Medical Supplies – Stock Up!
February 4, 2012
After I wrote my post yesterday, I also came across and reread a guest post we had by ‘Nurse Amy’. Posted on January 18, 2012, it’s titled, ‘List of ‘Collapse’ Medical Supplies’. As I was reading through her list of medical supplies that you should have as a prepper, I thought to myself, “Oh, we have those. Yup, we have that.”
Well, there is one thing I can tell you from my ‘first hand’ experience. “You can never have enough medical supplies.” I know that my wonderful husband, Nurse Ken, can attest to this as well.
I had four separate areas with dressings that needed to be changed 3 times a day. It is amazing how many 3×3 and other size sterile and non-stick sterile pads, as well as these ‘giant’ sterile Q-tips we went through over the time we were changing these dressings. Not too mention how many alcohol wipes, tape and bandage scissors we went through. Believe me that I learned how important it is to keep these boo boos clean!
So, please rethink your medical supplies. Will that one box of 25, 3×3 pads be enough in a collapse? Probably not, definitely not! How about that one box of alcohol swabs and band-aids? I say get more!
Another gem that I’m glad we purchased awhile ago is this first aid manual from the American Red Cross, The American Red Cross First Aid and Safety Handbook
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I am a Survivor!
February 3, 2012Hello there everyone!
I am back. Back to helping Ken with the Modern Survival Blog site and back to being an active participant in this crazy world we all live in day to day.
For those of you that are not aware, I had 4 brain surgeries in 2011. Finally, I have had a chance to recover and gain some strength back. This past year was a real struggle for the both of us, a physical, as well as a mental survival test. I can tell you now that not only am I a survivor, but Ken is too.
This whole ‘chapter’ of our lives made us realize that the word ‘survivor’ can be applied in several different ways. If you look in the dictionary, one definition is: To carry on despite hardships or trauma; persevere. This is what I think of when we talk about preppers and people that are prepared for surviving a catastrophe. The second definition I found was this: To remain alive or in existence. Well, I guess that sums me up! I am, of course, very thankful to our Lord and the talented surgeons and health care workers that took care of me.
Ken was also a survivor during this past year. He was a ‘mental’ survivor. He was at the hospital everyday that I was there. He was worried and praying, dealing with the surgeons and holding my hand.
This kind of survival made me realize that whether you truly survive or not, could be entirely in someone else’s hands. We prep, we prepare, we are ready to bug in or bug out, but how many of us are prepared for a medical catastrophe?
Do you have health insurance? Are you stocked up on your prescriptions? Do you have first aid supplies? Are you trained in CPR? Are you ready to deal with your insurance company to get procedures authorized? Oh, we have learned that insurance companies can be ‘brutal’. Did you know that high blood pressure is a ‘pre-existing’ condition? How prepared are you medically? Would this type of situation make your spousal relationship stronger or weaker?
Oh sure, having extra food and weapons is a nice preparation. But this is a reminder to take a step back and look at your preparedness regarding medical situations as well. They will not go away when the SHTF!
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List of ‘Collapse’ Medical Supplies
January 18, 2012
Ken adds: Dr. Bones and Nurse Amy have a unique website in this survival niche, and I enjoy reading their posts with their combined medical backgrounds. I am happy to post this article and help promote their website.
Guest post: by ‘Nurse Amy’
Here’s my list of Collapse medical supplies with natural remedies included( we should have these as back-ups or for first use supplies to save commercially made items!). Dr.Bones and I spend a lot of time and energy researching “back-up” plans for traditional medicine. We want YOU to have the knowledge to provide medical help if we have a collapse. I have planted over 60 different medicinal herbs in my raised beds and am learning how incredible natural remedies can be.
Collapse medical supplies:
oral antibiotics- may also include garlic oil, honey,cayenne,thyme oil,peppermint oil and eucalyptus oil as herbal alternatives or fresh garlic or ginger
OR if you can’t acquire Rx antibiotics, see our 4 part series that discusses antibiotics/their fish antibiotic equivalents and how to use them, this is part one: http://doctorbonesandamyshow.blogspot.com/2011/11/antibiotics-and-their-use-in-collapse.html
antibiotic ointment and/or antibacterial herbal salve ( with calendula/tea tree oil/lavender oils)
multi size bandages- lots of these in several sizes, spot, knuckle, size 1×3 is great to cover most lacerations
ace bandages- 3 or 4
steri strips and butterfly bandages to close minor lacerations
TONS of gauze/dressings (sterile and non-sterile 4x4s)
include lots of “telfa” pads( non-adherent-so healing wounds won’t stick to the dressing) and a xeroform petroleum dressing (non stick)
ABD pads (usually 5×9) also called combine dressings
10×30 trauma dressing
tapes- include duct, adhesive and paper ( for adhesive tape allergies)
quality bandage scissor/trauma shear ( ALL METAL, the plastic handle ones break cutting jean material!)
