Ultimate Guide in First Aid Supplies; Be Ready for Anything

Ultimate Guide in First Aid Supplies; Be Ready for Anything

When we talk first aid kits, we often think in terms of emergency supplies we’ll carry on ourselves everyday, should we have a medical emergency when hiking, backpacking, flying on a plane, or doing any other potentially risky activities. 

People who would benefit most from a list like this: Are people trying to stock up on things that would help them in the case of an emergency situation, or even an end of the world, shit hits the fan kind of situation. To sustain life after the collapse, under harsh conditions without the ability to resupply or seek third party assistance – this is hard to do, but if it’s something you want to be able to do, you’re going to need a lot more kit than just your regular first aid supply kit.

The most important tool in any of these circumstances is knowledge, Assuming you’ve got some of the groundwork laid and know a thing or two about first aid, you are in the right place, as we’ll be discussing everything you likely could ever want at home to deal with a bad medical situation.

If you suffer from a chronic condition, seek specialised solutions. Nothing written here should ever replace or take precedent above the advice of your doctor or medical practitioner. 

Some people are allergic to insulin, others to the latex found in gloves, and a slew of other things mentioned here, but I’m going to include things on here that you or someone you know may be allergic to because they’re helpful to have around for everyone else who isn’t allergic. Know your allergies and the allergies of those around you.

Medicine

Specialised Medicine

Insulin & Metformin
Type 2 diabetes is common and if you or a family member suffers from it, I would strongly look into long term solutions in terms of stocking up on these medications for yourselves.

Beta Agonists
For those who suffer from asthma. Again, if you or someone you know suffers from this, you need to get on buffing up a good stock of this medication ASAP. Buy it as you need it is a pretty poor strategy in a collapse situation, and even in an emergency.

Antihistamines
Great for dealing with allergies, hay fever, etc. 

Doxylamine Succinate
To deal with insomnia and other sleeping disorders as well as allergies and the common cold. First generation antihistamines are extremely versatile.

Phenylephrine
For nasal and sinus congestion.

Epinephrine Pen
Definitely a must have for those with conditions that require it (those who have anaphylaxis during extreme allergic reactions).

Ammonia Inhalant
To deal with fainting and general lightheadedness commonly referred to as respiratory stimulants.

Oral Rehydration Salts
To deal with water absorption after diarrhoea and fatigue after extreme physical exertion and stress (Electrolyte replacement).

Penicillin
Penicillin is the time tested reference for antibiotics. It fights bacteria in your body and its historical lineage means that information regarding side effects and dosage are easily available and thoroughly vetted after so many years of common usage. 

Topical Supplies

Antiseptics
Antiseptics are used to reduce the chance of catching a nasty infection on an open wound. They are antimicrobial and used in surgical application and for general wound cleaning to reduce risk of sepsis and putrefaction, 

Burn-Gel
To deal with first and second degree burns. More severe injuries will require extensive work with regards to dealing with dead tissue and pain.

Hydrocortisone Cream
Itches, irritations, inflammation, and rashes.

Anti-Fungal Creams
Extremely important, especially for long-term survival. In crappy situations, the environment is what kills. Not direct threats. Look at all available examples of social collapse and the resulting chaos, 

Anti-Bacterial Soap
As above with the anti-fungal, keeping hygiene levels to a current standard is a monolithic task, without the grid up and running. At least keep anti-bacterial soap handy for times you really need it.

Sunscreen
I know it’s not common to suggest, but many people have extreme reactions to direct sunlight and in an environment where you really depend on your physical condition for survival, I think sunscreen is an obvious recommendation. Much more cost efficient to buy SF 15 and reapply as many times as needed.

Bug Spray
DEET is horrible stuff, but (in worst case scenarios) between having insects laying eggs in open wounds and the side effects on DEET, I know which one I would pick.

Topical Decongestant & Analgesics
Vicks is the obvious choice, alsoTiger Balm is a great product. 

Gastronomic Medicine

Calcium Carbonate
A safe remedy with no tangible side effects to deal with heartburn and indigestion.

Bismuth Subsalicylate
To deal with the bulk of gastro ailments from indigestion to diarrhoea.

Loperamide Hydrochloride
Also known as Imodium.  For when the shit really hits the fan. 

Pain & Inflammatory Medication

Ibuprofen
For inflammatory pain. 

Acetylsalicylic Acid
Also known as Aspirin. Part anti-prostaglandin (which reduces fever, general pain relief, and inflammation) and part anti-platelet agent (which acts as a blood thinner). Acetaminophen

Naproxen
General cramp relief. Very popular for menstrual cramps.

Situation Specific Kits

Cuts, Wounds & General Trauma Kit

Always keep a secondary version of this kit in a separate, easy to get location.

Alcohol
Get the strongest stuff, you can and dilute as needed. Look for 99% Isopropyl Alcohol Solution.

EMT Shears
Also known as trauma shears. Trauma shears will shear through clothes without running the risk of cutting your patient.

Gauze
Inexpensive and far safer to use than random cloth. Some preppers have opted to pre-cut sheets of cotton fabric as a replacement. For long term survival, this is a fine option, but whilst its easily (and cheaply) available, I would rather use the right tool for the right job.

Super Glue
Using super glue to seal cuts is a great way of closing a wound without having to stitch and creates a bacteria free shield.

Plasters/Bandages
Useful not just for cuts but for general wounds that you want to protect from your environment.

Hydrogen Peroxide
Unlike most antiseptics, this is perfectly viable for oral use (rinsing and gargling).

QuikClot
Combat ready z-fold is expensive, but this is something that has changed battleground medical response dramatically. This stuff works It’s an extremely effective (almost magical) hemostatic agent. There is literally no better option for extreme trauma. 

Israeli Bandage
Israeli Battle Dressing. Time tested fantastic for haemorrhage control.

Duct Tape
I don’t think I have to tell you the potential uses duct tape offers. It’s cheap and you can do pretty much anything with it.

Tourniquet
Yes, you can make your own, but in an ideal world, using the purpose designed stuff is simply far superior (and more comfortable) due to even application of pressure without excessive trauma to the skin and flesh.

Eye Wash/Flush Solution

Ever had something stuck in your eyes? How about accidentally rubbing your eyes after handling unclean or unsafe materials? Now imagine no running water.

It’s not just enough to have supplies on-hand when it comes to first aid. Having adequate knowledge is extremely important if there ever comes a time when you need to use your supplies to help heal or even save a life.