First Aid Kit and Emergency Supplies

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Even if you have some injuries or medical conditions, it’s important to keep a first aid kit in your bug out bag. If you’re bugging out during an emergency, the situation is very likely to be chaotic.

If your home was destroyed, likely, you won’t receive immediate medical attention, and first aid items can often help during this time. Look for a waterproof first aid kit. Get a book that covers first aid needed in wilderness survival and first aid techniques. Review the first aid and emergency supplies list.

First Aid Kit and Medicine

A first aid kit and medicine are crucial if you’re planning to bug out during a disaster or emergency. You’ll need to find ways to deal with injuries, illnesses, and other health issues that could occur while you’re bugging out, so it’s essential to pack the right medical supplies.

The Basic First Aid Kit

The basic first aid kit and emergency supplies for you to take with you when going on a wilderness experience.

As a guide to the first aid and emergency supplies you should take on your trip. These supplies can be lifesavers in many of the scenarios that may happen on your trip. Even the well-planned trips can go wrong, so it is essential to be ready for any eventuality by having first aid kits.

A survival kit must contain a few different things depending on the situation you find yourself in. If you are out camping or hiking and have to get yourself home, then a good first aid kit is essential. If you are in a remote area like the outback, then the kit needs to be more extensive. Likewise, if you find yourself in trouble in the city, the kit needs to reflect that scenario as well.

Planning for Emergency First Aid Kits

When planning your emergency first aid kits, there are a few things that you need to be aware of:

There is nothing worse than having just what you needed at the general store when you needed it two days ago.

Do not buy any products that you are not familiar with using.

Don’t be tempted to go down and buy the first thing you see in the store, but there may be a better product a few shelves away or in reality. All it takes is one mistake, and you could find yourself in real trouble.

Realize that some items like wire, thread, rubber bands, etc., can have many uses that might not be obvious at first.

For instance, a wire can hang something from a tree branch or cut through the material if you have no knife.

Swiss Safe 2-in-1 Hardcase First Aid Kit (348 Piece) + Bonus Mini Kit (32 Piece), Survival Preparedness for 50 People

Before you leave for your trip, have a look at these first aid kit tips:

If you are going on an overseas trip, check on the Foreign Office website and remember to check with your airline for updates.

It is a good idea to carry a photocopy of your passport as you may not have it on you at all times.

If the area is prone to flooding or bush fires, pay special attention to this before going.

Check that the vehicle has a full fuel tank, including spare jerry cans, and don’t forget water.

If you travel long distances, it may be worth taking along an extra battery for the car, and some jumper leads for your phone and laptop/tablet.

If your trip goes well and you arrive home safely, then you have made it! However, the reality is sometimes different from what we expect or plan.

That said, if you are well prepared by carrying some necessary first aid kit/survival supplies along with the goodwill to help your fellow man and woman, then you should be okay.

To get the most out of any survival situation, make sure that you take the time to plan and practice survival skills before heading out into the wilderness or in an urban environment.

If you are in a remote area and have to find water, learn how to filter and purify water.

Learn about how to build a shelter and learn different ways to make a fire. You will need to practice both of these necessary skills before you need them.

Start a fire in damp or wet conditions.

Ensure that your first aid kit contains plenty of items to start a fire in damp or wet conditions.

Take some time out while you are planning your trip to learn about the area you are going into, such as what animals might be in the area or what plants you can eat.

When you go on a short hike or go camping even for the weekend, it doesn’t hurt to spend a few minutes learning about your surroundings.

Time spent will pay off as the more you know about your surroundings, the better chance you will survive.

When it comes to building a kit for emergency use, there are no hard and fast rules as to what you need.

What is important is that whatever kit you build contains items that will help keep you alive until help arrives.

The type of kit you take will depend on the situation you are in, the weather, where you are, and how long it will take for rescue to arrive. One size doesn’t fit all.

Include in Your First Aid Kit

Include all of these items in your first aid kit and keep a copy of this example list so you can pick up some things as needed

Far from exhaustive, so it does not have all possibilities but will give you a good idea of what you may need. You might need to include items specifically for your family health needs.

Your medical history is useful to list and include in your first aid kit if you are injured and unable to communicate with those who are rescuing you.

First Aid Kit:

Elastic (Rubber) Bands/Tape can be used to secure dressing around wounds or sprains, but can also be used as tourniquets. You may need to fashion a splint using a strong branch and tape etc.

Tissues or Toilet Tissue

Seventh Generation White Toilet Paper 2-Ply 100% Recycled Paper, 24 Count of 240 Sheets Per Roll, Pack of 2
These can clean wounds or make a torch.

