List of ‘Collapse’ Medical Supplies
Here is an extensive list of First Aid preps and medical supplies to consider, especially for SHTF collapse when medical help may not be readily available as we’re accustomed to today.
We posted this a few years ago, and I’m re-posting this for your information, interest, and comment – as it is still pertinent today.
by ‘Nurse Amy’ of DoomAndBloom.net
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
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, cotton-tip 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 treat:
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
[Ken adds] If you’re looking for a small but practical general purpose First Aid Kit, awhile back I wrote an article about it as follows:
Best First Aid Kit