Is your home truly ready for a medical emergency? If you’re looking to build a more robust health preparedness kit that goes beyond the everyday first aid box, this article provides a list of crucial additional medical supplies often overlooked. By beginning to acquire these items, you’ll feel more secure and capable when health challenges arise.
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In this post
A typical first aid kit provides only the bare minimum of supplies that a well-equipped home should have when it comes to health and medicine. Whether you assemble a kit from scratch or start with a purchased, pre-assembled set, always evaluate, based on your needs and lifestyle, what supplies you need beyond the basics.
After that, and after giving this a good deal of thought, here are additional medical supplies you should have on hand that most people overlook. Some will be easy to acquire, while others may take more effort.
Essential Medical Supplies Beyond the Basics
Personal Protection & Environment
- N-100 High Filtration Face Mask/Respirator. The N-100 seals to the face and provides more filtration protection than the N-95. It also has an exhalation valve. Useful in situations with airborne pathogens (like a severe flu outbreak), heavy dust, or smoke.
- A secure treatment area. Consider how to create a secure area to attend to urgent medical needs. In addition to the presence of hysterical family members and friends whose loved ones’ lives are in jeopardy, additional threats from outsiders are possible. Take some time to plan where to locate your makeshift treatment/triage area. Crucial during civil unrest, natural disasters, or any scenario where privacy and safety are compromised while treating a patient.
- Large Commercial Trash Bags. Use them to contain waste, wear them over your torso as a make-shift “raincoat” (don’t forget to punch three holes in the “top” for your head and two arms) or as a “shield” when dealing with bloody/infectious messes.
- Reflective Cones. Establish a boundary around a triage area (that’s your secure treatment area) using cones. They’re often nowhere around when we need one – “outside” in the “Outback” (or on the side of the road). Ideal for marking a safe zone around an accident, indicating a treatment area in low light, or directing traffic away from a scene.
Knowledge and Skills
- Medical skills and ability. Acquire and practice knowledge, concentration, control, stamina, will, training, and expertise. By all means, take a First Aid and CPR class, but don’t stop there. Wilderness Survival classes are offered at REI stores and some community colleges offer classes for EMT students. Red Cross offers a lot more than just basic First Aid and CPR. You should also teach your kids these three key medical concepts.
- Reference Materials. Merck Manual, JP Sanford (antibiotic guide), Tarascon’s Pharmacopea (Rx index), CPR & Cardiac Care guides, etc. Invaluable when internet access is down or professional medical advice is unavailable, allowing you to look up drug dosages, treatment protocols, or identify conditions. This post has more recommended reference materials for medical readiness.
Power and Lighting
- Spare battery/power bank for cell phones. During an emergency, your cell phone is a potentially life-saving connection to the outside world, but it’s only as good as its access to power. Keeping an extra battery available just makes sense. If your phone doesn’t have a replaceable battery (and even if it does), invest in a power bank that can extend your usage. Then, if you have a smartphone, download Red Cross apps as well as other survival apps.
- LED Lights. You need lights at night: headlamps, strobes (possibly for attracting moving vehicles or people nearby), reflective vests, powerful LED flashlights (for runners or operations with kit) & possibly a “surgical light”, for which we use a 12-volt car light connected to a car battery. Crucial for treating injuries in the dark, navigating during power failures, or signaling for help in remote locations.
Specialized Medical Tools and Advanced Care
Tools in this list need professional medical training to use them safely and correctly. If you try to use these advanced tools without the right skills, you could seriously harm someone and even face legal trouble, even in an emergency.
If you’re not trained, your main job is to help medical professionals by giving them the supplies they need. Don’t try to give care that you’re not qualified for. Always put safety first and let trained experts take over when they’re around.
- Penrose Drain Tubes. These can be used as tourniquets or drains, etc.
- Suction Device, manual operation (non-electric). For anyone choking who is needing “suction” or as you “intubate” (only for advanced care professionals).