Pliable fracture material
mole skin- for blisters
scalpels
LOTS of nitrile gloves
a couple pair of sterile size 7 1/2 gloves
hand sanitizer
betadine swabs/wipes
BZK wipes-to clean hands/wounds
alcohol pads
masks- surgical(for sick people) and N-95s(for healthy people to keep them from getting sick!)
dermabond (Rx) OR super glue ( may burn the skin)
needle holder and sutures (2-0 nylon- don’t bother with 3-0 or smaller- higher the number=smaller the needle!)
curved kelley clamp ( to remove foreign objects from wounds)
tweezers
several large safety pins
magnifying glass
pen light
tongue depressor(s)
clotting powders/dressings- cayenne ppepper powder may help minor bleeding
styptic pencil- minor bleeding
quality tourniquet- only use in severe bleeding that will stop with a major pressure dressing or clotting agents
olaes modular bandage
or
Israel bandage
blood stopper dressing (dressing with 2 kerlix attached for wrapping)
Q-tips
cravet triangle bandages
snake bit kit
rubber bag (hot water bottle)
Re-useable GEL packs- can be cooled OR heated
aquatabs
Fels naptha soap- to wash off poison Ivy,oak or sumac from skin and clothes (also a great clothes detergent)
dental kit- toothpicks, dental mirror, cottontip applicators, dental filling material ( commercial or mix zinc oxide powder and 2 drops clove oil), pill cups for mixing the dental filling,
baking soda, hydrogen peroxide and 2 drops of peppermint oil make a great gum treatment and toothpaste
extra essential clove oil (numbs dental pain when applied directly
Eye cup
eye wash
eye pads/eye patch
an Ear oil natural remedy ( usually has garlic oil and mullein oil)- use 2 warmed drops in the affected ear and place a cotton ball over the ear canal secured with paper tape, repeat 3 times daily.
claritin (non-drowsy antihistamine)- hay fever/allergies
benadryl ( drowsy antihistamine)-allergic reactions to stings/medication/food/contact with irritants/this is the other ingredient in tylenol PM! It really puts you to sleep at 50mg dose, but this is a better dose for serious allergic reactions!
epipen (Rx), if needed for serious allergic reactions
sudafed-decongestant,
eucalyptus essential oil- also a decongestant and good for coughs ( direct or steam inhalation/ a good insect repellent
pain relievers/analgesics- aspirin (not for children) /Tylenol/ibuprofen
arnica essential oil/salve (great mixed with St.John’s Wort)- also an analgesic used externally in very dilute amounts (6-12 drops per ounce of carrier oil) see my articles (doomandbloom.net) on Natural Medical Kit:Essential oils. Great for bruises, joint and muscle pain, fracture pain, use ONLY on intact skin.
Other Analgesic Essential Oils -Consider 1 or 2 of these – lavender,chamomile,rosemary,eucalyptus, marjoram
Imodium-for diarrhea tx
hydrocortisone cream- anti-inflammatory, good for rashes
helichrysum essential oil- also anti-inflammatory and additionally an analgesic
Lip balm-I love carmex brand
zinc oxide cream-rashes and a sunscreen
zinc oxide powder medical grade- to mix with Clove bud essential oil, and make a temporary dental filling
Raw honey-externally for serious burns/internally mix with garlic oil for an antibiotic and sore throat tx
tea tree essential oil-antiseptic/antifungal/insect bite tx/burn tx
lavender essential oil-analgesic/antiseptic/calming effect for insomnia,stress/skin care-rashes and cuts
peppermint essential oil-respiratory and nasal congestion/Headache tx 1 drop to temples or inhale vapors/also good for digestive disorders/achy joints and muscle tx/ use 2 drops on toothbrush with baking soda
geranium essential oil- decreases bleeding when applied to wound/lowers blood sugar/burn tx
/antibacterial
thieves blend essential oil- A mix of clove,lemon,cinnamon,eucalyptus and rosemary oils- Antibiotic/antiseptic/and a host of other actions.
