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Emergency First Aid Kit Essentials You Need if You Have to “Bug Out” of Your Home

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I reviewed my personal first aid kit supplies and I thought I would share it with you!  As some of you know, I’m a registered nurse.  Being prepared medically for an emergency is a priority for me.  Whether you are in a hunker-down-at-home situation or you have to evacuate, a first aid kid will reduce the risk of a medical issue stopping you in your tracks.

 

Supplies are not the only thing that you need to provide assistance in an emergency.  Knowledge is essential.  It’s vital to know what to do and when to do it.  If you don’t have good basic knowledge of first aid, I would suggest taking a first aid class with the Red Cross or similar agency.

 

While you are working on building your first aid knowledge, I have created a list of some supplies that you should work on stockpiling.  Once you have collected them, you can make them into an easily portable kit.  That way it is handy if you need to “bug out” or even if you are just going on a camping trip!

 

(It’s important to note that you should also be sure to consult your doctor to see if there are any specific supply recommendations pertinent to any medical conditions you may have.  Your doctor can also tell you if there are any medications on this list that aren’t safe for you based on your health history and current medications.)

 

 

Emergency First Aid Kit Essentials

 

 

first aid

 

 

Over the counter (OTC) medications may seem trivial, but they relieve a lot of discomforts.  Keep in mind that It is important to follow the instructions on the labels and not exceed recommended dosages.

 

 

OTC Medications You Should Stockpile

 

Pain Medications

Acetaminophen

Ibuprofen

Orajel

 

Allergy Medications

Benadryl

Hydrocortisone cream

Eye drops

Benadryl cream

 

 

Health Maintenance Medications

Vitamins

Sunscreen

 

Cough and Cold Medications

Cough medicine (such as Robitussin DM)

Mucinex

 

Gastrointestinal Medications (stomach and bowels)

Tums

Emetrol, dramamine, or other upset stomach med

Colace

Miralax

Imodium AD

 

Feminine Health Medications

Monistat cream

 

Children’s Medications

Tylenol, Ibuprofen w/ syringe or med cup if needed

 

Wound Care Medications

hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol

Antibiotic Ointment

Sunburn Spray or Gel

 

 

Prescription Medications You Should Stockpile

 

Prescription medications also play a roll in an emergency. For example, I have hypothyroidism, so having surplus Synthroid is important for me.  Diabetes, seizure disorders, and many other health conditions require medications every day.  Think about your own health.  Also consider storing:

 

  • Birth control
  • Prescriptions to keep if you have them: nausea meds, pain meds, antibiotics, epi pen,  albuterol rescue inhaler for asthmatics, or other meds pertinent to your health

 

 

Other First Aid Supplies You Should Stockpile

 

Cold Packs (that don’t require freezing)

Warm Packs (that don’t require electricity)

Ace Wraps (I prefer the ones that fasten with velcro so you don’t have to worry about losing the clips)

Medical Tape

Gauze

Bandaids

Rubber or Nitrile Gloves

Trauma or bandage scissors

Water (to irrigate wounds, immerse minor burns, or hydrate)

Feminine Hygiene Products (technically not a first aid item, but vital women’s health product nonetheless!)

Tourniquet (rarely indicated, but can save a life under certain circumstances-don’t use them without being educated about them)

 

*Given your own geographical location and health circumstances, there may be other items you need.

 

Once you have your supplies gathered, the next question is how do you store them?  I recommend something that is easily portable like a backpack (I used my daughter’s backpack from last school year since it was still in great shape!).

 

 

first aid kit

 

 

I used a few gallon-sized storage bags to categorize the supplies a bit…makes them easier to find.

 

 

first aid kit

 

 

Plop them in the backpack and voila!  You have your emergency first aid kit ready to use.  Store it in a closet at home or toss it in the car to go camping!

 

 

 

More Emergency Preparedness Tips

How prepared is your family?  What do you do to prepare for emergency?  Here are links to some more great emergency tips you should definitely check out!

How to Make Your Emergency Water Storage Portable  

 

How to Make an Emergency Plan for Your Family  

 

What You Need in Your Bug Out Bag    

 

Food Preservation Tips to Make Food Last Longer  

 

How to Build Your Food Storage Shopping By Case Lot Sales  

 

3 Must Haves for Your Bug Out Bag  

 

How to Have Fresh Organic Eggs Without Going to the Store  

 

8 Things to Know When the Power Goes Out  

 

Water-Emergency Preparedness Essentials…Your Water Supply  

 

How to Build a DIY Budget-Friendly Rocket Stove  

 

Thanks for visiting!  See you next time!

Deb

 

first aid

 

 

P.S.  Once you are finished getting your first aid kit together, you might want to get started on your bug out bag!

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