- Foley Catheters. Use for urinary blockage relief, but also for a make-shift “chest tube” when necessary.
- Nasogastric Tubes and Large Syringe. When an IV cannot be accessed, use these for Rectal IV installation.
- Oropharyngeal Airways or OP Airways. These can save a life if you know how and when to use them.
- Needles and scalpels. Along with these, you need the knowledge to use them properly. Training is necessary to use these items. As previously stated, DO NOT USE this stuff if you don’t know how to do so, ever! However, if a medical professional is able to provide assistance, they will be invaluable.
Bleeding Control
- QuikClot. A bleeding control product. While not as complex as surgical tools, learning proper application (often taught in “Stop the Bleed” courses) is highly recommended for effective use. Learn more about how, when, and why to use QuikClot.
Medications and Hydration
- Bouillon cubes. Mix these with water for an electrolyte solution to drink when very ill. The solution can also be administered rectally with the concept above as well. Very handy to know and have on hand in a pinch. A simple, effective way to combat dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, particularly useful for patients suffering from severe diarrhea or vomiting in a low-resource environment.
- Antibiotics. These will be a must-have in any post-collapse scenario. Check out this article for more details about how to stock up on antibiotics and which to buy.
- Fluids. Pedialyte is best, not Gatorade. Learn more about dehydration in this Harvard Medical article. You can also mix up your own with this rehydration solution recipe. Essential for rehydrating individuals suffering from illness (e.g., severe stomach flu) or heat exhaustion, especially when clean water is available but electrolytes are depleted.
- Over-the-counter medications. These are the remedies we often reach for without a second thought for common ailments like headaches, fevers, allergies, or minor digestive issues. Because they’re used so frequently in everyday life, it’s easy to run through your supply. Always keep a healthy reserve of essential OTC meds on hand, as pharmacies might be closed or inaccessible during an emergency. Here are ten essential OTC meds to keep on hand.
- Organic (not synthetic) Natural Multi-B Vitamins.
- Water Purification Supplies. Clean water is vital, especially during an emergency when regular supplies might be compromised. Contaminated water can lead to serious illness. Stock portable water filters (like Sawyer or Lifestraw), purification tablets (iodine, chlorine dioxide), and ensure you have a method for boiling water to make it safe for drinking and medical needs.
Comfort and Emergency Support
- Blankets. Hypothermia is a real danger outside when any patient is traumatized. Provides warmth for someone in shock or suffering from exposure, especially after an accident or in cold weather. Here are more reasons to stockpile blankets.
- Ear Candles. Although a somewhat controversial way to treat earaches, they’re easy to carry and can be found in stores specializing in natural remedies. Do some research to decide if they’re an option for you. A potential alternative for temporary relief of ear discomfort when conventional medical options are not accessible.
- Emotional Stress Treatment. Keep extra meds on hand that you and family members currently take. If you run out of special meds that treat acute episodes, it will definitely be a time to panic.
- Comfort items. These may not have to do with “medical care” at all. However, the ability to remain calm is crucial and comfort items aid in quelling anxiety. Think of things like candy, DVDs, animals in our care that we love, and protective and security items. Helps keep children (and adults!) calm during stressful events, provides a sense of normalcy, or distracts a patient from pain/anxiety in a difficult situation.
Prioritizing Your Medical Preparedness: Where to Start
Building a comprehensive medical supply kit can seem daunting, especially with this list of additional items. Not every item is equally critical, nor is every situation the same. To help you build your kit gradually and effectively, consider a tiered approach focusing on immediate needs and common scenarios before moving to more specialized supplies.
Tier 1: The Absolute Essentials (Immediate Life-Saving & Common Ailments)
Start here. These are the items that address the most immediate life-threatening conditions or provide relief for everyday issues that can become debilitating without access to care. Focus on what you and your family are most likely to need first.
- QuikClot
- Water Purification Supplies
- Bouillon Cubes
- Fluids (Pedialyte, etc.)
