Disaster First Aid Kit
 

After the big tornadoes ripping through North Mississippi earlier year, I have decided create a disaster or 1 week survival first aid kit. I really need your advice. For reference in making your decision, from 1985 to 1990, I was an EMT-I. Also from 2005 to 2013, I maintained my Combat Lifesaver rating.

I guess this means I have enough knowledge to really screw things up. I guess I need a good first aid manual thrown in also.

I think you need to decide exactly what you want to be able to do with the kit. Do you want something portable that you have with you at all times, or something big that you bury in the woods where you can get to it after a tornado has flattened all the homes in the area? A first aid kit isn't much use unless you have it right at hand. Taking half an hour to get to your 1st aid kit means it's really not a 1st aid kit any more. Survival is a different thing. Lots of guides out there on FEMA's site and so on, but you want water, shelter, food, money, medication, etc.

I have an urban survival/1st aid kit that I carry on my back on my subway commute twice a day, and it sits on the shelf at arm's length while I'm at work. The most used items are my foul weather gear: rain coat, rain pants, and an umbrella. But I also have:
sunglasses
pencil
pen
a travel pack of tissues
a travel pack of shout wipes stain removers
1 CPR mouth barrier
3 evacuation smoke hoods
3 NIOSH N95 face masks
5 high intensity 30 minute glow sticks
1 reflective arm band with internal LED
1 space blanket
a small 4x6 inch first aid pouch containing:
tweezers
tape
gauze roll
liquid skin
8 antiseptic wipes
7 knuckle bandages
5 large patches
4 finger bandaids
3 1st aid cream packets
3 triple antibiotic packets
1 burn relief gel pad
4 wound closures
4 quick heal bandages

I'd like to incorporate some blood clotting pads in there too. Need to pick some up some time.

I think you need a basic plan. What's the largest kit you can have with you all the time? If it's not with you, it's no good.

That's a nice get home bag you have set up. Do have energy bars and water? I keep a 3 day bug out bag with me. It has a small molle trauma kit from the military. I also carry my epi pens, benadryl tablets, immodium, and motrin.

I'm looking for a secondary bls bag as an add on. It would be in my tracker while camping or with me in a tornado shelter.

You need a good book, a packet of tissues and a picture of me.
I think that covers most situations.

glatt, fyi, the kit you have *is* awesome, especially since you actually have it with you. but don't forget, there are perishable items in it, notably the batteries in any lights you have (led) but also the glow sticks. I've had unused glow sticks become unusable by aging alone. they do expire, so... forewarned is forearmed. a two to four year shelf life is what I've read. that fits with my experience.

I wanna be on Glatt's team come the zombie apocalypse.

Depending on the nature of the "disaster" you may need several boxes of these:

I had to climb all over the ass of a patrol officer when I was chief carrying these in an AR-15. LOL. I even had an officer put a small Punisher symbol on the rear sight of his Glock. If they had ever shot someone, think about the news headlines.

Finally, a question that I know something about!

My answer varies depending upon the disaster in question.

In your mentioned case, a tornado, I would suggest thay you go heavy on the first aid, notably bandages. You are likely to encounter a number of casualties, including possibly yourself. You will be no help to anyone if you are injured too. Throw in a poncho, flashlight with good batteries (change annually), a Leatherman multi-tool (accept no substitutes!), some hi energy food bars, hard candy (for instant energy), have a good canteen at the ready (I use a GI canteen with the SS cup and keep it on a GI duty belt), a Lifestraw ($20 but totally worth it), your cell phone and a spare charger. I also keep a pack of Marlboros and a lighter, even though I do not smoke. Others probably will benefit from a smoke, however.

I also keep a BOB handy, with changes of clothes, a sleeping bag and mat, food and water (in a Camelbak), a good fixed blade knife, a small carbine and sidearm in .40 S&W, plus holsters and spare magazines, a portable ham radio (yes, I have a license) that also uses public bands and NOAA weather, chemlighs (changed every other year for new), another poncho (which can also be used as a pup tent), plenty of paracord in OD green, a personal trauma kit which includes suturing kit, antibiotic ointment, bandages, a few band aids, Bactine, iodine wipes, alcohol wipes, nitrile gloves, a biomask, a Mk II gas mask with two spare (new) cartridges, several types of minor surgical tools, all stainless and sterile and more that doesn't pop readily to mind.

