Introduction
You don't have to be a doctor or even a first responder to help someone who's injured. An emergency plan is something everyone should have, and mine includes a medical kit. Whether you're anticipating a natural disaster or just want to be prepared for the worst, here are some items that I always keep on hand in my SHTF medical pack:
Over the Counter Medications
There are a variety of over-the-counter medications that you can stockpile. Some are more important than others depending on your medical needs, but it’s always good to have these on hand if SHTF.
- Antacid: This medication is used to treat heartburn and indigestion. It raises the stomach pH so that acid isn’t produced by too much hydrochloric acid or pepsin in the digestive tract which can cause pain or discomfort after eating. You can try Tums Original Chewables, Rolaids Extra Strength Soft Chews (they come with calcium), Phillips Milk Of Magnesia Liquid Gel Antacid for Kids and Gaviscon Tablets for Adults & Children 6+ Years Old as options for antacids/laxatives.
- Aspirin: Aspirin is a blood thinner that helps reduce inflammation in the body caused by injuries or chronic conditions like arthritis or heart disease so it's important if you have one of those conditions or have recently had surgery as well as being useful during pregnancy because aspirin reduces risk of miscarriage/premature birth while reducing risk of bleeding when giving birth; however some people should not take aspirin such as those who've had asthma attacks triggered by aspirin previously who need to talk with their doctor first before taking any over the counter analgesics including ibuprofen (Motrin) since they might trigger another attack which could lead up into needing an emergency room visit at hospital instead! Otherwise though most people will be fine taking 325mg daily dosage every 4 hours until symptoms subside after which point we recommend switching over onto something else like paracetamol/acetaminophen (Tylenol
Other Medications
You may want to consider including the following in your medical pack:
- Antibiotics. When we think about antibiotics, we usually think of antibiotic ointments for burns or cuts and skin infections (i.e., ringworm). But there are also oral antibiotics that can be taken as a pill or capsule if you have an infection like a UTI (urinary tract infection) or strep throat. These drugs aren’t meant to cure disease; they just help control it until you can see a doctor. If you know anyone who has been prescribed one of these medications, it is worth considering having some on hand for yourself as well, especially since prescription drugs are typically much more effective than over-the-counter ones when it comes to treating certain ailments (for example, acne).
- Antacid tablets/gummies and anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium (Aleve®). Many people take these pain relievers regularly so that they don’t get headaches from eating spicy foods or drinking alcohol too quickly before adjusting their bodies to this new substance entering their systems—which can also happen during SHTF situations! Make sure you have enough on hand so that everyone in your family can get relief when needed without running out too soon! Also remember that some medications should not be taken together; check with your doctor before combining any medications with those already in your home medical kit just in case!
Medical Equipment
A medical pack is more than just a first aid kit. It can include all of your supplies for treating the injured and ill, as well as tools that help you prevent illness in the first place. The following is a list of items you should consider adding to your medical pack:
BANDAGES
You'll want plenty of bandages on hand in case someone needs them. This will include large, medium and small gauze pads; adhesive tape; sterile pads; cotton swabs; safety pins; alcohol wipes (with an ethanol base) or rubbing alcohol if you don't have any sterile wipes; tweezers and a thermometer (if you're willing to shell out some money).
Hard Copy Guides
Hard copy guides are books that you can read and refer to when preparing your medical kit. They will contain information on how to deal with a variety of injuries, illnesses, and emergencies.
There are many advantages to having a hard copy guide in your SHTF medical pack:
- They can be used as reference materials for any number of situations. If you're treating someone who gets injured or if you have yourself been injured, having a book with instructions can help you know what steps to take next. There's no need for trying to remember everything from memory; just open up the manual and look!
Clothing and Accessories
Clothing and Accessories
- Wear clothing that is comfortable, easy to move in, and appropriate for the situation. If you are injured and need to remove your clothing to treat an injury, choose clothes that can easily be removed without removing other items of clothing. Synthetic fabrics are also better than natural fibers as they tend not to absorb water as much as cotton does.
- Gloves can help protect your hands from injuries and make it easier for you when handling items such as weapons or sharp objects. They can also provide protection against cuts from broken glass or other sharp materials. Gloves may even be useful if you have a wound on one of your hands that needs dressing but has already been cleaned (for example, if there's dried blood around the wound).
- A hat is important because it protects your head from sunburn (which can lead to heat exhaustion) or cold weather-related injuries such as frostbite. It also provides shade from the sun which keeps sweat out of eyes and prevents dehydration caused by excessive sweating during exercise in hot conditions; this is especially important for children whose bodies cannot regulate temperature like adults' do so quickly become dehydrated due simply because they're having fun!
A pre-made or home-made medical kit can be a lifesaver.
It's important to have a medical kit on hand, no matter what the situation. What would be in your SHTF medical pack?
Make sure you have the right supplies for your kit.
Your first step towards creating a great SHTF medical kit is knowing what items are needed. You can bring together all of these things in one place without too much effort or cost. Just put them all in a box and call it good! After that, keep it handy and try to remember to use it when needed.
Conclusion
In the end, the right medical kit for you is going to depend on your personal needs and what you’re most comfortable with. However, it’s important to remember that even a small amount of preparation can make all the difference in an emergency situation!