- Over-the-Counter Medications
- N-100 High Filtration Face Mask/Respirator
- Blankets
- Spare Battery/Power Bank for Cell Phones
Tier 2: Enhanced Capabilities & Common Emergencies
Once Tier 1 is covered, expand to items that address a broader range of common injuries or illnesses, or provide crucial support when professional help is delayed. These items significantly increase your self-reliance.
- Reference Materials
- LED Lights
- Large Commercial Trash Bags
- Emotional Stress Treatment
- Comfort items
- Antibiotics
- Medical Skills and Ability (Training)
- Reflective Cones
- Ear Candles
- Organic (not synthetic) Natural Multi-B Vitamins
Tier 3: Specialized Tools & Advanced Preparedness
These are the items requiring specialized training. Acquire these only if you or someone in your immediate preparedness group has the training to use them, or if your primary goal is to support trained medical professionals who might arrive. This tier represents a significant investment in both cost and learning.
- Penrose Drain Tubes
- Suction Device, manual operation (non-electric)
- Foley Catheters
- Nasogastric Tubes and Large Syringe
- Oropharyngeal Airways or OP Airways
- Needles and Scalpels
- A Secure Treatment Area
Building gradually. Don’t feel pressured to acquire everything at once. Start with Tier 1, then move to Tier 2, integrating knowledge and training as you go. For Tier 3, prioritize specific training before acquiring the corresponding tools. A well-trained individual with basic supplies is often more effective than an untrained individual with an arsenal of advanced, unused equipment.
FAQ
We highly recommend starting with First Aid and CPR classes offered by organizations like the Red Cross. For more advanced skills, look into Wilderness Survival classes (e.g., at REI), community college EMT student classes, or specialized “Stop the Bleed” courses for severe bleeding control. Always choose reputable training providers.
The most important thing is that knowledge and training are more valuable than any single supply. A well-trained individual with basic supplies is often more effective than an untrained person with a large collection of advanced equipment. Prioritize learning how to use what you have.
ou should regularly check all medical supplies for expiration dates, especially medications. A good practice is to do a thorough review at least once a year. Replace expired items promptly and ensure packaging is intact. For items like batteries, check their charge periodically.
Related Medical Content
- Medical kit Lessons Learned
- Herbal Wound Care
- First Aid and Herbal Response for Fractures
- Adapting Prepping for Life with Type 1 Diabetes
Final Thoughts
As you gather these important medical supplies, remember that being truly prepared is more than just having the stuff. It’s about knowing how to use it and feeling confident in an emergency. Take the time to learn basic medical skills and check your kit regularly. By doing this, you’re building a strong safety net for yourself and your family, ready for whatever comes next.
That's actually a great list. I was surprised that it wasn't one of those generic "you gotta haves". but then, you woulnd't post one of those, would you?? 🙂 Training in the use of advanced items is a must, and it is fun… not to mention (though I will) that true learning and understanding leads to peace. I think I'll run over to that site and pay a visit as you suggested.
Thumbs up!
The Doc has done quite a bit of work in Haiti and has a good idea of what medicine will look like in a worst-case, collapse scenario. I had never thought of stocking up on Pedialyte. He said it could be administered as an enema if a person was unresponsive and no one knew how to start an IV.
Speaking of IVs… In truly remote medical situations, where a blood transfusion is necessary and possible, it would be nice to have a direct IV transfer setup. I looked around, and they are not easy to find, and can be deadly if done wrong…. but…. when there are no options, what do you do? I think it is a good practice to learn how to do things that pertain to the risks inherent in one's own adventures and lifestyle. At a minimum, a person should know his or her blood type.
Not many people would need to know how to administer an IV, conduct a transfusion, or even bulk up a blood supply after a heavy bleed. We're adding knowledge to our bag-o-tricks because we're interested in things like that, but for some, it is simply necessary.
Hello!
