First aid – knowledge and supplies

[Sam_Luna]

First aid, an often dismissed topic by a number of folks. Most think of the first aid kit they picked up (that’s the size of a paperback book) and have never opened and where the closest emergency room is in relation to their location and call it good. While that’s fine during “normal” day to day life, what happens when life becomes not so normal?

As much time, effort, and money should go towards your first aid and medical preparations as you spend on food, defense, and other stuff.

Build your own first aid / medical chest. Most of the prepackage kits sold over the counter today are designed with one thing in mind, making the manufacturer money. They tend to be filled with low quality items that you would not buy if you were building your own. Research what a go medical kit would consist of and make a list of supplies to acquire.

While we are discussing building a good medical kit, lets talk about training. Yes it’s a pain to attend first aid classes, and CPR instruction. But if not you, who is going to guarantee your family’s ability to get medical aid during a crisis? Also consider several members of the household learning first aid and basic medical procedures. If the only one that knows how to heal gets hurt, who heals them?


First aid and CPR training:
http://www.redcross.org/

http://www.firstaidweb.com/


Books that you could use:

“Where there is no doctor”
http://hesperian.org/10411911.php

Be sure to check out their other books Where Women Have No Doctor and Where There Is No Dentist

Medical supplies:
http://www.firstaidsuppliesonline.com/

http://www.cpr-savers.com/

[kudzuvine]

I agree - everyone should have on "to go". Mine is in a clear container used for files with lockable lid. I have everything I can think of, liquid sutures, thin fish line/needles, peroxide, bandages, alcohol, it is full. I included my toiletries, shampoo, soaps, toothbrushes, deodorant. You name it - it's in there. Mine is ready to go if I have to evacuate. Even though I'm trained in CPR/first aid and more, have a small book for others to use. Very essential. I do rotate over-the-counter meds and have my N97 masks in this container and lots of sanitizer.

[bajiay]

I have stressed this so much to people until I am blue in the face, but they think just because the hospital is close to them, they will be ok. They do not get it.

I have been trained, and they say that they will come to me if they have to, but I live 45 minutes away from them. I am stocked and ready, for my family.

[watcher]

Training is more valuable and IMO more important. There are a lot of 1st aid supplies you can 'work around' if you don't have them but if you don't know what to do then the best kit in the world is useless.