We all know that a First Aid Kit is one of the foundation blocks to being prepared for almost a survival incident or its aftermath.

What to pack in there besides basic first aid supplies, however, is open to question; here are some suggestions for a kit that goes beyond normal, but does not go overboard.

Antibiotic ointment and/or antibacterial herbal salves ( with calendula/tea tree oil/lavender oils)

Multiple sizes of adhesive bandages- (spot, knuckle, size 1×3 or 2 x 4 is great to cover most lacerations

Ace bandages- multiple sizes

Self adhering “Coban” wraps

Kerlix or rolled gauze

Steri strips and butterfly bandages to close minor lacerations

TONS of gauze/dressings (BOTH: sterile and non-sterile 4x4s. Include lots of non-adherent “telfa” pads so healing wounds won’t stick to the dressing)

Xeroform petrolatum dressings (non stick)

ABD pads (usually 5×9), also called combine dressings

12×30 trauma dressings

Maxi Pads and tampons- multi use materials

Tapes- include DUCT, adhesive and paper ( for adhesive tape allergies)

Quality bandage scissor/trauma shears ( ALL METAL, the plastic handle ones break cutting jean material!)

Pliable splinting material (“sam” splints – everything from finger splints to 36 inch rolls that you can cut to size)

Cast material Kit (comes in fiberglass or Plaster of Paris)

Moleskin with padding- for blisters

Scalpels (#10, #11, #15 most popular)

CPR masks

Paracord- multiple uses for this

LOTS of nitrile gloves -hypoallergenic (NEVER touch an open wound with bare hands if you can help it)

A few pair of sterile size 7 1/2 or 8 gloves (or more!)

Hand sanitizer/alcohol for cleaning hands and instruments

Antibacterial soap

Betadine swabs/wipes- wipes are great to make a betadine solution with water
60cc or 100cc syringe- for wound irrigation and cleaning

Antiseptics- get lots of various solutions, hibiclens is excellent

Universal Cervical collar

OPAs (Oral Airways) good for preventing occlusion of an airway due to an allergic reaction and while waiting for the epi pen or benadryl to reduce the swelling
BZK wipes-to clean hands/wounds – great for cleaning animal bites(may decrease rabies transmission)

Alcohol pads -to clean instruments/hands

Sting relief Pads

Masks- earloop surgical (for sick people)

N-95s (for healthy people to keep them from getting sick!)

Dermabond (Rx) or super glue ( may burn the skin)

Needle holder (if you are learning how to suture)

Sutures (2-0 nylon- don’t bother with 3-0 or smaller unless working with delicate skin on the face, eyelids, etc.

Skin stapler/remover and 2 adson forceps (if you or someone you know knows how to use properly)

Curved and straight Kelly clamps ( to remove foreign objects from wounds)

Tweezers

Several large safety pins

Magnifying glass

Light source -Pen light, head lamp, glow stick, flashlight

Tongue depressor(s)

Mylar blankets

Wool Blankets

Thermometer

Ammonia inhalants

Cold and Hot Packs (reusable and instant)

Blood pressure cuff/stethescope- a good quality set would be best

Chux Pads- for use in austere conditions to make a clean surface, also used under a patient to catch fluids, leaking or with incontinence

Clotting powders/dressings (Quikclot, Celox)- use 35,000 HU as a minimum for bleeding.

Styptic pencil- minor bleeding

Tourniquet- such as CAT

Pressure dressings – olaes modular bandage or Emergency Israeli bandage

Blood stopper dressings (dressing with 2 kerlix attached for wrapping)

Q-tips/cotton squares/cotton balls/cotton rolls

Cravat-style triangular bandages

Snake bit kit- must use within seconds of the bite or it is useless

Rubber bag (hot water bottle)

Athlete’s foot powder (lasts longer than creams)

Monistat cream (or equivalent)- for vaginal yeast infections

Eye cup

Eye wash
Eye pads/eye patch

An ear oil natural remedy

Claritin (non-drowsy antihistamine)- hay fever/allergies

Benadryl ( drowsy antihistamine)-allergic reactions to stings/medication/food. – It really puts you to sleep at 50mg dose, but this is a better dose for serious allergic reactions!

Epi-pen (Rx), if needed for anaphylactic reactions

Sudafed- decongestant, pain relievers/analgesics

Aspirin (not for children)

Tylenol

Ibuprofen

Witch Hazel- good for bug bites/stings and as an antiseptic for wounds. The main ingredient for treating hemorrhoids (with hydrocortisone cream).

Imodium-for diarrhea

hydrocortisone cream- anti-inflammatory, good for rashes

Gold Bond powder -for chafing, foot issues

Sunblock

Lip balm-I love carmex brand

Vaseline/Petroleum jelly- a million uses! Great to make non-stick dressings.

A&D ointment-great for rashes

Bag Balm-also great for rashes

Aloe vera- for burns

zinc oxide cream-useful for rashes and as a sunscreen

zinc oxide powder medical grade- to mix with Clove bud essential oil, and make a temporary dental filling

Vinegar (apple cider)

Multi-vitamins, extra vitamin C (tablets and powder), zinc, and other supplements to strengthen the immune system

A First Aid Kit is one of the basics of a sound survival cache, but most Kits only have the basics, which means a major survival situation will leave a number of people in dire straits as it pertains to caring for wounds, disease, and infections.

If you had everything on the list above, you are off to a good start – but there is still more you need to have in stock to ensure you can handle just about anything that comes along.

To learn about those other products, please visit Doom and Bloom.