I should mention that if you have an IV kit, but no one has actual IV training or knows how to cannulate a vein, there is a process known as "Hypodermoclysis" that is an extremely effective and safe way of treating dehydration or hypovolemia in children or adults. Basically, instead of being inserted directly into a vein, the IV cather is simply inserted into the subcutaneous fat of the lower abdomen, thigh, or the back of the upper arm, and fluid is infused directly into the subcutaneous tissue. This is a little slower than an acutal IV infusion, but it is very effective and comfortable. An adult can absorb about 3 liters of fluid over 24 hours via this method. Caution: aseptic technique must be practiced, proper IV equipment must be used, and only medical isotonic IV fluids such as normal (0.09%) saline or lactated ringers can be used, or consequences could be disasterous. Here is more information on this technique: http://www.aafp.org/afp/2001/1101/p1575.html (post this in your browser).
Even contemplating doing a blood transfusion – direct person to person, on your own – is not unlike contemplating doing a heart transplant on your own in your garage. Don't even try this. It's too dangerous, and the lives you kill could be BOTH the DONOR and the RECIPIENT – through a transfusion reaction, which you would be clueless on how to stop, once it starts. MEDICINE IS NOT THIS SIMPLE. Listen, I think we need to throw out the things we've seen on TV related to stuff like "blood transfusions" and "gotta take the bullet out" post GSW. They're all wrong; totally incorrect in what they imply, medically -speaking. Hint: Bullets do not need to be taken out in most GSW's "…or he'll die if we leave it in, Marshall". Wrong! They're left in all of the time – unless they're dangerously close to a vital organ, etc.
Doc Phillips
Right on! Boof dat saline! Rectal absorption is far superior to IV and it is very fast. Try a dose of water up yer tooshy next time you have bad cottonmouth and discover for yourself how rapidly that water gets into the bloodstream via the intestines, the natural pathway of water and nutrient absorption. Useful for lifesaving circumstances like diarrhea, and it’s nice to drink through your butt when you are going to eat or just did, so you don’t dilute and rinse your stomach acids and make more work for your body. I have been plugging for years and my favorite is freshly brewed damiana tea cooled with a few ice cubes. Makes everything feel the best down there ready for full action. Wink wink mmhmm. On that note, you can also CAREFULLY and MINDFULLY bring down a dangerous fever or increase a hypothermic body’s temperature from the inside, rapidly with a couplefew degrees water via the rich supply of blood flow around the rectum. Keep in mind many things are safer orally so that the liver can deal with it first!
Nice to see you, LP!
Thank you!
Missing from the OTC list is loperimide (Immodium) for diarrhea and diphenhydramine (Benadryl) for multiple uses. Even though you have water purification equipment in your bugout bag, you should have backup in your medical kit as well. Clean water is one of the biggest life-savers and diarrhea is one of the biggest enemies.
You don't want to use the loperimide for all cases of diarrhea, but it can save a life if used with protracted diarrhea (more than a day's worth). The diphenhydramine can be used for allergies, sedation (caution; never on a head injury), or to quell an upset stomach.
