Based on comments from a previous post, here is some discussion of basic first aid kits.
FWIW, I like to build my basic kits and my much more capable ‘car kits’ around a makeup organizer or a toiletries organizer. I find them often in thrift stores and yard sales for only a buck or two.
https://www.amazon.com/BAGSMART-Toiletry-Cosmetic-Organizer-Breathable/dp/B01BWJDLIU/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1471111289&sr=8-9&keywords=hanging+toiletry+organizer
https://www.amazon.com/Toiletry-E-BLOOMY-Organizer-Capacity-Mysterious/dp/B0157PJZV2/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1471111289&sr=8-10&keywords=hanging+toiletry+organizer
New comments, or additions are in [square brackets]
nick
Dave says:
22 August 2015 at 15:18 (Edit)
Here are the contents of my under $10 first aid kit:
30 clear adhesive bandages
0.33 oz triple antibiotic ointment
50 extra strength acetaminophen tablets
50 alcohol prep pads
5 2×2 gauze pads
5 3×3 gauze pads
5 yards of 1/2″ adhesive tape
Everything listed above fits in a one quart zip top bag.
[I think you are a bit heavy on bandaids, and could use more styles. I like the fabric ones as they stick well. Consider having a couple of sizes of traditional shapes, plus finger tip and knuckle, and at least one big one for a skinned knee.]
nick says:
22 August 2015 at 20:15 (Edit)
Hey Dave, some things to think about adding,
tube of crazy glue (to glue skin, stings like fire but works)
wet naps (get some at chick fil a)
packets of sunscreen (like a condiment pack at fast food, might be in the sample size section of your store)
sunblock chapstick
fewer tablets,
gloves- vinyl if you are worried about latex allergies.
moleskin
scissors
flashlight
knife
[trauma shears are great, but a good sharp ‘kitchen’ style scissor works well. Any scissor is better than none, as long as it is sharp. For a knife, even a ‘wallpaper’ style disposable box cutter works- the kind with snap off blades. It’s cheap, sharp, and small.]
OR just buy one of these kits. I have several versions and like the quality and what’s included.
http://www.adventuremedicalkits.com/medical-kits/adventure-first-aid-0-5.html
http://www.adventuremedicalkits.com/medical-kits/adventure-first-aid-1-0.html
http://www.adventuremedicalkits.com/medical-kits/adventure-first-aid-2-0.html
The 1.0 kit is a good balance of price and performance.
In general, you are right that you can put together a better kit for the money, but the Adventure Medical kits do a good job of proving that wrong (or LESS right.)
nick
BTW- great job taking that step! Keep adding to your preps!
[I still like the AdvMed kit as a starting point.]
Dave says:
23 August 2015 at 14:06 (Edit)
@nick
The first aid kit is intended to go in a vehicle emergency kit, which will be a little stripped down to start with. I’m betting that I’ll be there with a knife and a flash light that I’ll remember to grab the flash light out of the car. The other suggestions look like things I will want to add when I expand the kit.
The things I think are missing:
1. Oral rehydration salts.
2. A splint and a more effective pain reliever than acetaminophen.
3. A weeks supply of my prescription meds.
4. Some loratadine tablets.
The last item is for my wife, and the other things are things I actually could have used at one point or another. On our last vacation, my wife and I both could have used the oral rehydration salts. Would have made the vacation a little less memorable.
[the anti-diarrhea meds are a staple of my kit, and in my briefcase, and my boo boo kit. I don’t think you need anything stronger than Tylenol but you might want to consider fewer Tylenol tabs, and adding a few anti-inflammatory tabs, like Motrin, and a few anti-histamines, like Benadryl. I carry electrolyte salt tablets, for dehydration and hangover relief. Splints are likely overkill, and are pretty easy to improvise. ]
[I also think, due to the changing nature of the threat, that you need to consider gunshot or other trauma, even in a basic kit. I’d add 2 rolls of Kerlix and a couple of 4×4 gauze pads.
A penlight, a Sharpie marker, and a large safety pin would be good adds too. An instant cold pack is nice if you have the space.
You can still fit this into a pretty compact package, and it adds a great deal of capability.]
[Medical prep in general is a big topic and deserves more in depth coverage, but I’m gonna limit this post to the basic first aid kit.]
nick
ADDED_____________ 2pm
Finally found a couple of the others, so I’ll make this even more of a mega post!
I like toiletries organizers or cosmetics organizers for medical bags. They fold open flat, sometimes with a pouch that folds out again for a tri fold, they have zippered mesh pouches and elastic loops. They are super cheap at yard sales and thrift stores, and some of them are better quality than the chinese import tactical bags. No external molle, but that’s not a problem. I like them about 8 x 9 x 3 inches for truck bags. Big enough to hold a lot of supplies, small enough to fit under a seat. I wouldn’t recommend the classic ‘dopp’ bag, or any other that just zips open on the top (shaving bag). You want it to fold open and lay flat so you can see everything.
[nick]
