Prepping before SHTF: 16 Items for your survival first aid kit

03/01/2022 / By Zoey Sky

A first aid kit is a staple in every prepper’s survival plan. If your kit contains the right items, you can easily treat a small cut or wound.

The same survival first aid kit will also be useful if someone gets hurts when the whole family has to bug out after SHTF. (h/t to JustPlainCooking.ca)

Some non-preppers who are overwhelmed with preparing their own first aid kit may end up buying a ready-made kit, but these kits often include items that you don’t really need or may not have enough items for long-term use.

It’s better to sit down and make a list of items that are useful and versatile so you don’t end up wasting money on a ready-made kit with cheap and inferior items. Have one first aid kit for home use and another in your car for bugging out.

If you have bug-out bags for the whole family, each bag should at least have a basic first aid kit for cuts and scrapes.

Here’s a list of 16 items that you will need in a basic survival first aid kit.

Adhesive tape

You’ll need adhesive tape or medical tape to attach bandages that need regular changing to the skin around wounds.

If a family member is allergic to latex or has sensitive skin, pack some silk surgical medical tape for them. Another option is to get waterproof adhesive tape if you have to bandage or dress a wound outdoors. This will keep the wound dry so it heals faster.

Antibiotic ointment

Antibiotic ointment will protect a wound from infection for 24 hours or more. It will also help minimize scarring.

Bandages

Include different types of bandages and a variety of sizes in your kit.

Use roller bandages for wounds on the elbows and knees or if someone sprains an ankle. Flexible fabric bandages are best for a cut or abrasion because they will cover the wound. (Related: Essential supplies to pack in your first aid kit for a camping trip.)

Burn care supplies

You will need burn care supplies to treat injuries sustained while cooking near an open fire or handling hot liquids.

The following items can be used to treat burn blisters and promote healing:

Antibiotic ointment
Antiseptic spray
Bandages
Burn cream
Burn gel
Cleansing wipes
Gauze
Gloves
Non-stick adhesive

Disposable gloves

Disposable gloves protect the person you are treating from getting an infection and they also protect you from any bodily fluids.

Get latex-free gloves if someone in the family is allergic to the material. Prepare different sizes for adults and children as well.

Eyewash solution

If you accidentally get dirt or debris in your eyes, use an eyewash solution to flush it out. This will help prevent discomfort.

Get eyewash that comes with sterile eye pads and adhesive strips to protect the eye if you are injured.

First aid manual

Before SHTF, you should sign up for a first aid training course so you can learn how to help people who are injured when you don’t have access to emergency medical services.

A first aid manual will also be helpful as a refresher or as a guide for certain scenarios not covered in your training, like how to treat a patient suffering a stroke.

Hand sanitizer

You’ll need hand sanitizer to keep your hands clean if you don’t have access to running water and soap.

Iodine

Iodine is a topical antiseptic that can keep wounds clean. You can use iodine on burns, cuts and scrapes.

Hydrogen peroxide

Use hydrogen peroxide on a minor burn, cut or scrape before applying an antibiotic and covering it with a bandage.

Oximeter

An oximeter is a simple finger pulse machine that tells you the oxygen saturation of the person you are treating.

Protective gear

Aside from disposable gloves, you may need other protective gear like face masks, first aid gowns and safety glasses to protect your eyes.

First aid scissor

Unlike regular scissors for paper, first aid scissors or trauma shears are designed to cut bandages or clothing while treating a patient without having to touch the area with your hands.

Trauma shears also have a blunt edge to ensure that the patient isn’t hurt as you cut through their clothing.

Thermometer

Use a thermometer to confirm if someone is suffering from a high fever. If you have enough space in your kit, get an infrared or touchless thermometer that can be pointed at a person’s forehead to determine their temperature.

If you’re using a touchless thermometer, keep it charged or replace the batteries regularly.

Tourniquet

A tourniquet is used to stop the hemorrhaging of a major wound.

If you’re traveling alone, you will need a tourniquet that you can apply to your body with one hand. When SHTF, this kind of tourniquet can help if you are bleeding out and have to save yourself before someone can get to you.