Sterile 4×4 gauze, one large package for each family memberBasic First Aid Supplies and Training
Depending on the nature and extent of the disaster, immediate medical care may be nothing more than a fond memory. Most homes probably have a half-empty box of adhesive bandages (at best), as well as maybe a mostly empty tube of antibiotic ointment that expired around the time Clinton was dodging scandals. Homes with young children may have a bit more on hand, but likely nowhere near what’s truly prudent.
Jane-Alexandra Krehbiel is a registered nurse and has years of practical experience in the field. Here is her recommended supply list for a well-stocked first aid kit for preppers, taken from her article “Basic Survival First Aid Kit,” which appeared on SurvivalWeekly.com.
BASIC SUPPLIES: WOUND
Sterile 4×4 gauze, one large package for each family member
Sterile 2×2 gauze, one package for each family member
Clean 4×4 gauze, one package for each family member
Clean 2×2 gauze, one package for each family member
A triangular bandage for each family member
Large safety pins
Roller gauze (6–8 in a variety of sizes, used to secure dressings)
Several chemical ice packs
A variety of adhesive bandages
Butterfly bandages
Elastic bandages (both small and large)
Spray bottle of normal saline (marketed as nasal saline) as gentle eye rinse
Three types of wound tape—paper, surgical, plaster (multiple uses)
Sterile cotton swabs (about 200)
Several packages of various protective medical masks
Note: Sterile gauze should be placed in contact with a wound, and the clean gauze can be used as padding over it. Remember that although this may sound like a lot of gauze, one serious wound can consume your supplies in just a few days.
BASIC SUPPLIES: GENERAL
Neosporin cream, several tubes
Hydrogen peroxide, 2 bottles
Isopropyl alcohol, 2 bottles
Povidone iodine, 2 bottles
Diphendydramine (Benadryl or generic) topical liquid for insect bites
Needle-nose or fine splinter forceps (tweezers)
Hemostats
Dollar-store reading glasses as magnifiers if you’re over forty, for removing splinters
Glass thermometers in protective casing, both rectal and oral varieties
Paramedic shears or blunt scissors
Vinyl medical gloves (1–2 boxes); avoid latex because of possible allergies
Plain, inexpensive, and deodorant-free sanitary napkins (multiple uses)
Wire splint
Rubber tourniquet
GENERAL MEDICATIONS
For each item I mention here, you should have a source of this medication for each family member. What I mean by this is that if you have infants and children, then you must stock Tylenol (acetaminophen) for each age group: drops for infants, chewables for children, and tablets for adults. The one exception is aspirin, which should not be given to children under eighteen without a physician’s order, because in the presence of a viral syndrome, it’s implicated in causing Reye’s Syndrome.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Aspirin
Imodium A-D
Pepto-Bismol
Diphendydramine (Benadryl)
Iosat for all family members, to be used in the event of a nuclear disaster
Omeprazole
Claritin dissolving tabs (Loratadine)
Ibuprofen (Advil etc.)
Ipecac bottle (to induce vomiting following certain poisonings)
Note: Always keep thirty days’ worth of prescription medications you use on an ongoing basis.
SPECIAL NEEDS CONSIDERATIONS
DIABETES
Prescription glucagon injection
Ketodiastix
Insulin syringes and your injectable insulin(s)
Source of sugar or juice to treat hypoglycemia
A spare glucometer with extra battery, strips, lancets, and supplies
Insulin pump supplies, and pump batteries and peripherals (if you use a pump)
ALLERGIC EMERGENCIES (ANAPHYLAXIS)
Speak with your physician about the possibility that you or a family member should carry an Epipen.
ASTHMA
Prescription inhaler
Nebulizer (battery operated, in case of power failure)
Medications and normal saline for nebulizer treatments
A well-stocked first aid kit will allow your family to treat many common injuries and illnesses. While there’s no substitute for proper medical care administered by an experienced professional, there are certainly times when that just isn’t feasible. When that happens, you’ll have to make do with what you have. For more information on first aid kits, see http://survivalweekly.com/downloadable-files/basic-survival-first-aid-kit.
TASKS
1. Beginning this week, start assembling your first aid supplies. Use the list you made back in Section I as a guide to what you have and what you need. Buy what you need as you can and watch the sale fliers from your local stores. Stock up when the price is low.
2. All the supplies in the world won’t do you much good if you don’t know how to properly use them. This week, I want you to look into first aid classes in your area. Check the Red Cross or your local technical schools and community colleges. If a college or tech school seems cost-prohibitive, ask about “auditing” the class. For a reduced fee, you can attend the class, but you don’t receive a letter grade for doing so. Unless you have a compelling reason to get that grade, this is a great, low-cost option.
SAVINGS
Add $10 to your Prepper Savings Account.
TOTAL PREPPER SAVINGS ACCOUNT: 
WATER STORAGE
One gallon (or two 2-liter bottles) per person or a case of bottled water for the household.
TOTAL WATER STORAGE:
GROCERY LIST
3 cans vegetables, your choice
2 cans fruit, your choice, but stick with those packed in water or juice, rather than syrup
2 cans meat (tuna, chicken, beef), your choice
2 cans soup, not condensed (they require water)
1 jar jelly or fruit preserves
1 box (12 packages) ramen noodles
1 bottle multivitamins
1 lb dry beans, your choice