chamomile tea bags- internally relaxing,headache tx and digestive problems/ external compress for burns,bee stings
ginger tea bags- internally good for nausea, stomachaches, digestive problems like gas and bloating, also good for motion sickness (crystallized ginger is an alternative, but weighs more)
echinacea/elderberry tea bags- supports immune system, decreases flu and cold duration
aloe vera
laxative tea bags- usually contains senna mixed with other herbs for a better flavor
powdered Gatorade-for rehydration drinks ( to tx dehydration)
multi-vitamins, extra vit c and zinc
With the above list you can handle:
colds/flu/cough/sore throat/lung congestion
aches and pains
allergies/allergic reactions
skin irritations and conditions
digestive upsets and nausea
constipation/diarrhea
bug bites/ bee stings/ contact dermatitis( poison ivy/oak/)
burns/sunburn
minor cuts. scrapes and lacerations-including suturing
headaches, sinus congestion
ear/eye/dental issues
stress and anxiety
oral hygiene and basic dental tx
surface disinfectant
insect repellent
and wash clothes!
I hope this helps, I have spent almost 2 years researching what would be really helpful and USEFUL in a collapse situation. Airways and ambu bags without a hospital to transfer the patient to, are mostly a waste of money. I would concentrate on the supplies you will need most and will likely be able use without too much training. Knowledge is power!
Nurse Amy
www.doomandbloom.net
(submit your own guest post here)
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Totally Drug Resistant Tuberculosis Strain
January 17, 2012
The LA Times, AP, and other media outlets are reporting that a dozen people are infected in India by a 100% drug resistant strain of Tuberculosis. All antibiotics are having no apparent affect on the lung disease.
Over time, TB-causing bacteria have become resistant to more and more types of antibiotics — and, now, apparently, ALL antibiotics.
Officials fear that what they’ve seen so far is just the beginning, and that many more cases are lurking undetected.
“Short of quarantining them in hospitals with isolation facilities till they become non-infectious – which is not practical or possible – there is nothing else one can do to prevent transmission.”
Source: LA Times
The Indian hospital that saw the initial cases tested a dozen medicines and none of them worked, a pretty comprehensive assessment. A TB expert at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said they do appear to be totally resistant to available drugs.
An estimated 20 percent of the world’s multi-drug-resistant cases are found in India, which is home to a quarter of all types of tuberculosis cases worldwide.
What is tuberculosis (TB)?
Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial disease caused by germs that are spread from person to person through the air. TB usually affects the lungs. Other parts of the body can also be affected, for example lymph nodes, kidneys, bones, or joints. In most cases, TB is treatable; however, persons with TB can die if they do not get proper treatment.
The symptoms of TB include a low-grade fever, night sweats, fatigue, weight loss and a persistent cough. Some people may not have obvious symptoms.
Most people infected with the germ that causes TB never develop active TB. If active TB does develop, it can occur two to three months after infection or years later.
Risk?
An ongoing and increasing health risk in today’s modern world is transmissible disease spread rapidly by air travel. Unknowing carriers can spread disease before even realizing they themselves are infected, a process which could speed up exponentially as time progresses.
As this world becomes more ‘global’, so do the risks. Be aware of this, particularly in public.
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Natural Remedies To Boost Immune System
December 27, 2011
The Immune System is the body’s defense mechanism to handle invaders. It is an amazing work of nature. It does a very good job of fighting off illnesses and infections when it is in good condition. It is absolutely vital that you have a good strong immune system to fight off diseases, infections and all manner of ills. It is possible to boost your immune system naturally, and build it up into your best defense mechanism.
For survival preparedness, everything starts with YOU. You must be healthy and able to physically deal with what may come your way. Knowing some basic but powerful natural remedies to boost your own immune system will help keep you strong, without necessarily relying on Big-Pharma.
Here is a list of immune boosting remedies, while I’m sure there are plenty more…
Adopt a positive frame of mind. Laughter can be better than drugs.
Keep your body and its mechanisms MOVING! This means moving the body muscles as in regular exercise.
Drink plenty of fresh, clean water each day. You should drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of filtered water a day to drain the ‘waste’ fluids from your bodies cells.
Obtain plenty of rest and sleep, at least 8 hours, but 9 is better.
Reduce stress as much as possible. Stress of most kinds weakens the body.
Vitamin C may be the single most important nutrient for the immune system. It has direct effect on bacteria and viruses. Vitamin C should be taken with bioflavonoids, natural plant substances that enhance absorption and reinforce the action of this vitamin.
