Emergency Medical Guide & Supplies
When the SHTF, medical supplies may become more important than food initially. When someone is critically hurt, it's important to have your medical supplies organized and sometimes even pre-assembled so you can work quickly.
You can make a medical first response pack ahead of time by using what you have on hand. Thinking about what are your most likely medical situations, bundle the items needed together in plastic zip lock bags for easy access.
Learn!
Most of us don't have a background in medicine. Have medical books or instruction guides on hand to guide you through the proper ways to treat wounds. A few good medical books are below, but I'm sure you can find others you'll want to add to your library.
- When There Are No Doctors
- First Aid Full Manual
- Emergency War Surgery
Advanced Wound Care Supplies
Obtaining the right tools is very important in caring for someone in a medical emergency. Caring for open wounds, deep lacerations and bleeding cuts during this time are quite possible and doctors may not be available.
Many emergency responders, as well as military personel are now carrying Celox in their medic packs. Made from a natural polymer extracted from shrimp shells called chitosan, it can stop bleeding in 30 seconds. Many preppers have found that buying the ultra absorbent sanitary pads to use for wound care. Kotex or other branded absorbent pads can be used on gunshot wounds or any bleeding wounds. The sticky strip on the back can help hold the pad in place under clothing.
Small & Superficial wounds
Use gallon sized zip-loc bags to seal up the necessary items for future use. Label your packs according to the pre-determined disaster and store with existing medical supplies. If your disaster scenario includes moving to another location, you may want to put everything in a large portable footlocker. Items to include:
- Antiseptic
- Antibiotic ointment
- Alcohol wipes
- Tape
- Scissors
- Steri-strips
- Bandage
- Instant cold packs
- Gauze pads (assorted sizes)
- Latex-free GlovesAdhesive bandages (assorted sizes)
- Butterfly closures
- Non-adherent pads
- Sterile top sponges
- Moleskin
- Abdominal/pressure pad
- Stretch gauze roll
- Medical Adhesive tape
- Antibacterial wipes
- Iodine wipes or swabs
- Antimicrobial hand wipes
- Safety pins
- Bandage scissors
- Splinter forceps
- Triangular Bandage
- Tourniquet
- Thermal Mylar Blanket
- Tweezers
- Antibiotics - Amoxicillins, Doxycyclines, Cephlosporins, Sulfonamides
- Non-Suture wound closure strips
- Suture needles
- Absorbing and non-absorbing sutures or nylon fishing line
- Hemostat, probes, forceps, surgical scissors, suture lip scissors
- Triangular Bandage
If you are prepared, and learn how to use these items, you'll be better off than the majority in an emergency that threatens life and limb. Having your medical supplies ready and prel-assembled can save valuable time. We also provide several pre-configured kits available on this site.
