Medical: Household Plan
When disaster strikes, medical responders may not be able to get to you for a while. You want to have basic life-saving medical supplies on hand and know how to use them. The first aid supplies you put together will be determined in part by your level of training.
Keep first aid kits in different locations (at home, in your car, on your bike, etc.) for various purposes. Create each kit to fit the situation.
You can purchase a ready-made kit from a reputable provider, such as MyMedic or Adventure Medical Kits, or build your own using our list.
Be sure to get some training:
CPR/AED
Stop the Bleed
First Aid
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)
☐ 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
☐ Latex-free gloves
☐ Saline wound wash
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
☐ Blood pressure cuff (manual or automatic)
☐ Stethoscope to listen to the heart, lungs, and abdomen
☐ Glucose meter and testing supplies to assist with a suspected diabetic emergency (pack extra batteries)
☐ Disposable CPR masks
☐ Pulse oximeter to measure heart rate and oxygen levels (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
☐ Goggles to protect your eyes