Posted: 2/2/2011 9:19:35 PM EDT
| I'm starting to think about my BOB and SHTF equipment and am trying to figure out what all to put in a medical kit. I'm thinking OTC meds and contacts, bandages, but what else? |
|
Couple of boiled bandannas for large wounds, emergency sun cover (like, you've lost your hat), arm slings, etc.
Eyewash! I'm betting that SHTF will involve lots of smoke and ash in the air. It's possible to find individual containers of eyewash. Sunscreen. Bug repellent. Think of anything that'll make bandaging yourself easier, especially for arm or hand wounds, which put one hand out of commission. |
| Tourniquets, like the SOF-T. Epi-Pen, water purification tablets or one of the straws (tablets make water taste like shit) and some Immodium. Things to start a fire with would be good to, like a nice magnesium fire starter. Look at getting a VS-17 Signal Panel also. |
|
Google creek more, he has a survival blog and has a lot of pics and ideas. Basiclly, bring what you know how to use. I like quick clot w silver for bleeding, A cravat, Israel bandage, I have a lot of diff wound antiseptics to prevent infection, foot care (mole skin, anti fungal) as well as a script for antibiotics (not tetracycline). Your BOB med kit can get too much if you over think it though.
Oh, I use the one time use triple antibiotic packs versus a tube because of cross contamination. |
|
I'll second taking care of your feet. If these go it's a mess. First off, most people think they'll do 10-20 miles a day off-road when they have never walked that far a day in their life. Anyone who has hiked with a BOB/combat load knows your feet take a beating. Get moleskin or something similar. Better job yet is to not get to the points of hot spots and blisters. Clean,dry, socks, foot powder, and breaks to let your feet air out can go a long way to keeping you mobile.
Also, get some anti-diarrhea meds. First, it is said stress will cause a lot of people to have stomach issues. I also think most people in a BOB situation will take risks that will expose their diet compromised bodies to get sick. Think of how easy it is to NOT properly treat drinking water or NOT properly clean your mess kit. People in third-world counties die all the time from diarrhea. Don't let it happen to you. |
|
Here's the comprehensive first aid kit I distilled from info here, and from reading what comprehensive retail kits include. Prices reflect Chinook Med, mostly. Got the medicines locally, and the SAMs from Rescue Essentials. Some of the equipment came from Amazon.com. For what it's worth. Family of three, with one under 7yrs.  This is the bag I bought (empty, from chinook med) and it all fits. Edit: The rolled SAM doesn't fit, obviously, and neither does the Olaes bandage. Those two are loose for now. 
|
| Take a look at USNERDOCs youtube videos "level 1 first aid kit ". Thats a good solid BOB kit that's not too bulky. I would consider adding a couple of Ace bandages to wrap an ankle or knee, and LOTS of ibuprofen (50) to help keep me going in case of a joint strain/sprain. |
|
I would add some compression bandages (H compression / Isreali Bandage), tourniqet, small roll of duct tape, quick clot, and anything specific to any medical condition you or your family members may have.
OTC stuff Aspirin Acetaminophen Ibuprofen Antihistamine Pepto Tablets Anti-diarrheal Antacid tablets Insta Glutose Tube Rehydration salts Aloe Vera Gel Antibiotic Ointment Hydrocortisone Cream Dentemp (for lost fillings) Water Gel (burns) Sun Block Chap Stick EMT shears Derma Bond Hand Sanitizer Mole Skin First aid training / CPR training etc. |
|
I find that Forgey's Wilderness Medicine book lays out a great kit with multi-funtional contents broken into functional modules..
If you can find an earlier version, the modules can be seen to change as better component items came available, but a bit of variation of components provides more flexibility for budget/availability. YMMV |