BREWER
gillmanNSF: Here is a chapter from a book on emergency preparedness on First-Aid that I wrote, but have not published...yet. If you scroll to the very end you will find my list in a format that may print out better than it pasted here...maybe not, sorry.
Here are two books I think you should have. They are not cheap; however, the knowledge in them is worth it, IMO.
Nurse's Drug Handbook 2006 (Nurse's Drug Handbook) US$21.75
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/19...103-5570821-3299803?s=books&v=glance&n=283155
and
2003 Red Book Report on the Committee of Infectious Diseases (Red Book: American Academy of Pediatrics)Yep, US$119.95 It lists diseases, diagnosis, Rx's and dosage for damn near every disease known to mankind, not just pediatric diseases.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/15...103-5570821-3299803?s=books&v=glance&n=283155
Fuzzychick:Thanks for the compliment.
Chapter 7
Component List for First-Aid Kit
Virtually all the products, with a few exceptions, in my kit are the CVS ‘generic’ brand. You can compare the labels between the ‘branded’ and generic for comparative active ingredients, strengths or concentration and purchase the ‘generic’ equivalent for 50% less $’s. The only time I hesitate to obtain ‘generic’ substitutions is with analgesics (pain killers).[Ed. Note: Prescriptions that are critical e.g. heart medications, if it were me and I could afford it, I would stick with a branded prescription]. I have found that a Percocet/Percodan ‘branded’ is more consistently efficacious than its ‘generic’ cousin Oxycodone. When you need 100% reliable pain relief, pay the extra difference to acquire the branded name. See Appendix E for a component check-list. Print out this format. Laminate it. Place it in your First-Aid kit.
Purchase the following: 4.25oz. Mainstay Sterile Water pouches [Ed. Note: 5 year shelf-life (probably indefinite) and good for rehydration, wound cleansing and able to withstand temps from -40 to 210+ F : you can cut the smallest available end of the pouch and then squeezing, utilize the pressurized stream of sterile water for cleansing an open wound of debris before dressing and save precious water-available from Safe-Trek or Nitro-Pak a case of 60 pouches is ~$16.95], 1-Maglite (small 6” with 2 extra batteries) with a Nite-Eyes head-strap (purchase at camping store to allow hands-free movement or purchase a complete electric head lamp used by spelunkers), 1- Hypo-allergenic cloth tape (10’), 1- 5”x 9” Combine dressing (Sergi-Pad), 15- 3”x 3/4 inch Band-Aids, 5 -Junior Band-Aids, 10- 3”x 4” Non-adherent Pads, 1-4”x 131” Conforming Gauze Bandage (Sterile), 1-Ace Bandage, 1-2 Instant Cold-Pak Compress, 12-Q-Tips, 1-3”x 48” Conforming Bandage (non-sterile), 1-Waxed Dental Floss (w/toothbrush and paste), 12-Alcohol Prep-Pads, 50-Phazyme Anti-gas Capsules, 6-Exam Gloves (non-sterile pairs), 3-Medium Zip-lock sandwich bags (to place discarded contaminated bandages ,etc.),1-Nasal Spray(12-hour),1-Butane lighter non-child proof, 1-Hemostat (splinter removal and suturing), 1-Magnifying Glass[hand-held], 2-Sets of 3.0/4.0 silk sutures. 1- Antibacterial soap bar (small), 2- Blistex lip balm, 1-Wet Ones moist towelettes(40 clothes), 1- Eye Drops [Ed. Note: if you are hypertensive, diabetic, or have glaucoma you should consult a doctor regarding the effects of an opthomolic/vasodilator such as Visine] or add another eye wash i.e. artificial tears, 1-Oragel Toothache Relief (3/16 oz.) [Ed. Note: Oil of clove has been used for centuries to relieve toothache pain-buy it-it lasts along time!], 1-Triple Antibiotic Ointment (1oz.), 1-Lanacane Anesthetic Cooling Creme w/Aloe, 1-Cortaid Hydrocortisone Creme w/Aloe, 6- Imodium Anti-diarrheal Caplets w/directions, 12-Laxative Tablets (Senocot), 24-Benadryl(25mg.) Antihistamine tablets w/directions, 50-Aspirin(enteric coated), 50-Advil (ibuprofen) tablets(200mg.), 50-Excedrin-Extra strength, 50-Aleve Naproxen Sodium[200g Naproxen + 20mg. Sodium]perfect for menstrual cramping- read directions first!, 50-Tylenol (Extra strength-gel caps),1-Amonia inhaler, 1-Scissors (retractable), 6- E-Mergen-C Energy booster packets (good for a diabetic with low blood sugar), 1-Thermometer (Adult), 1-Benadryl Spray (2%) for insect bites, 1-Moleskin package, 1-Athletes foot spray and/or foot powder, 100-Potassium Iodide (Iodate) KIO3 (radiation protection for the thyroid gland) call The Survival Warehouse in Florence AL 256-718-0298 [100 tablets for $20].