Correction: You don't want to use anti-diarrhea agents MOST ALL OF THE TIME with diarrhea, as told by many. It's a huge mistake to think about "having to stop diarrhea" this way, almost always. The correct rule in medicine is: with diarrhea, "replace what comes out" with fluids via intake – however that "intake" must occur, whether this be via IV Fluids, Oral Fluid Replacement or even Rectal Fluid Infusions (which cannot be done if having diarrhea – due the intestinal secretory action turned on by many viruses – causing the diarrhea). The Subcutaneous Bolus Infusion method is interesting, if not wildly out of most person's ability to accomplish – not to mention dangerous (despite what some "cheap medical outlets" might tell you) without training. For instance, what do you do if you puncture an artery in the process of this "simple procedure"? Or, what do you do if you cause a deep tissue, deadly, spreading, infection by this procedure? I am not a fan of trite and cavalier "quick fixes" when it comes to having persons without common medical sense, experience or "degrees" of a significant level, give you "quick answers" to sometimes complex problems that you might cross "when there is no medical help" (to help you fix the problems your "quick fixes" might actually cause – in addition to the original problem being treated). Yes, some of this stuff works…and so does "brain surgery"…but you'd better know a heck of a lot more about "practicing real medicine" than what is implied that you should do by some of these more simple answer medical quick treatment "online tell all's," when in actual care of any patient. Take home point: What you hear, is not often correct or appropriate to do when treating any one particular problem. My favorite "not truly a quick fix – fix" topic is the one about "blood clotters" such as Celox. Stuff like this is NOT the "quick fix" it is touted to be all over the internet; there are many problems with using or relying on an agent such as this. Once again, it's not that easy – in reality. Wish it was, but it is not. Sorry to be a party-pooper to the pop prep medical players out here today. But, somebody needs to monitor all this "easy medicine" deception put out here for someone to "go try," surely . Carry on. We DO have a collapse to prepare for…unfortunately.
Doc Phillips
Doc Phillips do you have a website or a platform you talk about things on?
I haven’t heard from him in many years.
Also, one of the best emergency devices known to man (and I have used it during an emergency) is the kitchen basting syringe. It can be used to clear blood or vomitus from the airway or be used like a penrose drain when hooked up to surgical tubing. If someone is seriously dehydrated and cannot keep down fluid, the basting syringe can be used with pedialyte to give a potentially life-saving fluid enema. Note that it may still not work, and you'd need to sterilize afterwords to use it for anything else.
Also, while your kit should be full of dressings and 4X4's, a good supply of unscented tampons and pads is not only good for female hygiene, but can serve to briefly tamponade serious wounds.
Great list. I would agree with everything but the ear candles. Sometimes they can do more harm than good. Would love to get your take.
When my daughter had a horrific ear ache last month, we tried everything except ear candles, so I can't speak from experience. If the Outback Doc happens by, maybe he can share his thoughts.
Interesting comment…but appears to me to be entirely wrong. Dr. Hubbard may not be familiar with “alternative medicine” in actual experience? Most MD’s aren’t, unfortunately. What harm (provided this is done correctly) can this “ear candle” treatment do to a patient, as you claim? Yes, “all treatments have possible side effects”…and I’d imagine the fire involved, the hot tin plate and an idiot at the wheel (who might use a hammer to insert the candle into an ear, etc.) might well cause “harm” to any patient…but “ear candles”…done correctly…really? Not likely gonna harm many, and the benefits are absolutely amazing, too! Our personal experience in our urgent cares show about 98% of those treated while having symptoms feel “much better” after the first “candle” treatment and even “better” after the second. Those stats are hard to beat, really. Zero complications have we found.
Some time back I was told about ear candles. I tried two to help clean out my ears. Found that a good bit of gunk was collected in the candles. Always an experimenter, I used two ear candles to “clean out” a candle holder. I found the same gunk was collected from the candle holder. Conclusion. I decided that ear candles did nothing and that the gunk apparently cleaned out of ears was a by- product of burning an ear candle.
I’ve heard mixed reviews of those ear candles and based on that, have never tried them myself. Apparently, the doctor who wrote this article has had better luck!
Dr Hubbard, Just read your TBI article, great info and thanks. Have both the 1st and 2nd editions of your book as well. Can’t comment at your site and don’t do facebook, so I’ll just leave this here and hope SurvivalMom doesn’t mind. Hoped you might do some future articles on your opinions regarding some of the military recommendations for combat medicine / casualty care for use in a disaster. Seems to me there is a wide divergence between civilian and military recommendations, and would appreciate hearing your take on it. As an example, the position papers and other articles available at the prolongedfieldcare[dot]org site. Thanks.
Hi Doc Phillips,
Thanks for the response. Yes, I am familiar with alternative medicine. It's true the candles harm is rare but there have been burns, and residue in the ear canal.
