First Aid Preparedness: Part 1

One of the most important, and often overlooked, aspects of preparedness is the family first aid kit. The ones you can buy in the stores that are pre-packed are usually very expensive and very limited. Therefore, it is more economical to build your own.

The first thing you will need is a plastic tote to put your supplies in. I would advise an orange or red rubbermaid or sterilite tote. These can be easily found at your local Walmart after Halloween and Christmas.

Then, to stock it. I have complied a list of some items that you may want to consider including in your first aid kit:

• Antiseptic like Povidone Iodine.
• Rubbing alcohol for wound and tool sterilization.
• Hydrogen Peroxide.
• Antibiotic cream like Neosporin and the type. Store brands work just as well as the name brands.
• Hydrocortisone Cream.
• Band Aids of all sizes, at least three or four boxes. Waterproof is best. 
• Superglue, for sealing cuts and preventing infections. (They use superglue in hospitals as well.)
• Non-stick gauze pads of various sizes and surgical tape for wounds that are too deep for band aids. 
•  Campho-Phenique for bug bites and stings.
• A few ACE bandages of different sizes.
• A splint.
• Activated Charcoal, in case of ingestion of anything potentially poisonous.
• Pain Relief tablets like Ibuprofin or Excedrin. If you have children, make sure to get some children's Motrin and some medicine droppers or cups.
• Low dose asprin. 
• Cold Packs
• Curved upholstery needles, locking needle nose pliers, and lightweight fishing line for stitching wounds if needed. (Learn How To)
• Latex or non-latex gloves for sanitation purposes.
• Hemostat Powder to help stop bleeding. Veterinary grade is fine for human use, and a lot cheaper.
• A sport bottles of water, the kind with the pop-top, for eye rinsing. 
• Hand Sanitizer or alcohol wipes.
•  A Snake Bite Kit for extracting snake venom. Make sure to use an application of activated charcoal as well to treat the wound and destroy any venom that may have been missed. See how HERE.

This short list would be a good start to any emergency first aid kit. Many suggest also including a military grade field surgical kit like THIS ONE, if so desired. Others suggest a wound stapling kit, but from having parents and grandparents who have had staples, they are a lot more difficult to maintain, and stitching is my preferred method for larger wounds.

Do you have any other suggestions? Post them below!

Part 2 coming soon, tips, how-to's, and herbal first aid.