There is no question why every home should be well-provisioned with medical supplies. The importance of this is further stressed by the onslaught of Covid-19. If you are among those who are wary of going to a hospital, this article will help in making your home ready for medical emergencies.
Related: Medical Supplies Disaster Prepared Kits
Emergency Medical Supplies in Every Home
Based on a study conducted by Kaiser Family Foundation, health care spending in 2020 dropped by 32% compared to the previous year. Reading this analysis at the surface level, one would conclude that more people are getting healthier. But the truth is, the steep drop in medical spending is merely the effect of COVID-19.
Article Source: Healthcare Spending in 2020 May Drop, Reversing Longtime Growth Trend: Study
Emergency Medical Supplies in Every Home
Due to fear of contracting the virus, people just chose to stay in their homes instead of visiting medical facilities. If their health conditions are not that serious, they would rather self-treatment. The trend brought about by the pandemic is to rely on home medications. The negative side to this is not every home is well-equipped with proper medical supplies.
Why Invest High on Medical Supply
It pays to be well-prepared during medical emergencies. Not only that you need to learn first-aid but you also have the proper equipment at your disposal. Having the right medical supplies is the key. We cannot stress this any further.
If we are willing to invest in luxury items such as costly sneakers or furniture, why scrimp on the essentials. Medical supplies are a must-have in every household. Cost is a non-issue when we are talking about the health and safety of your loved ones. That is why it is wise to invest in a complete set of high-quality medical supplies.
First Aid Kit: First Line of Defense
Think of life as a constant war against sickness. During the battle, you should always prepare yourself no matter what. It’s your family’s life that is on the line. In this stealthy warfare, a first aid kit functions as your first line of defense. During an emergency when no doctor is available, it is just you and a well-provisioned first aid kit. The efficiency of your medical supplies will determine the outcome of the combat.
There are various types of first aid kits. The contents of these kits may differ depending on the particular purpose. Of course, the main purpose of any kit is to provide immediate medical attention. However, on their particular usage, first aid kit type and contents may vary.
A military medical pack, for instance, may contain provisions intended for traumatic injuries such as gunshot wounds. In building your home first aid kit, you may want to consider the most common injuries or ailments that are most likely to be experienced.
Medical Supplies Recommended by the American Red Cross:
- Antiseptic wipes
- Multiple-size sterile gauze pads
- Triangular bandages
- Multiple-size adhesive bandages
- Cotton balls and swabs
- Multiple pairs of non-latex gloves
- Three-inch gauze roll bandage
- Multiple packets of antibiotic cream
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Multiple rolls of medical bandages
- Compressed dressings
- Ten-yard roll of cloth tape
- Four-inch roller bandage
- Adhesive tape
- Duct tape
- Medical thermometer
- Syringe
- Medicine spoon
- Face masks
- Multiple-size plastic zippered bags
- Folding emergency blanket
- Breathing barrier for cardiopulmonary resuscitation
- Set of tweezers and scissors
- Eye pads
- Eyewash solution
- Tourniquet
- Dental mirror
- Magnifying glass
- Bulb suction device
- Multiple-size safety pins
- Needle and thread
- Medical stapler
- Staple remover
- Finger splints
- Superglue
- Petroleum jelly
- Sterile saline solution
- Multiple instant cold compress
- Emergency first aid manual
- Hand sanitizer
- Large plastic trash bags
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Waterproof matches
Note: It is also advised by the American Red Cross that you should inspect first aid kits every six months. Discard expired medicines and supplies. Replace them with new ones as much as soon as you can.
List of Medications for Your First Aid Kit:
- Antacids
- Antihistamine
- Anti-diarrheal medication
- Antibiotics
- Aspirin
- Auto-injector of epinephrine
- Anti-burn cream or gel
- Calamine lotion
- Cold and cough medications
- Disinfectant mouthwash
- Electrolyte powders
- Fiber powder
- Laxative
- Lidocaine cream
- Multivitamins
- Hydrocortisone cream
- Pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen
- Simethicone
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D
- Zinc
Related: Building a Target First Aid Kit: Part 1
8 Additional Emergency Medical Supplies
Aside from the list containing standard medical supplies, you can also invest in other emergency items for more advanced situations. However, these particular supplies require adequate medical training. You will never know though when these items would be needed. It is better to be prepared and safe than sorry.
1. Lights
A crucial piece of equipment for medical emergencies, lighting such as LED flashlights and headlamps is an essential part of your advanced first aid kit.
2. Foley Catheters
These are flexible and thin plastic tubes designed to provide relief from blockage of the urinary tract.
3. QuikClot
This wound-dressing product contains kaolin which stimulates blood clotting.
4. N-100 Respirator
This respirator that is also a high filtration face mask is an important device especially in the wake of COVID-19.
5. Water Purification Equipment
Water is the universal solvent and when in pure unadulterated form, it also has healing properties.
6. Penrose Drain Tubes
These specialized tubes are designed to drain excess fluids from wounds.
7. Extra Sheets of Blankets
This may seem obvious but you will be surprised how often these items are overlooked. Blankets have various functions and thus essential.
8. Portable Power Supplies
Some of your equipment such as flashlights or LED lamps may need extra power during long-term medical treatment. Portable power supplies may come in handy during this situation.
Basic Medical Know-how
All these pieces of supplies and equipment though would be useless if you are not capable of using them. Getting yourself equipped with basic first aid knowledge is highly advised. A few hours of training will make a difference during emergencies. You also need not go far or spend a lot of money. There are excellent online first aid and basic CPR courses that are now offered online.
Check out this Medical Supplies for Long Term Care and Prepping vid by Survival Dispatch:
In an uncertain world where threats of disease, crime, and natural disasters are part of everyday existence, you might as well be ready to face these challenges. Ensuring that your home is well-equipped with complete medical supplies is one thing but without proper medical knowledge is more important. Live, learn, and survive!
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Why do you think investing in a complete set of medical supplies is important? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!
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