The Survival Medicine Handbook (4th Ed.)
Joseph Alton MD & Amy Alton ARNP700 pages for when no hospital exists. 100+ medical issues with step-by-step treatments and natural remedies.
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The Paranoid Way
How to Build a First Aid Kit
51 items in 6 sections. One A4 page, printable.
Buy the checklist pack, $9- Digital thermometerDetects fever early. A basic indicator for many conditions.
- Pulse oximeterMonitors blood oxygen. Critical for respiratory illness.
- Blood pressure cuff (manual)If anyone in the household has hypertension. Learn to use it.
- Tweezers (pointed tip)Splinter and tick removal.
- Medical gloves (nitrile, 10+ pairs)Protects both you and the patient. Nitrile is latex-free.
- CPR pocket maskBarrier device for rescue breathing. Small, flat, fits in any kit.
- Suture kit or wound closure stripsFor deeper cuts that need closure. Steri-Strips are easier for non-medical users.
- Irrigation syringeFor flushing wounds with pressure. 20-60ml size.
- FFP3 or N95 respiratorsRated masks, not surgical ones. Smoke, dust, and airborne contamination.
- Hand disinfectant and antiseptic gelThe first thing to run out and the cheapest infection control there is.
- Tourniquet (CAT or SOFT-T)Stops life-threatening limb bleeding. The single most critical trauma item.
- Pressure bandage (Israeli bandage)Applies direct pressure to wounds. Self-contained dressing and wrap.
- Hemostatic gauze (QuikClot)Promotes clotting in deep wounds. Pack into the wound, apply pressure.
- Chest seal (vented)For penetrating chest wounds. Prevents air from entering the chest cavity.
- Trauma shearsCut clothing to access wounds. Blunt tips prevent further injury.
- SAM splintMoldable aluminum splint for fractures and sprains. Lightweight, versatile.
- Elastic bandage (ACE wrap)Compression for sprains, securing splints, and reducing swelling.
- Emergency thermal blanketShock and blood loss both drop core temperature. Treating that is part of treating the wound.
- Adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)For minor cuts and scrapes. Include butterfly closures for deeper cuts.
- Sterile gauze pads (4x4 and 2x2)Primary wound dressing. Stock at least 20.
- Gauze rollsFor wrapping wounds and securing dressings. Both 2-inch and 4-inch widths.
- Medical tapeHolds dressings in place. Cloth tape sticks better than paper in wet conditions.
- Antiseptic wipes or solutionBetadine or chlorhexidine. For cleaning wounds before dressing.
- Antibiotic ointmentPrevents infection in minor wounds. Triple antibiotic (Neosporin or equivalent).
- Sterile saline (wound irrigation)Flushing debris from wounds. Small squeeze bottles are ideal.
- Non-adherent dressingsCome off a burn or a graze without taking the healing surface with them.
- Triangular bandageSling, pressure pad, tie, or a way to immobilise an arm against the chest.
- Daily medications (30-90 day supply)Whatever your household members take daily. Rotate stock by using oldest first.
- EpiPen (if anyone has severe allergies)Check expiration dates quarterly. Carry two if prescribed.
- Inhaler (if anyone has asthma)Keep a spare in the kit. Check expiration.
- Insulin and supplies (if diabetic)Insulin requires temperature management. Include glucose tablets and a glucometer.
- Blood pressure medicationIf applicable. Missing doses in a crisis can be dangerous.
- Antibiotics (if available by prescription)Discuss with your doctor. Some will prescribe a small emergency supply.
- Birth control and reproductive healthA crisis is the worst time for an unplanned pregnancy. Include what you need.
- Pain relievers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen)Both types. Ibuprofen for inflammation, acetaminophen for fever.
- Antihistamines (diphenhydramine)Allergic reactions, insect stings, sleep aid in emergencies.
- Anti-diarrheal (loperamide)Dehydration from diarrhea is a serious risk in survival situations.
- Antacid tabletsStomach issues are common under stress. Tums or equivalent.
- Oral rehydration saltsReplaces electrolytes lost to vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive sweating.
- Anti-nausea medicationDramamine or equivalent. Motion sickness and stress-related nausea.
- Hydrocortisone creamRashes, insect bites, allergic skin reactions.
- Cough and cold remedyThe commonest thing that makes a crowded shelter unbearable for everyone in it.
- Children's medications (weight-dosed)Pediatric ibuprofen, acetaminophen, antihistamine. Dosing by weight, not age.
- Dental emergency kitTemporary filling material, clove oil for pain, dental wax.
- Eye wash and spare glassesFlush debris, treat irritation. Spare corrective lenses if applicable.
- Menstrual suppliesPads, tampons, or cup. Stock for at least two cycles.
- Burn care (silver sulfadiazine, burn gel)For thermal and chemical burns. Cool, cover, and manage pain.
- Snakebite / sting kitRegion-dependent. Know your local venomous species.
- First aid reference card or bookLaminated quick-reference card at minimum. Full manual if space allows.
- Spare batteries for assistive devicesHearing aids, glucose sensors and pumps. In the exact sizes, checked for date.
- Potassium iodide tabletsIssued by the state in some countries for radiological events. Take only when the authorities instruct it, never pre-emptively.
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