PROJECT 49

FIRST AID KIT

You can’t really be prepared without owning a first aid kit. Even someone that does not self-identify as a “prepper” should have a first aid kit.

If you do not want to buy a ready built kit—either to save money, or to ensure you have quality materials tailored to your use, this project helps you create your own.

The materials listed are not exhaustive, and are just common items found in good kits. Feel free to substitute items or add to this list.

Material:

•   2 absorbent compress dressings (5 x 9 inches)

•   25 adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)

•   1 adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 inch)

•   package of moleskin for blisters.

•   5 antibiotic ointment packets (approximately 1 gram)

•   5 antiseptic wipe packets

•   2 packets of aspirin (81 mg each)

•   1 blanket (space blanket)

•   1 breathing barrier (with one-way valve)

•   1 instant cold compress

•   2 pair of non-latex gloves (size: large)

•   2 hydrocortisone ointment packets (approximately 1 gram each)

•   Scissors

•   1 roller bandage (3 inches wide)

•   1 roller bandage (4 inches wide)

•   5 sterile gauze pads (3 x 3 inches)

•   5 sterile gauze pads (4 x 4 inches)

•   Oral thermometer (non-mercury/non-glass)

•   Small penlight or flashlight.

•   2 triangular bandages

•   Tweezers

•   First aid instruction booklet

•   Index card

•   Pen

•   Personal prescriptions as appropriate

•   Small bag

Procedure:

1.     When packing emergency kits, I like to keep non-emergency, but commonly used items in outside pockets. Consider doing this with things like aspirin, ointments, and Band-Aids.

2.     Try to keep items used less commonly on the bottom of the pack to free room to store any emergency items like the breathing barrier and large bandages on top for quick access.

3.     Use the index card and pen to write any emergency phone numbers and instructions (like medical alert information)

4.     Check the kit regularly to ensure the flashlight works and nothing has been removed, contaminated, or expired.

Lessons Learned:

This kit gives the opportunity to discuss age appropriate emergency procedures. For young children it may be when (and when not) to dial 911. Older children may be ready for first aid instruction or actual certification courses.

By building this kit after you are familiar with the Doctor Game in project 33, you can have a fun discussion of what common items can be used to replace the items found in the kit. Examples would be duct tape for the moleskin or a bandanna for the triangular bandage.