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
All good things to have and know about. Especially if some of us are getting older/65 and above. We don’t heal as fast as we use too.
Always learn from the excellent posts you provide. Trying to make sure that my 3 kids are prepared to take care of my wife and their family when the time comes. Would love for them to see what I see coming and make all the preparations necessary. Working together would be their best bet as it would for any of us. Thanks for all you do. Be prepared – Mentally, Physically and Spiritually – it takes all three to face the challenges ahead.
– Keep Looking Up
I see a common theme with many people in the prepping community wanting for their friends and family members to see what we see in regards to the need to be self-sufficient if the time arises. I think all we can do is make our case and let them decide. Giving them prep items as gifts and or bits of info here and there will hopefully be appreciated later if not appreciated now. I completely agree that working together is the best bet.
Good point MPG.
I have considered writing a letter to friends and family with my thoughts on why they need to prepare. I have not done so as I think it will do no good, however, maybe I will revisit.
I’m good for all those. Except Insulin.. Medical is as much about skills and discernment as the supplies. You can pretty easily get CPR certification and not much expense. The rest is something more .. skills + supplies and how to use them. These are good lists.. I’d add trauma assessment .. All of us might not be able to treat trauma, but if we can learn to stabilize, then they can survive until we can get them treatment.
GG58
Absolutely! I think that the supplies are only as good as those who can use them correctly! Learning CPR and first aid is something everyone should become knowledgeable about. Knowing the basics is key and knowing where you would get that treatment once stabilization has happened is also important. If you have the supplies that a medical professional doesn’t in a SHTF situation then at least they would have the means to help treat a family member. If someone is physically unable to perform CPR then at the very least being able to instruct someone else on how and what to do will be beneficial.
Great info from someone actually qualified to offer it. Like many I have an issue for which I can find no resolution, monthly maintenance medications. While some are more important than others, Multaq and Xarelto are the most pressing concern post SHTF. There’s really no alternative other than to rob them from local pharmacies, and because of the extreme cost most pharmacies don’t stock them in quantity. It’s a risky proposition regardless. It’s said that a life that burns twice as bright burns half as long….
This is an issue that I am greatly concerned with as well. I am researching some options. Will keep you up to date.
I think you could ask your doctor for more prescriptions but sometimes it is the pharmacy and/or insurance companies that will only give you a certain amount at a time. I am almost 100% sure that the doctor will not recommend to lower your dose and do not recommend that you do this on your own as the consequences do not outweigh the benefit of saving some meds.
Exc. list Maine P G.
I recommend having good ref : books also on hand
Viral Immunity by JE Williams ,OMD
Herbal Antivirals by Stephen Harrod Buhner
Herbal Antibiotics by Stephen H. Buhner
These books have helped immensely both in treatment and in knowing what items to stock up on.
Golden seal and Astragalus have been very effective in helping me ight sore throats and in building up immunity for the family and friends.
White willow is a natural form of aspirin that some people who are allergic to aspirin can use( some cannot).
John G Please ask your Dr. if he or she would allow you to buy an extra supply of your meds for ” just in case” and also discuss if you could use a lower dose and spread them out- if you did not have any other choice.
Some times people can get liquid anti biotics in farm stores but one needs to know how to break down dosages and have a syringe available. Also one must be very careful as some times someone is allergic to an antibiotic. ( I am allergic to penicillin). Keeping herbs and homeopathic remedies on hand is also good. Pray hard and keep on prepping !!
It appears that the corona virus will become a pandemic very soon.
Great additions Arlene! Books on first aid, health issues and herbal remedies are a must! I plan on attempting growing herbs this spring and therefore learning the medicinal uses of them. I need to get a good reference book and will look into the ones you recommended! Thanks!
My daughter and I grow herbs every year and then dry them for culinary and medicinal uses. I need to learn more about tinctures and oils.
Some books I recommend are :
anything by Rosemary Gladstar- she is a famous herbalist
Herbal medicine by Blumenthal,Goldberg and Brinkmann ( intermediate or advanced)eating the Flu by JE Williams.OMD exc. and comprehensive yet good for a beginner
Grow it ,heal it by Christopher Hobbs
Grow your own drugs by James Wong
Both if these are well illustrated
Aloe vera is an exc. source for healing burns,cuts etc. and is an easy plant to grow.
My daughter and I have grown herbs for many years. We dry them for culinary use and medicinal teas. I need to learn more about tinctures and oils.
