I previously published this a few years ago and with new people visiting the site thought it would be a good idea to bring it back around. – Rourke
Being without much-needed medical supplies when you need them is scary. While working as a nurse outside the hospital setting people often looked to me for medical advice. Not having the convenience of a physician or other trained medical personnel when health issues arose made me plan two or three steps ahead for things that could potentially happen. Making sure that I had the necessary first aid supplies and continually updating those supplies was the one thing that I could control.
For the purpose of this article, let us assume that your first aid kit will be at a climate-controlled retreat location, although keep in mind moving at a moment’s notice could be possible. If your supplies ever have to be moved or are exposed to extremely high or low temperatures remember that this could affect the efficacy of medications or sterility of some items. Rotating your supply and keeping a spreadsheet with expiration dates is a great way to see what items you may want to replace. Supplies that have expired may also have compromised sterility or efficacy, although I would agree that if the SHTF an expired something is better than nothing.
There are many things to consider when deciding what kind of first aid kit is best for you. I would recommend getting a standard first aid kit and building on that is one of the best ways to get started. Prepackaged first-aid kits on Amazon with 4 plus star reviews that will get you started and you can personalize to meet your needs are as follows. – – – > https://amzn.to/2OSu0y7 – Hey, first aid supplies in an ammo can….COOL!!!!
This one is small, less than $20, and has over a hundred reviews. – – – – > https://amzn.to/37tyMZb
Both of the above kits can be made better with the addition of a good compression bandage.
Get one big enough for the number of people you think you will be with and then add a few, you can never be too prepared in the area of first aid as you never know when you will be able to get more or who or what situation you may be faced with. Again, keep in mind that supplies expire and the sterility of supplies or the efficacy of some medications could be affected if past the expiration date.
I know that we said this first aid kit was assuming you would be at a retreat location, however, keeping a waterproof bag for transportation of medical supplies handy if such an occasion arises could be a potentially life-saving idea. If you have to leave, leaving first aid supplies behind would not be wise. Also, consider keeping a lunch box or something you can put items that may need to stay cool in just in case. If an ice pack is not available you could use an instant ice pack for transport. They are nice to have for injuries too! This is an instant ice pack that has a 4-star rating and you can choose from a couple of different sizes. – – – – > https://amzn.to/37tzt4J
This bag is small and can keep things cool if not exposed to extreme outside heat or you can add an ice pack. Again, you need to consider what you will need to carry and how much. – – – > https://amzn.to/2wfzqgd
This bag claims to keep things cool for 30 hours and even shows the temp. 30 hours!!!! – – – > https://amzn.to/37q4K91
These are only suggestions and a way of getting you to think about what you may need and a quick way to get started on your retreat medical station. Watch for an upcoming article about medications to consider and advanced medical supplies. Until then, start making a list, read reviews on products, check expiration dates when you can and ask a lot of questions if you are unsure.
Coronavirus: With the influx of concern regarding coronavirus and related viruses, the addition of medical face masks and other PPE(personal protective equipment) would be prudent. Disinfectant materials such as Clorox wipes and antiseptics such as rubbing alcohol should be stocked up. There is no shortage of information available on the Internet for preparing for pandemics.
Stay Healthy!
Maine Prepper Girl
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Brief comment to supplement a good article. About expiration dates on meds. If properly stored, they work just fine well past expiration time. Have traveled on medical missions through out central and South America, all the supplies were outdated and donated by hospitals. They worked just fine, no issues.