A first aid kit is one of the most vital pieces of equipment you’ll need if disaster strikes. It is almost inevitable for there to be injuries and casualties when a crisis occurs. Having a well-prepared and stocked first aid kit can literally be a lifesaver during an emergency.
Survival first aid kits differ from regular first aid kits because they contain a lot more things. Preparing for a survival situation will require more than just a couple of band aids and mosquito cream.
Survival situations may have people who are badly injured or who have sustained life threatening injuries.
A survival first aid kit needs to be much more comprehensive. It will have to be large enough to have lifesaving equipment but it also needs to be light enough so that it’s portable. You should always have a specific place in your house where you keep the first aid kit. During an emergency, you do not want to be running around looking for it.
It’s also of paramount importance that you check the kit at regular intervals to make sure that the antiseptics, medication, bandages, etc. have not expired. It may be shocking to know that most houses do not even have basic first aid kits. A couple of band aids in the drawer is about all they have.
During a disaster which can occur at any time due to inclement weather, freak accidents, terrorist attacks, etc. people in these houses who may be injured will have a hard time treating their wounds and injuries. Thorough preparation makes its own luck… and if you’re well prepared, your chances of survival will be higher.
Now, you may either purchase a survival first aid kit online or pack one yourself.
Do note that the kits will vary in size. Some may have the bare necessities while others will be fully equipped to deal with most emergencies. However, these kits can be quite costly.
It is best to put together your own first aid kit. Not only will it save you a hefty chunk of cash but you’ll be able to prepare one that suits your individual needs best.
For example, if one of your family members is diabetic and needs insulin shots daily, having syringes in the first aid kit will really help.
Below you’ll find a list of things most first aid kits should have.
Use this list as a guideline to stocking up your first aid kit. Remember that the quantities of the items will need to be in proportion to the size of your family. The more members in your family, the more aspirin, wipes, etc. you’ll need.
* 1 adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 inch)
* 1 blanket (space blanket)
* 1 breathing barrier (with one-way valve)
* 1 instant cold compress
* 1 roller bandage (3 inches wide)
* 1 roller bandage (4 inches wide)
* 2 absorbent compress dressings (5 x 9 inches)
* 2 hydrocortisone ointment packets (approximately 1 gram each)
* 2 packets of aspirin (81 mg each)
* 2 pair of non-latex gloves (size: large)
* 2 triangular bandages
* 25 adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)
* 5 antibiotic ointment packets (approximately 1 gram)
* 5 antiseptic wipe packets
* 5 sterile gauze pads (3 x 3 inches)
* 5 sterile gauze pads (4 x 4 inches)
* Burn gel
* Extra batteries
* Eye wash kit
* First aid instruction booklet
* LED flashlight
* Medical grade super glue (cyanoacrylate base)
* Necessary medications for family members
* Oral thermometer (non-mercury/non-glass)
* Scissors
* Suture kit
* Tweezers
For more information, you may wish to visit The American Red Cross website which has a detailed list of items that you could include in your first aid kit.
Other than these items, you should consider what else your family usually needs such as anti-allergy medication, etc. Keep a list of your family members’ medical history, blood types, if they’re allergic to any medication, etc.
You’ll also want to keep a list of contact numbers of emergency services and also the numbers of your next of kin who may need to be informed should the need arise. All these lists should be kept in the first aid kit. In the event of a crisis, they will be very useful to the first responders at the scene.