Although the candles might make someone feel subjectively "better" for a short time, I don't know of any studies, alternative or otherwise, that have ever shown they actually do any objective good, such as clear out ear wax, increase healing times, decrease inflammation. In fact, studies have shown just the opposite. That the vacuum they produce doesn't have enough suction to suck out really anything.
For more info see the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine http://nccam.nih.gov/health/ear.htm
Also Dr. Weil comments on them at http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/id/QAA360594
Anyway, great tips otherwise.
Dr. Hubbard
Doc Hubbard:
O.K. I'll take the challenge. I think you're wrong, but that doesn't make me correct. This isn't about you or I, but the care of our patients. I will go search the research again on this "ear candle" issue, and in the interest of Truth along with all those who would care about this issue (i.e. the Patient's interests come first – over anything else), I will bring back what is found – whatever it says, either way. Truth will be the final authority, as it should always be…science would agree with this, correct? One fair warning though; there is a qualifier to this "absoluteness" to any so-called "research". It is limited in value in that experience trumps words/research, always, in actual practice. The experience in practice "to the affirmative" for this treatment is powerful, by itself, and cannot be "dis'd"…papers, studies, MPH's (no offense), or whatever, to the contrary. For it suffices the requirements of "good treatment," which are: "it works" (at least to the human being treated it does – they are not lying about their feelings or outcomes when using this treatment), it does not "harm" anyone really, and it is doable by almost anyone (short of the "hammer man" cramming it into an ear, etc.). Then, there are the costs assoc. with this, which are LOW. Oh, and no prescription is required, as well – making it a trifecta of "good treatment" in my mind today. So, those that "study figures" vs. those that "practice (in the living human lab of) medicine" are not the same, it seems, in how they interpret what is "good treatment"; yet, one is clearly a better indicator over the other, in actual play with ailing humans…it's hard to argue with that. So, if the literature might not back this "ear candle" treatment up, again, given as well the skew of what we know about bad research (put forth for bennies by some "climbing the PhD ladder," etc.) and the discredited research that is now out there, this means to a realist like me this information would not be adequate to ever knock actual practice experience (zip in side effects, included). Information that knocked this treatment even well, would in no manner bump this into any "bad treatment" category, as it were. In fact, as you can tell, I have very little confidence the more I think about it in most "research" today. I do understand how "studies" miss much of "how it really works" with real living patients (who are not stats or studies, obviously, but real living beings).
Enough "TMI" here by me. Here is a Funny but True Example of same: It has been correctly said, you can dissect a frog in a lab, thoroughly and slowly, even enjoyably, clearly naming all the parts therein, while learning much about that dissected little frog, to everyone's knowledge and good, but in the end…guess what? You do not have a REAL FROG anymore!
But, we certainly CAN take a good look at the research out there, if it is available, can't we.
Doc Phillips
That's an excellent article and a much needed one. First aid is a topic that is often only touched on in the survivalist community. People need to understand that post-the-inevitable-collapse there aren't going to be any doctors or hospitals available to stitch our bleeding wounds or to put our broken limbs in plaster. We and our loved ones are going to have to be our own doctors. Time to learn how and to stock up on supplies that will aid us in our lifesaving efforts.
Something else you might add to your kit is a medical suture stapler. My son works in the Peruvian Amazon, and has an extensive medical kit that he carries with him (he works with indigenous people hours away by boat from medical facilities) and needs the kit not only for himself, but to help the people. He carries suture materials too, plus scalples, numerous antibiotics, water purification, IV set ups, etc. He says the "stapler" is quick for lacerations and doesn't take the skills of a needle for sewing up a wound. Something else to add to your kit is saran wrap and good medical tape..a sucking chest wound covered can sometimes give you the time you need to get help. Also, take an EMT course….it's well worth the time and small expense! (my son is not a doctor, but has worked closely with his doctor on learning all he can, and the doctor provides him with access to a lot of items…get to know your doctor!!)