RE : herbs
anything by Rosemary Gladstar is exc.
Grow IT Heal IT by Christopher Hobbs
Grow your own Drugs by James Wong
These two books are well illustrated with photos and recipes etc.
I have taught my grand children to use aloe vera when they get cut or burns-it does not sting and it soothes .One just uses the inner gooey part of the leaves.Some stores sell it in gel form .
My priority;
Probiotics to maintain a healthy gut.
Prebiotics to feed my healthy intestinal flora.
Plenty of living fermented foods to help maintain my healthy gut.
Many sources say ninety-one percent of our immune system is in our gut.
The vagus nerve connects the gut to the brain; is a healthy gut essential to a healthy mind?
Get your Vitamin D tested.
If you live outside the tropics, you are probably low.
Try it for awhole.
Let us know your results.
[ feel free to link this comment over on ,Rawles blog. ]
I completely agree that staying healthy to begin with is the best way to approach prepping! Daily movement and healthy meals is a great start. I think Vitamins and supplements should also be added to the list. I am skeptical that some vitamins are not in the form that your body can use. I would definitely need to do my research on the best ones to buy and their shelf life.
Good advice Large Marge -thanks. I try to keep essential probiotics stocked in.
Can anyone comment on the availability of masks, gloves, bleach, hand sanitizer etc, where you live and if prices are going up? I ask because this is a good indicator of national and international shipment and production issues.Thanks .Arlene
Our local pharmacy is out of stock for the regular paper masks. The N-95 masks are harder to find and prices have been adjusted higher for now. Hoping as Victoria’s Secret goes out of business the price of bra’s will come down and I can make some eye-popping face covers from the cups!
Oh you had me rolling Methane but it just might work!!
Arlene – I still see the N95 and N100 type masks in Wally World, hardware stores, and at Harbor Freight. Prices remain steady at these locations but online they have jumped up if you can find them in stock.
THANKS JR – Up here Walmarts are all sold out. I cannot share what John P is going through healthwise but he can sure use our prayers . Arlene
There is plenty of information on-line on how to produce needed medications without going to pharmacy school. Gather and store the supplies and equipment needed to produce your own insulin. Study and grow plants that can be used to treat your important ailments. Contact your neighbors to find a pharmacist in the local area that may be able to help you initially. Even spiritual healers from Native American tribes have experience on local fauna and it’s uses for medicine.
Methane- smile !!!A great idea for all our old bras -!!!! Yes re: your other ideas also. Thanks.
I must be blessed. My wife is a retired trauma nurse, my son is a nurse and his wife is a physicians assistant. We have that skill set in house. Supplies, I have already designated a closet for that and it is filled. We could go into lock down this minute if need be.
My biggest concern is the fact that I live about 6-8 miles outside of Clemson, SC. The university has numerous Chinese students just to name one nationality. With the virus moving probably into the US, I have begun changing my habits. We no longer shop in any grocery store near the university. I have started shopping in the little towns further away from Clemson and off the beaten track. Still, I am cautious when I go out. Stay out of crowds, and wash hands constantly.
Oren, Sounds like your family is very blessed and prepared. We understand. You are wise to avoid the university at this time. Likewise we are shopping in the opposite direction of a large university that has many Asian students. Also the flu seems to be rampant here for phase two among young people and children and college students. One asian college student died recently supposedly from the flu.
I sense though that the world is already in a pandemic but authorities are not stating that yet.
Since your family is very medically trained – do you have any advice for the rest of us besides being as well prepped as possible?
Good thought on your travel in proximity to Clemson. I’m about 1 hour from Atlanta and although I am not overly concerned about the virus here in the States – at least right now – I am very mindful. Any increase in activity within the borders will be a gamechanger.
Good stuff. I like the minor adjustments you made to the website. It really looks good and easy on the easy for reading. I also really like the Medican
I took the plunge and sent an e mail about prepping for corona to my friends and family, ( pre- Presidential TV corona report)Mostly no response ( which I expected ).One thought I was an alarmist-some thought it was good. Then inf. came out on TV etc. Since schools are
cancelling student studies abroad and the NYS Gov is finally doing something well -people are now shifting their attitudes,
The NYS Gov is allocating $40 million for emergency actions and will be using the NYS
Wadsworth and NYC Health lab for corona testing for NYS residents. Many NYS hospitals have been doing drills etc.
For all of us who have prepped for a long while we are more aware and prepared.
Stay calm and prep on….