Blankets
The best ones are the lightweight extreme cold temperature blankets which fit easily in a first aid kit. Not only will they protect you from the elements, but they can also prevent your loved one from developing hypothermia if they go into shock.
#13 – Ear Candles
You’ll be glad you have these on hand if someone in your group develops an ear infection. These are also helpful if you deal with wax build-ups that impact your hearing abilities.
#14 – Oropharyngeal Airways
Have someone show you how to use these properly, and they could be just the thing needed to save a loved ones life.
#15 – Manual Suction Device
You’ll need one of these if you find yourself in a position where you need to intubate someone or if a wound requires suction.
#16 – N-100 High Filtration Face Mask/Respirator
Right now the N-100 high filtration face masks and respirator is one of the best on the market and should be included in your medical supplies. Not only does it provide a great deal of filtration protection, but it also includes a useful exhalation valve.
#17 – Foley Catheters
Not only are they great for urinary issues, they can also be used as a chest tube if needed.
Used for urinary blockage relief, but also for a make-shift “chest tube” when necessary!
#18 – Fluids
The best fluid to have in your emergency first aid kit is Pedialyte. You should also take some time to learn how to make your own version of this fantastic drink with this recipe.
#19 – Over-the-Counter Medications
- Epsom’s Salts
- Bacitracin
- Neosporin
- Hydrogen Peroxide
- Witch Hazel
- Robitussin
- Acetaminophin/Tylenol
- Ibuprofen
- Aspirin
- Mag Citrate
#20 – Nasogastric Tubes and a Large Syringe
Since you won’t have access to a hospital, this could serve as an IV alternative. It doesn’t sound pleasant but you won’t be worried about comfort if your loved one’s life is hanging in the balance.
What are some other medical supplies that your family has stockpiled in case of a SHTF emergency?