Great suggestions. I wonder if your son's kit comes from the MedCallAssist company. I reviewed their kit a week or two ago and it contains a skin stapler.
I'll ask him next time he calls. He's truly a "survivor man"…he showed me photo he shot of giant grubs on a grill…says they taste like butterscotch!! The jungle area he works in is intense but he loves working with the people (TB is very prevalent in the tribes he works with…so far he's still TB negative…though on one trip he ended up with a pretty nasty intestinal parasite…a month of drugs cleared it up) he carries a water purification system, but sometimes he eats what's available, and that can be risky. He wants to take a survival medical course that is offered in Colorado, but the cost is $6,000…and he's too busy working on his doctorate and his job. (he's also trying to get into John Hopkins to get more ethno-botany experience – when he's in Peru he works with the Museum in Tarapoto as their ethno-botanist when he's not out in the jungle)
I find the list very good. As for the "ear candling"…when my children were small we only had a couple of ear aches (breastfeeding helps prevent these)..but when they did occur….putting a few drops of warm olive oil into the ear then putting a warmed towel over the ear usually produced relief for the achy ear.
That's what my Dad with us when we were little. Never went to the doctor for earaches. When I became an adult I thought it was voodoo medicine. Now I know better.
Earaches. It makes sense that breastfeeding helps prevent these, yes. It's called "passive immunity" that is passed from mother to child, via antibodies through the milk. Natural is best in many cases! One trick we used for years – knowing that "not all red ear (drums) need antibiotics" – is using Liquid Ibuprofen for the first sign of ear pain, which is inflammation as a cause, anyway. Treat the inflammation and the big bad earache usually goes away – necessitating less antibiotics used & then only for the really persistent bad infections of the ear, in a just few. Heated Oil soothes, yes, but it does not cure a thing, esp. this problem. In fact, heat can make the "inflammation" worse…as the heat causes "increased inflammation" to occur. Same with any acute injury, remember. So, be careful using heated "sweet oil" as they called it in some places.
Doc Phillips
When my cat, my beautiful grey cat, was diagnosed with diabetes, she had to have injections every day, and it was expected that I would be the one injecting her. I practised in the surgery first, injecting an orange – they said the skin had the right consistency!
Okay I’ll bite, how do you use the traffic cone?
It’s not included on the list for medical purposes but to establish a boundary around a triage area. Good question. 🙂
Just a thought: When the SHTF and there are no hospitals or Dr. offices to visit those people with training will still be people with training. They will still be the people with the passion for helping people under medical distress. My great grandpa was a Dr. He never had an office or practiced in a hospital. Every patient he touched was at home. Every appointment was a “house call”.
We always talk about going back to “Grandma’s kitchen” . Is it too far a stretch to go back to “Grandma’s doctor”?
Exactly! And that’s why some of these supplies ended up on this list!
The other great thing about this list is that even if you don’t know how to use every single thing, I can promise you that the people who do will never have enough for everyone. As a nurse practitioner married to a physician, there is only so much we can store for others. Medical supplies go fast in an emergency.
I am an ear surgeon. I can tell you that ear candling is strictly folk medicine akin to snake oil. The wax you see at the end of the candle burn is from the candle itself. I have treated burns to the ear from erroneous attempts by various patients. http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/features/lowdown-on-ear-candling
Thanks for your input!
Great ideas on the list, but the only thing that seems improbable to get is the antibiotics. I am pretty sure my Dr is not just going to hand them out to me, am I missing something ?
Until any laws or regulations change, you can buy fish antibiotics, which are the exact same as human antibiotics. Here’s a link for more info: http://www.doomandbloom.net/?s=fish+antibiotics
great ideas mom lol
As a father, I always try to keep all the medical supplies ready whenever I need them. I had no idea that you should have spare batteries for your cell phone in your medical supplies. I think that it’s a great idea to have one just in case there is an emergency and you have a dead phone.