Emergency medical supplies can become very important!
You may find that you will have to take care of your family and your elderly loved ones, without medical assistance, during a natural disaster or emergency.
During a tornado, hurricane or earthquake, many people are injured, some slightly and others more seriously.
Since help will not always be immediately available, you should have, at the very least, a good first aid kit.
However, there are some other things that you can gather easily for your medical preparedness.
Photo courtesy of House of Sims
Prescription Medications that family members take routinely - Make sure that you have enough medication to last for at least 2 months. If you can possibly get it, a year's supply is better!
Over the counter medications - If you or your family routinely use over the counter medicines, make sure you have an ample supply of those on hand in your emergency medical supplies.
First aid book - You only need one or two to help you with first aid emergencies and first aid procedures. Decide on a book or two that you would be comfortable using. Some suggestions are:
The Merck Manual Home Health Handbook: Third Home Edition - The Merck Manual is used widely by healthcare professionals. This version, written for laymen, is excellent, giving you lots of information, but it's also written clearly and is easy to understand!
First Aid Kit - A good first aid kit for emergency situations should include these first aid supplies:
bandages
topical antiseptic
hydrogen peroxide
alcohol (for sterilizing things)
sewing needles (sterilize with alcohol or a burning match and use to remove splinters)
pain killers (Tylenol, Advil, etc.)
zinc lozenges
blood pressure monitor + batteries
scissors
tweezers
thermometer
hot water bag
ice bag – in an emergency, if you don't have an ice bag, use ice cubes in a plastic bag, wrapped in a dish cloth.
humidifier
bandage wrap (for sprains)
heating pad
syrup of Ipecac (use to induce vomiting in case of accidental poisoning)
electrolyte replacer like Pedialyte
latex or vinyl gloves
surgical respirator masks that filter airborne pathogens (N95 by 3M) - useful for viruses.
eye protectors – could be safety glasses or swimming goggles
Personal Needs - for each family member. For example, if you wear glasses or contact lenses, make sure that you have an extra pair of glasses and a sufficient supply of contacts.
You may already have most of these emergency medical supplies in your bathroom cabinet.
Try to get as many of these essential supplies as possible, so that you will be prepared to handle medical emergencies and injuries that may occur.
, by Stanley M. Zydio, James A. Hill
- Written for the person who is not a doctor, this is a great reference that will help you understand the medical condition and know what to do.
, by Mitchell J. Einzig, MD.
- The Merck Manual is used widely by healthcare professionals. This version, written for laymen, is excellent, giving you lots of information, but it's also written clearly and is easy to understand!
