Survival First Aid Kit

The contents of a survival first aid kit are almost identical to a standard home or office kit. All should contain surgical gloves, band-aids, gauze pad and rolled gauze, antibiotic cream, and surgical masks. Sterile saline solution for rinsing out the eyes, a thermometer, a pair of tweezers and a magnifying glass will cover most minor injuries.

Surgical masks to prevent infection should also be in all first aid kits. Over the counter medications (OTC) that should be included are non-aspirin pain reliever, anti-inflammatory, vomiting and diarrhea medications and throat lozenges. A basic first aid guide, available through the American Red Cross, should be included as well.

Items Needed in an Emergency

The differences between a standard first aid kit and a survival first aid kit are small. Survival kits include items that may be needed during a disaster or emergency. Standard first aid kits are designed to take care of minor everyday injuries. Injuries that are usually treated by emergency responders such as a broken leg may not be treated for hours or days during an emergency.

Additional items that will help you provide first aid during an emergency include:

• shoestrings for fashioning slings and tying splits together
  
• a triangular piece of muslin for making slings or infant carriers
  
• waterproof matches to light a fire for boiling water or making hot beverages to ward off hypothermia
  
• large Ziploc baggies, which can be used to store items until needed, provide ice bags, water containers and protective covers for injured. Baggies can also be used to provide insulation to keep your feet warm and dry preventing frostbite.
  
• over the counter medications necessary for a survival first aid kit include an electrolyte replacement product. Ceralyte Oral Rehydration Salts is a dry electrolyte powder that is mixed with water. This product, available through Nitro Pak, will replace the electrolytes and provide carbohydrates that might be lost through dehydration, diarrhea and shock.

Age Appropriate Meds

If you have infants or children in your family make sure you include age-appropriated OTC‘s; youngsters should never be given adult-strength medications. A pain-relieving muscle preparation will provide relief from overexertion or strain.

Prescription Meds

If you, or a family member, take prescription medications daily you should keep a minimum of 5 to 7 days’ supply in this kit. A copy of the original prescription should also be kept with this medication. In the event that the prescription needs refilled you will have the means to do so.

Safe Drinking Water

Water may become an issue during a survival situation or emergency. Keeping a portable water filter or Katadyne Water purification tablets in your kit will allow you to provide safe drinking water. A collapsible water container attached to or included in this kit will allow you to provide water. These containers come in 1 to 5 gallon sizes.

Emergency Food

While food may not be considered a first aid supply it will be important during an emergency. Survival tablets that contain the necessary vitamins, minerals and other nutrients are good things to have in your kit. Daily multi-vitamins are also helpful. Instant foods and beverages store well and take up little space. These can provide warmth and comfort in an emergency.

Having a first aid kit and a survival first aid kit stocked and on hand may be one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your family.

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