Cottonelle Ultra Comfort Toilet Paper with Cushiony CleaningRipples Texture, 24 Family Mega Rolls (24 Family Mega Rolls = 108 regular rolls) (4 Packs of 6 Rolls) 325 Sheets per Roll

Charmin Ultra Strong Clean Touch Toilet Paper, 18 Family Mega Rolls

Soap or Antiseptic Wash

Use antiseptic wash to wash wounds and prevent infection. You may also use it as washing powder for clothes or even for cleaning yourself.

Band-Aid Brand First Aid Hurt-Free Antiseptic Wash 6 Ounce (Pack of 2)

Rite Aid Antiseptic Skin Cleanser, Chlorhexidine Gluconate – 16 oz | Antiseptic Antimicrobial Wash | Antibacterial Soap | Wound Care Products

Antibiotics (Tablets)

It is not a substitute for a good first aid course, but these should help you deal with any bacteria that caused the infection.

Activated Charcoal

If someone has ingested something poisonous, you may be able to induce vomiting. Mix small amounts of charcoal with warm water and give it to the person who has ingested the poison. The charcoal mixture will help absorb some of the poison from their body.

Activated Charcoal Capsules – 1,200 mg Highly Absorbent Helps Alleviate Gas & Bloating Promotes Natural detoxification Derived from Coconut Shells – per Serving – 100 Vegan Capsules

Band-aids

Useful for cuts and abrasions, though often included in a first aid kit, many forget about the usefulness of suitable old-fashioned plasters. Great for blisters too!

Plasters (Band-Aids)

These are for cuts, insect bites, and stings. They are inexpensive and are easy to use.

Band-Aid Adhesive Bandage Family Variety Pack in Assorted Sizes Featuring Water Block & Skin Flex, Flexible Fabric, Tough Strips & Pixar Character Bandages, 110 Count

Surgical Tape

Useful for securing dressings or bandages, though not very flexible and can irritate the skin.

3M™ Transpore™ Surgical Tape 1527-1, 1 inch x 10 yard (2,5cm x 9,1m), 12 rolls/box

Cold or Hot Packs

There are gel packs placed in a freezer and used to reduce a sprain’s pain reduction and inflammation. You can also use wet towels to soak up blood or other neoprene (wet-suit) type material.

Antihistamines

For anyone having an allergy reaction or anyone in the group who has an insect bite or sting

Antiseptic Cream

Antiseptic creams can be useful to have on hand to use on cuts and abrasions. It also can be used for insect bites and stings.

Savlon – Antiseptic Cream-100 g

Medications for stopping diarrhea

These medications help with diarrhea. Also with diarrhea caused by infection or contaminated food.

Imodium Multi-Symptom Relief Anti-Diarrheal Caplets, Loperamide Hydrochloride, Simethicone, 24 ct

Ibuprofen / Aspirin (Tablets)

For pain relief or fever, especially if combined with warm drinks to help the tablet dissolve faster.

Amazon Basic Care Ibuprofen Tablets, Fever Reducer and Pain Relief from Body Aches, Headache, Arthritis Pain and More, Brown 200 Count

Bandages

Used with safety pins too, some are secure dressings that fasten together.

Disinfectant Wipes

Disinfectant wipes are useful for cleaning wounds or cleaning and sterilizing a wound site before dressing the wound. It can also disinfect hands before treating an injury.

Micro-Scientific Opti-Cide Max Disinfecting Wipes (2 Pack) – 320 Wipes – Hospital Grade EPA Registered Disinfectant Cleaner

Chemical Heat Packs

For treating colds and flu, chemical heat pads can warm up cold hands or feet.

Medpride Instant Hot Packs| 5” x 9” Packs, 24-Pack| Disposable, Instant Heating Bag for Sore Neck, Shoulder, Arm, Leg Muscles & Menstrual/Abdomen Discomfort Relief| Long Lasting Heat, Medical-Grade

Analgesics (Pain relief)

Analgesics are commonly for effective pain relief for fever, headaches, or general aches and pains. They should not be used for serious injuries but are useful for relieving the pain if you can’t get to a hospital to do anything else.

Strong painkillers can be used in case of serious injury (though never administered without knowing the person’s medical history!). Analgesics are used commonly to help reduce fevers.

Wrap Up

The list of first aid equipment is very basic but should be sufficient in most circumstances. Personalize the items for your health needs.

It is a good idea to include a brief health history so if something occurs and you are not able to give these details to those who have come to help you. This article on first aid and emergency supplies can be of help to personalize your kit.