Will you have what you need in a medical situation or emergency if one arises and there is nobody to call for help? No 911, no ambulance, no hospital; just you and the supplies you have. That thought should guide you as you plan for what you will need at a home/retreat in the event of an SHTF situation. Keep in mind that you may have more than just your immediate family to care for. Getting medications in children’s strengths and in chewable or liquid forms should also be considered.
Here’s a list that can get you started:
Medications:
- Antacids- Omeprazole (Prilosec OTC) is something that you can take daily to help prevent acid reflux, this medication is not for treatment of current heartburn and may take 1-4 days to start working. For occasional heartburn or indigestion get some chewable antacids such as TUMS.
- Antibiotics- Fish antibiotics are stocked by some preppers as a replacement for antibiotics that are prescribed by physicians. Not every antibiotic will kill every bacteria. Without knowing the type of bacteria you are fighting you should use a broad-spectrum antibiotic such as Ampicillin or Amoxicillin. These can sometimes be found at farm supply stores such as Tractor Supply and various online sites.
- Antibiotic cream- Neosporin ointment can be used on a clean wound to help prevent infection from a burn, scratch, cut that could become infected.
- Antidiarrheals– Pepto-Bismol and Imodium are common upset stomach medications. If your food storage diet does not parallel your normal diet gastronomical issues could become an issue.
- Anti-fungal cream– This will treat skin infections caused by a fungus. For example, ringworm, diaper rash, athletes foot, and jock itch.
- Antihistamines- Diphenhydramine aka Benadryl helps with nausea, sleep and most importantly an allergic reaction. Keep Benadryl liquid as well as tablets on hand. If someone is having an allergic reaction liquid will work faster. There are also chewable tabs available for kids (and some adults) who can’t swallow pills. These can also assist those struggling to sleep get the rest they need.
- Antivirals- Abreva is an over the counter ointment used for herpes simplex virus that causes cold sores on the face and or lips to keep on hand. Antiviral medications that are taken for the flu, shingles, and chickenpox are only available via prescription.
- Eye Rinse//irrigations
- Nasal Sprays
- Pain/fever relievers – Examples of these are Acetaminophen aka Tylenol or Ibuprofen aka Motrin or Advil. Aspirin is also used as pain/fever relievers and is also used as a blood thinner. Aspirin in the form of a chewable 81mg tab is also used at the onset of chest pain because of its anti-clotting properties.
- Wound cleaner- Anytime you get an abrasion it is imperative that the first thing you do is clean the area. If soap and water are unavailable Bactine spray works great. Hydrogen peroxide and rubbing alcohol are not recommended as they delay healing by damaging healthy tissue, however, they can be effective in killing bacteria from surfaces such as tweezers or hands.
Supplies:
- Bandages- Different sizes and shapes
- Crutches
- Face masks
- Gauze- Variety of sizes
- Ice packs- (Instant cold packs that that will activate with a squeeze will be very useful)
- Scissors
- Skin Glue (New Skin)
- Splints- Different sizes and types (I really like SAM splints)
- Syringes – Different sizes and types, as well as diabetic syringes, could be beneficial
- Tapes- Different sizes and types (transpore tape, silk tape, medipore tape)
- Thermometers
- Tweezers- Different styles and sizes
Trauma items:
- Oxygen saturation monitor
- AED
- Ambu bag
- Blood Pressure Cuff
- Cervical collar
- Clot kit – Quickclot offers many options
- Face mask with one way valve(for CPR)
- Nasal trumpet
- Oral airway
- Stethoscope
- Tourniquet – CAT recommended
Special Considerations:
- EpiPen
- Glucose Tabs
- Glucose monitor
- Insulin- For those who want to stock insulin there is a brand called ReliOn that is sold over the counter at Walmart’s pharmacy. Like all insulin, it needs to be refrigerated. Any diabetic who considers using this needs to speak with their provider to get guidance on what dose is needed.
All items listed are good to keep at the retreat, at home, as well as in a bag. Keep your stock updated in regards to expiration dates. The sterility of sterile items could be compromised if you keep them past the expiration date or they are exposed to extreme hot or cold. Giving someone an infection when you were only trying to help could definitely cause unneeded use of resources and time. If the SHTF you would want the freshest things possible to start.
As with any medication, you should seek the advice of a medical expert. Know the side effects of medications, contraindications of use and look for adverse reactions after medication or treatment has been given.
Being prepared for a medical emergency doesn’t just mean collect as many items as possible, it means becoming knowledgeable as well. Find out what your local hospital offers for CPR/First Aid classes and get books to keep as reference guides in the event there is no internet. First aid and basic medical knowledge is a prep that is valuable at any time, no matter the situation or state of our country.
I look forward to seeing comments and additions to this list from the readers!
Stay Healthy!
Maine Prepper Girl