This is from Jim Lord’s last letter of 1999 <www.jimlord.to> re: the FDA.
The FDA recommends that potassium iodide in doses of 130 mg per day for adults and children above one year, and 65 mg per day for children below one year of age, be considered for thyroid blocking in radiation emergencies in those persons who are likely to receive a projected
radiation doses of 25 rem or greater to the thyroid gland from Radioiodines released to the environment.
In case you think this is some sort of wacko survivalist thing, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and FEMA have been squabbling for almost twenty years over whether or not and who should pay for stockpiling of potassium iodide nationwide as a precaution against
nuclear accidents at power plants. Naturally, they have been unable to take any meaningful action.
Iodine tincture (2%, 1oz.) [Ed. Note: iodine can be used for emergency water purification- See Appendix B below], 1- 2oz. Stabilized Oxygen [Aerobic 07 or Ion]- a water purifier and an anti-toxin for insect stings is a must in your kit. [Ed. Note: go to
www.Nutraceuticals2000.com or
www.watertanks.com and buy this product! See more in Appendix B], 1-Pen and small pad of paper or stick up notes, 1-Space blanket (for treating shock), 4-Zip-lock bags (various sizes).
Caution: Before dispensing any Rx to anyone be sure to ask if they have any ALLERGIES to that (or any) medication or if they are currently taking any other medications (contraindications) including herbal medications or vitamin supplements. Yes, aspirin is a medication and some people are allergic to it!
In light of the recent Anthrax scare (2/98) the NBC mask [+ extra filter(s)] now seems like a good idea. Place these masks in a gallon size Zip-lock bag to keep dust and dirt free. Keep them at hand.
This is a partial list that does not include your personal prescriptions especially should you or a family member have asthma, hypertension, diabetes, contact lenses, acute allergies, or baby needs. If you use a small backpack to place your First-Aid items in, add a supply of Kleenex (remove from the box and store in a zip-lock bag for space saving/dryness/dust protection), a partial (or full) roll(s) of toilet paper(place in Zip-lock and squeeze out the excess air), and perhaps some tampax or condoms/birth control items or diapers. Get out your Food Saver and seal up many of these supplies.
Ed. Note: I have contracted lice twice (yes, and I still don’t know how), however, children contract them from school mates with increasing frequency. A four person family kit of RID or NIX should be purchased. Just in case.
Above all, use your imagination with this kit. Play What if? Pretend this may be your only access to ‘everyday’ items for an extended period. Do you have children and the children’s strength aspirin, Tylenol, and cough medicine? What are the items you would be uncomfortable going without?
Here’s a good personal example. A great product I was introduced to by Dr. B that really relieves dry, cracked hands is Porter’s Lotion. This is a Depression Era formula that has been revived and reintroduced by the good folks at Gallatin River Products, Inc., Bozeman, MT [800-806-1161(o), 860-927-0111(fax). This product is in my ‘kit’ because it is a practical item that I would rather have for the winter when my hands are painfully dry, cracked and red.
Again, include a 2 week supply of necessary Rx in this kit. Rotate frequently to keep up freshness. You should consider having a two/three month supply of critical Rx at home and rotate this stock, too.