Garlic is effective against at least 30 types of bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi. It has anti-inflammatory properties.
Bayberry has antibiotic effects for sore throat, coughs, colds and flu.
Echinacea boosts the immune system and enhances lymphatic function. It is particularly effective at fighting viral infections, such as the cold and flu.
Almonds, an immune-strengthening antioxidant.
Green tea can stimulate production of immune cells
Have a glass of red wine and you may help your body take out a few potentially harmful foreign bodies. Certain components in wine seem to be helpful in killing infectious bacteria, such as salmonella. But be careful. Drinking too much alcohol can cause your immune system to become depressed, leaving you more open to infection. A glass a day should do the trick.
A cup of kale will give you your daily requirement of vitamin A. Vitamin A is an antioxidant that helps your body fight cancer cells and is essential in the formation of white blood cells. Vitamin A also increases the ability of antibodies to respond to invaders.
It a known fact that for an optimal immune function a healthy diet is the best solution. One should ensure the diet includes fruits, vegetables, beans, seeds, whole grains, and nuts. The diet should be low in fats and refined sugars, and include foods high in carotenes such as yellow and orange squash, dark greens, carrots, yams, sweet potatoes, red peppers and tomatoes. Cabbage family foods (Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli, radish and turnip) help prevent low immunity. The diet Must contain adequate amounts of protein. Flavonid rich berries, garlic, yogurt and artichoke also help boost immunity.
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Did You Know? Smoke Detectors Expire
December 21, 2011Smoke detectors expire. Yes, after about a decade their sensors lose sensitivity.
The U.S. Fire Administration says most alarms installed today have a life span of about 8-10 years. After this time, the entire unit should be replaced. It is a good idea to write the date of purchase with a marker on the inside of your alarm so you will know when to replace it. Some of the newer alarms already have the purchase date written inside. In any event, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for replacement.
Many people change their smoke detector batteries during the New Year (an easy way to remember), so this year while you think about it, it may be a good idea to figure out how old your detectors are, and replace them if they are approaching 8 to 10 years.
Ever wondered how a smoke detector works?
A typical ‘optical’ smoke detector uses an infrared LED beam of light that shines through a lens that will collimate the beam (make it parallel and bring it in line) which then projects in front of, and past, a photoelectric sensor (without hitting it). When smoke enters the collimated beam of light, some of it will scatter and direct some of the light at the sensor, which in turn triggers the alarm.
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Carbon Monoxide, Winter’s Silent Killer
December 15, 2011
An important re-post, with winter upon us in the northern hemisphere…
Carbon Monoxide is odorless, colorless, and tasteless. If you are being accidentally poisoned, you may not know it until it is too late, possibly while you sleep.
Carbon monoxide is produced whenever a fuel such as gas, oil, kerosene, or wood is burned. The amount produced depends on the quality of the burn, or combustion. A poor burn or improper ventilation will build up a high concentration in the home.
Carbon Monoxide in high concentrations, starves the oxygen from bodily tissues, which could lead to seizure, coma, and fatality. Preliminary symptoms are flu-like and include headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, fatigue, and weakness.
It is said that about 500 people die each year in the US from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning while thousands require emergency treatment.
Carbon Monoxide is a gas, weighs slightly less than air, and will tend to rise and accumulate more-so upstairs in a home if the heating system is malfunctioning. However, the first floor is still vulnerable under the same circumstances.
A furnace that is not completely and efficiently burning all of its fuel (poor combustion) will produce excess Carbon Monoxide. Furnaces with air intake filters can clog, causing poor fuel combustion and high Carbon Monoxide levels. Furnaces with improper venting will release high amounts of Carbon Monoxide into the living area.
Prevention is the key to survival. Preventing Carbon Monoxide poisoning is a three step process. Ensure proper venting, proper combustion, and proper detection.
Carbon Monoxide detection can only be trusted to a quality Carbon Monoxide detector. Truly, every home that has a heating system that burns oil, natural gas, kerosene, or wood, should have at least one detector. Best to have one on each level of the home.
As we head into the winter months, please consider protecting your family from the unthinkable. Just like a home smoke alarm, a Carbon Monoxide detector could save your life from winter’s silent killer.
There are quite a lot of Carbon Monoxide detectors out there to pick from. Here is a popular brand detector that has an actual readout of the present level (many do not), and is battery operated like a typical smoke alarm, and can be mounted anywhere. This is not a specific endorsement – any Carbon Monoxide detector is better than none. Browse around and find what suits you.
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