Don’t Forget! – Medical Supplies

When doctors are not available

In a global disaster situation, doctors will become extremely scarce. You’ll need to know how to deal with most injuries and ailments on your own. Start by obtaining medical supplies. Your best bet is to purchase pre-stocked medical bags. This takes the guesswork out of locating various medical supplies one at a time. Look for a pre-stocked M-3 medic bag or a pre-stocked first responder trauma bag. These will cover all the basics for you.

Your medical supplies

Some other medical supplies that you will want to locate include military-grade surgical instruments, a surgical/suture kit, a can or cylinder of oxygen, and an IV kit. An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a good idea as well. If left unused, its battery will last four or five years, depending on the model.

Proper medical training is essential

If you don’t understand how to use your equipment, you’ll have to rely on others to help you. Take home training courses like the US Army Tactical Combat Casualty Care correspondence course or the Combat Lifesaver home study course. Pick up books like Where There is No Doctor, Ship Captain’s Medical Guide, Survival and Austere Medicine, and Special Operations Forces Medical Handbook. All of these can be located with a quick web search.

Learn how to use your lifesaving tools!