This First-Aid kit should be in your car or near you (i.e. in your house or at your place of business, if properly secured) at all times especially if you live in an earthquake or hurricane prone area. Each member of the household should have a kit, know what is in it, and how to use each item.[Ed. Note: don’t worry about duplication here-that may be a huge advantage to you during an emergency. You may multiply some of the items by a factor of 5x or 10x for at-home storage].
Ask your doctor for prescription of strong pain killers (analgesics) i.e. Percocet, Tylox, and Valium/Lorazapam (sedative/anti-anxiety), add Penicillin, Cefloclor (Clephalosporin), Augmentin(Amoxycillin+Clavulanic Acid) -broad spectrum antibiotic-and Tetracycline(very limited shelf-life) to be placed in this family First-Aid/Emergency Kit for a medical crisis only. Assure him/her you will return the tablets unused after 1 year to show your trustworthiness.
At the ‘invitation’ of my dear friend Dr. B, who is a nationally recognized and accomplished pediatric surgeon, I became an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). I have been extremely grateful for the confidence and peace of mind it brings! However, the most skilled physician is limited to the ‘tools’ at hand. In an emergency the chances that you will find a doctor or nurse with skills, and no ‘tools’, is a good bet. The First-Aid kit above could potentially be a lifesaver!
At least one member [better if all members do] of your family should have a basic course in CPR and First-Aid! Remember if an earthquake, flood, rioting, severe weather, etc. strikes and you are on your own for a period of time (72 hours or more) you may need to lend assistance to your neighbor(s) or to the unexpected arrival of another family member(s) or guests/friends that may require medical attention.
Total cost of this kit can be reduced if you get several families to go in and buy the bandages, water, exam gloves etc., on sale, in quantity at Sam’s/ Costco/BJ’s, etc. Ask your family doctor for help, too.
First-Aid Component Check-list
4- 4.25 Sterile Water 1- Ammonia Inhaler 1- Stabilized O2 -2oz.
1- Mag-lite, batteries + bulbs 1- Retractable Scissors 1- Space Blanket
1- Mag-lite headband 6- E-Mergen-C Packets 4- Zip-lock bags
1- Hypoallergenic tape 1- Thermometer(Adult) 1- Kleenex
1- 5”x 9” combine dressing 12- Q-Tips 1- Toilet Paper Roll
15- 3”x ¾ ” Band-Aids 12- Alcohol Prep Pads All Adult Rx’s
5- Junior Band-Aids 6- Latex Exam Gloves(Pairs) Baby Needs
10- 3”x 4” Non-Adhering Pads 12- Laxative Tablets NBC Mask+Filter
1- 4”x 131”Conforming Gauze(sterile) 50- Aspirin Contact Solution
1- 3”x 48” Conforming Bandage 50- Phazyme[Anti-gas] Sunglasses
12- Fabric Sponges 3- Medium Zip-Lock Bags Tampax
1- Instant Cold Pack Compress 1- Butane Lighter[Adult] Birth Control
1-Toothbrush 1- Hemostat Condoms
2- Blistex Lip Ointment 1- Magnifying Glass Extra Batteries
1- Oragel Toothache Relief 2- 3.0/4.0 Silk Suture Sets Lg. Flashlight
1- Dental Floss-Waxed 1- Oil of Clove 1/10 oz. Tennis shoes
1- Triple Antibiotic Ointment 1- Wet Ones Towelettes Ax/saw
1- Cortaid Hydrocortisone Creme 1- Visine/Artificial Tears Shovel
6- Imodium A/D 1- Lanacane Extra Water
24- Benedryl 25mg 1- Ace Bandage Children’s Rx’s
1- Benedryl Spray 2% 1- Moleskin Ball Cap
50- Ibuprofen 200mg. Tablets 1- Foot Powder Knit Hat
50- Aleve 100- Potassium Iodate[KIo3] Bible/Pen/Paper/Cards
1-SPF-Sunblock 30+ 1-Insect Repellent Broad Brim Hat
1-Anti-bacterial Soap 1-Triangular Bandage Compass &Maps
6-Butterfly Bandages 1- Saline Eyewash w/applicator Fishing Gear
Water Purifier[PUR] w/extra filter 1-Bandana Matches/Firestarter
and Sports Bottle/Canteen 1-Comprehensive First-Aid Medical Book/Manual