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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
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
Orajel
Allergy Medications
Benadryl
Eye drops
Benadryl cream
Health Maintenance Medications
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
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!).
I used a few gallon-sized storage bags to categorize the supplies a bit…makes them easier to find.
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
P.S. Once you are finished getting your first aid kit together, you might want to get started on your bug out bag!