There are hundreds and hundreds of first aid items out there, which is why building a first aid kit can be so overwhelming. It helps to start by narrowing it down to the essentials, and then building on that.
If you could only choose 20 first aid supplies, which would they be? In this video, Serious Survivor makes some great suggestions.
Here is his list:
- Band Aids / Gauze Pads / Tape
- Liquid Bandage Adhesive Strips
- Suture Kit
- Israeli Compression Bandage or Quick Clot
- Splints / Bandages / Supports
- Tourniquet
- Antibiotic Cream & Medication / Antibiotics (Oral)
- Stomach Medication
- Allergy/Sting Medicine, Benadryl
- Pain Relievers
- Thermometer
- Iodine / Potassium Iodide / Radiation Meds
- Dental Repair / Pain Relief
- Antifungal Cream
- Sterile Gloves
- Alcohol / Antiseptic Pads
- Personal Medication
- Snakebite Kit
- Hot & Cold Compress
- First Aid Manual / Edible & Medicinal Plants Manual
It’s best to gather these items first, and then find a bag that is the right size for them. Watch the video below to learn the importance of each item, specific product recommendations, and how much of them to stockpile.
Really good article & video. However, I’ve talked with national poison control about the snakebite/sting kit and they don’t recommend it.
Military uses MARCH to provide order of care for acute trauma: control Massive Hemorrhaging, Airway clear, Respiration (i.e. breathing), Circulation, Heat (keep victim warm enough, treat for shock; keep victim from being overheated). So add mylar blanket to the list.
Get your supply of meds, keep immunizations (esp. tetanus) and dental & health care up to date.
Training is key. Absolutely #1. Don’t wait to get it. You may not have time to read the book when quick treatment is needed. Red Cross offers a good course. I got it for free from the county Medical Reserve Corps. Bonus: got an ID card as an emergency medical response provider.
Current CPR method is just to give compressions after ensuring airway is clear. Breathing will take care of itself. The old method of compressions & breathing has about a 5% survival rate. The new method is about 20%. Most CPR results in broken ribs.
In terms of meds, they often have “expiration dates” of 1 year, but experimentation has been done that shows they are often good for much longer than that. (Manufacturers only want to test that long, and keep you buying from them.) Yes, they may lose some potency over time. Many tablets are good for up to 15 years. Discard aspirin if it smells like vinegar. Tablets last longer than liquids. Discard liquids that change color or get contaminated.
Animal antibiotics (tablets) are available on the internet without prescription, but you need to know which ones to use for which conditions, and not to use them indiscriminately or using less than a full course.
Sterile gloves are only needed if you are doing something like suturing (it’s “practicing medicine” so last resort if you don’t want to get sued). Non-sterile, non-latex gloves are good for most patient care.