Medical Reserve Corps: Gear & Supplies

The main equipment used by MRC volunteers will be provided at the centers to which they are assigned: the Disaster Hubs or the Disaster Medical Center. Please see the list of supplies provided in the Medical Lifelines section. MRC volunteers often like to have their own kits of gear that they can use when providing first aid support at events or when responding to emergencies on a Good Samaritan basis (without an official activation).

Recommended Personal Supplies

Basic Kit

☐ Acetaminophen (Tylenol). Check dosages for adults vs. children.

☐ Anti-diarrhea medication such as loperamide (Imodium)

☐ Anti-nausea medication such as bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol or Kaopectate) or dimenhydrinate (Dramamine)

☐ Chewable aspirin, 81 mg (for suspected heart attack)

☐ Antihistamines such as Diphenhydramine

☐ (Benadryl) for treatment of mild allergic reactions

☐ Trauma shears (to cut clothing or bandages)

☐ Box of adhesive bandages in various sizes

☐ Gauze pads

☐ Gauze rolls or self-adhesive wraps

☐ Feminine hygiene products (for stopping bleeding of wounds)

☐ Hemostatic gauze (to help blood clot)

☐ Tourniquet (a CAT tourniquet is recommended)

☐ Chest seal (Hyfin Vent) for open wounds to the chest

☐ Permanent marker (to record start time on tourniquet)

☐ Israeli bandage (with an applicator to apply pressure to a wound)

☐ Emergency (mylar) blanket to keep patient warm

☐ Hand sanitizer or sanitizing wipes

☐ Multiple pairs or boxes of Latex-free gloves

☐ Saline wound wash

☐ Goggles to protect your eyes

☐ Blood pressure cuff (manual or automatic)

☐ Stethoscope to listen to the heart, lungs, and abdomen

☐ Pulse oximeter to measure heart rate and oxygen levels (pack extra batteries)

☐ Disposable CPR masks

Advanced Kit

☐ All the items in the BASIC KIT plus the following:

☐ Anti-itch cream or spray (such as Benadryl spray or gel) or hydrocortisone cream for skin conditions such as insect bites, poison ivy/oak, rash, itching

☐ Burn gel for pain related to minor burns, road rash, or abrasions

☐ Triple antibiotic gel packets

☐ Vaseline packets for road rash or minor abrasions

☐ Alcohol swabs

☐ Instant cold packs

☐ SAM splint (moldable splint) to help stabilize an injured limb

☐ Triangle bandage to help stabilize an injured limb

☐ Glucose meter and testing supplies to assist with a suspected diabetic emergency (pack extra batteries)

☐ Tweezers to remove splinters and to pull gravel out of a road rash

☐ Irrigation syringes to help irrigate a wound with water

☐ Thermometer (use a digital one for speed; pack extra batteries)

☐ Pen and notebook (to track vitals and to record patient history and complaints)

☐ Flashlight to check eyes for responsiveness