A few weeks ago, we discussed the essentials of creating a “basic” first aid kit, a foundational step in ensuring your readiness for unforeseen medical emergencies. However, a basic kit is just the starting point. To truly safeguard yourself and your family during any medical crisis, it's imperative to elevate your preparedness.
Nurse Amy from Doomandbloom.net generously shares her insights, guiding us beyond the basics and emphasizing the crucial role of proper training and practice.
Building on the Basics
While having a well-equipped first aid kit is indispensable, Nurse Amy emphasizes that without the proper training and practice, even the most extensive supplies could be rendered useless. This guide serves as a comprehensive list of survival and collapse medical supplies, incorporating natural remedies to complement traditional medicine. Let's explore the ambitious array of items that should be considered:
Oral Antibiotics and Herbal Alternatives
- Oral antibiotics: Consider having these on hand for various infections. In emergency situations, fish antibiotics may serve as an alternative.
- Herbal alternatives: Garlic oil, honey, cayenne, thyme oil, peppermint oil, and eucalyptus oil can function as herbal substitutes.
Wound Management Essentials
- Antibiotic ointment and herbal salves: With ingredients like calendula, tea tree oil, and lavender oils.
- Adhesive bandages: In multiple sizes, including spot, knuckle, and larger sizes to cover lacerations.
- Ace bandages and self-adhering wraps: For providing support and compression.
- Gauze, dressings, and trauma dressings: Both sterile and non-sterile options in various sizes.
- Steri strips and butterfly bandages: For closing minor lacerations.
- Splinting material: Include pliable splints like “sam” splints for versatile applications.
- Cast material kit: Available in fiberglass or plaster of Paris for casting.
- Moleskin: Useful for blister prevention.
- Scalpels, CPR masks, and paracord: Essential tools for specific situations.
Personal Hygiene and Safety
- Nitrile gloves and sterile gloves: Hygienic protection, crucial in emergency scenarios.
- Hand sanitizer, alcohol, and antibacterial soap: Maintaining cleanliness for hands and instruments.
- Betadine swabs/wipes: Effective for wound cleaning.
- Syringes, antiseptics, and a universal cervical collar: Versatile medical tools for various situations.
Respiratory and Airway Support
- Masks: Both earloop surgical masks for sick individuals and N-95s for preventive measures.
- Dermabond, needle holder, and sutures: For wound closure and management.
- Tweezers, safety pins, and a magnifying glass: Useful tools for diverse situations.
- Light sources: Pen light, headlamp, glow stick, flashlight for visibility.
Miscellaneous Essential Supplies
- Firestarter: Vital for boiling water or sterilizing instruments.
- Tongue depressors, mylar blankets, and wool blankets: Multipurpose items for various needs.
- Thermometer, ammonia inhalants, and cold/hot packs: For monitoring health and providing temperature regulation.
- Cotton sheets and stretcher: Versatile materials for different uses.
- Blood pressure cuff/stethoscope and chux pads: For medical examinations and cleanliness.
- Clotting powders/dressings (Quikclot, Celox): Essential for managing bleeding effectively.
Analgesics and Pain Relief
- Pain relievers/analgesics: Including aspirin, Tylenol, and ibuprofen.
- Essential oils for pain relief: Such as arnica, lavender, chamomile, rosemary, and eucalyptus.
Dental Care
- Toothpicks, dental mirror, and dental extractors/elevator: For basic dental care.
- Dental filling material, pill cups, and dental hygiene essentials: Essential for addressing dental issues in emergency situations.
Eye and Ear Care
- Eye cup, eye wash, and eye pads/patch: For eye care and protection.
- Ear oil natural remedy and ear care essentials: Addressing ear issues effectively.
Allergy and Respiratory Support
- Antihistamines: Including Claritin and Benadryl for various allergies.
- Epi-pen (Rx): Critical for severe allergic reactions.
- Decongestants and essential oils: Addressing respiratory concerns.
Digestive Health and Hygiene
- Laxatives, Imodium, and hydrocortisone cream: For gastrointestinal issues and irritations.
- Hygiene essentials: Including soaps, lotions, and sanitizers.
Additional Items for Comprehensive Care
- Sunblock, lip balm, Vaseline/Petroleum jelly: Protecting against the elements.
- A&D ointment and Bag Balm: Versatile for various skin conditions.
- Aloe vera and zinc oxide: Essential for burns and skin protection.
- RAW honey: For wound treatment and antibiotic effects.
- Vinegar, tea tree oil, and lavender oil: Useful for multiple applications.
This extensive list ensures preparedness for a wide range of medical emergencies. While it might seem overwhelming, having these options increases the likelihood of finding suitable remedies. Nurse Amy's comprehensive guide equips you to handle colds, flu, allergies, wounds, fractures, dental issues, and more. In challenging times, this well-rounded first aid kit becomes an invaluable resource.
For the original article and additional insights, visit Doom and Bloom.
To further enhance your first aid knowledge, explore the following articles:
- First Aid Kit List
- What to Include in a Home First Aid Kit
- More Uncommon First Aid Items
- Top Survival Skills | Learn Now, Survive Later
- 29 YouTube Survival Skills That Could Save Your Life
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on Apr 11, 2013 and has been updated for quality and relevancy.
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Do you have any idea what this stuff will cost? Much less where to get it?
And the time it will take to learn to apply it properly?
Incredible!!
chuck really? wth? did you think you could just go down to wal mart and buy it for 15.99? i guess you should stick to video games and make believe. you Dang sure arent ready for real life prepping and survival…..
Good information. I would consider it well worth the time and expense invested in order to be prepared for most any challenge. I hope someone in chucks vicinity agrees in case he should one day need medical assistance.
Coban is a stretchy material that will stick to itself. There are veterinary products that work as well and are approved for vet use. They are exactly the same as that which is set aside for humans and a great deal less expensive. You can also buy it in white as well as multiple colors. When placed over sterile dressings there is no difference to the user than if you were using coban. A roll of “vet wrap”, one particular brand, is about $2 and will be at least 5 yards by 5 to 6 inches. It can be cut in half and you can have a 5 yard by 2.5 inch roll which is the size of the coban.
Once used for cleaning wounds or sterilizing instruments, the alcohol wipes make great fire starters with the left-over alcohol. They are available at Sam’s Club (and probably other outlets) in boxes of 100.