Attached is a .pdf of my article on setting up a medical kit for those times when there might not be any type of medical support infrastructure in existence. Even if medical facilities and supply infrastructures are nonexistent it is highly likely that trained medical personnel will still be around. Possibly in a prep group or as part of the general surviving population. Unfortunately, it has been my experience that even trained, working medical practitioners of many types tend to not have extensive medical kits of their own. Some do not even have much in the way of home first-aid kits and particularly first-aid kits in their vehicles. Yes, many do, but considering the number of people in medical professions, the number is pretty low.
For that reason I began to develop this list years ago as a reminder list primarily for when I was working on first-aid kits for myself and a couple of the groups I was assisting. As I observed more and more sets of circumstances during disaster situations and extrapolated some of those into the worst-case-scenario planning that I tend to do I began to add more categories as well as more individual items until the mid-80s when this version of the then extended first-aid kit list became the Home Only-Aid Medical Kit in its current form.
I have continued to add items as well as a couple of new categories since then as new products came onto the market and new experiences, observations, and real-world events had me considering even more things that fell under the overall concept.
The attachment is the most current version of the 'kit', though it is still a WIP (work-in-progress). Now, it is not a get one of everything kind of list. Not only would it cost a not inconsiderable fortune, but it would also take up quite a bit of space. Also, many of the items are not for use by those not trained in their use. Many can cause great harm if used by laypeople without the knowledge and training to use them properly.
Another aspect is that while many of the items can be used to possibly save a person's life, during and after a major event which results in the total breakdown of our modern society and there is no working medical infrastructure, saving a life may be only very temporary as there are so many situations where without modern medical care and extended support the victim will not survive anyway.
Triage, important in all major and many minor disasters is going to be even more important in situations leading up to and into a PAW (Post Apocalyptic World) situation that results in the only medical care available will be what the individual, family, and small groups can provide. That is not going to be sufficient for many major and some minor injuries and illnesses. There are times when making someone comfortable, and their family and friends is going to be not only the best choice, but the only choice.
There is also the rather painful truth that using consumable supplies for someone that is simply not going to make it could very well cost the life of someone else when those supplies would save them if they are still available. It is often better for a medical professional to make the decision than it is for family or friends. (Though certainly not always, as there are repercussions in those situations as well that can turn into serious conflicts within a group.) It is not going to be easy, but thinking about things like this now will make it easier, though that is not a good choice of words, if/when those decisions must be made.
Anyway, the list and information and opinions are in the attachment. Do your own due diligence research and decide what items you might want to add to existing equipment and supplies, considering what you think might occur, the timeframe, your budget, amount of medical knowledge and skills directly available to you, and what you consider might be available in various situations, and make your own choices.
And remember, I am not a doctor or any other kind of medical practitioner, and cannot take responsibility for anyone using the information in any way. Everything is just my opinion and the reader must take on the responsibility of how they use the information.
I welcome any comments, suggestions, and recommendations on how I might improve the list.
11 Replies
1744 Views