I keep a medical turnout bag next to the BOB, which contains a TON of stuff. I bought a full kit and then modified the contents to suit me. This is the originl kit. I added some other stuff to suit my level of medical training which is similar to yours. There is a higher quality stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, extra meds (they only give ya a few aspirins!!!!!), more bandages, tourniquets, Israeli bandages, activated charcoal and more, plus there is a more useful field surgical kit which includes sterile saline, infusers, tubing kits, scalpels and extra blades, hemostats, clamps, suture kits and a handful of syringes plus a BIG one to deal with pneumothorax. There is a lot more but a list would bore most people.

I plan to be able to bug out in an emergency in less than five minutes with my bags, weapons, computer backups and my portable safe (has important papers in it).

Now, who wants to be on MY side during the zombie apocalypse??? :D

ME!!!!!!!!!!!! you rock and your cute

When shit gets real, can you swing by and pick me up, Pamela? I don't think I can make it all the way out West.

Lessee what's in mine

two USB to micro-USB cables
one USB to mini-USB cable
one USB-to-camera cable
two wall charger blocks
one 3.5mm male to male audio cable
one Scosche retractable 3.5mm male to male audio cable
one 3.5mm audio male to 3.5mm mono left and right female
one 3.5mm audio female to RCA left and right female
one memory card reader
DVI-D single-link video cable
HDMI to DVI-D adapter
Etymotics ER-4 earphones
Samsung earphones with mic
Mini Altoids tin containing toothpicks broken in half
Pen

OK. What are the broken toothpicks for?

So he can start twice as many fires rubbing them together.

picking my teeth!

And I should say, they only fit in the mini Altoids tin if they are broken in half. Nothing special about it.

UT, you are also the UberNerd! :LOL:

I had my Leatherman in there but I had to leave it in the car or the TSA woulda gotten it.

I will post this again, it is worth reading.



From a Sarajevo War Survivor:
Experiencing horrible things that can happen in a war - death of parents and
friends, hunger and malnutrition, endless freezing cold, fear, sniper attacks.

1. Stockpiling helps. but you never no how long trouble will last, so locate
near renewable food sources.
2. Living near a well with a manual pump is like being in Eden.
3. After awhile, even gold can lose its luster. But there is no luxury in war
quite like toilet paper. Its surplus value is greater than gold's.
4. If you had to go without one utility, lose electricity - it's the easiest to
do without (unless you're in a very nice climate with no need for heat.)
5. Canned foods are awesome, especially if their contents are tasty without
heating. One of the best things to stockpile is canned gravy - it makes a lot of
the dry unappetizing things you find to eat in war somewhat edible. Only needs
enough heat to "warm", not to cook. It's cheap too, especially if you buy it in
bulk.
6. Bring some books - escapist ones like romance or mysteries become more
valuable as the war continues. Sure, it's great to have a lot of survival
guides, but you'll figure most of that out on your own anyway - trust me, you'll
have a lot of time on your hands.
7. The feeling that you're human can fade pretty fast. I can't tell you how many
people I knew who would have traded a much needed meal for just a little bit of
toothpaste, rouge, soap or cologne. Not much point in fighting if you have to
lose your humanity. These things are morale-builders like nothing else.
8. Slow burning candles and matches, matches, matches

100 Items to Disappear First

1. Generators (Good ones cost dearly. Gas storage, risky. Noisy...target of thieves; maintenance etc.)
2. Water Filters/Purifiers
3. Portable Toilets
4. Seasoned Firewood. Wood takes about 6 - 12 months to become dried, for home uses.
5. Lamp Oil, Wicks, Lamps (First Choice: Buy CLEAR oil. If scarce, stockpile ANY!)
6. Coleman Fuel. Impossible to stockpile too much.
7. Guns, Ammunition, Pepper Spray, Knives, Clubs, Bats & Slingshots.
8. Hand-can openers, & hand egg beaters, whisks.
9. Honey/Syrups/white, brown sugar
10. Rice - Beans - Wheat
11. Vegetable Oil (for cooking) Without it food burns/must be boiled etc.,)
12. Charcoal, Lighter Fluid (Will become scarce suddenly)
13. Water Containers (Urgent Item to obtain.) Any size. Small: HARD CLEAR PLASTIC ONLY - note - food grade if for drinking.
14. Mini Heater head (Propane) (Without this item, propane won't heat a room.)
15. Grain Grinder (Non-electric)
16. Propane Cylinders (Urgent: Definite shortages will occur.
17. Survival Guide Book.
18. Mantles: Aladdin, Coleman, etc. (Without this item, longer-term lighting is difficult.)
19. Baby Supplies: Diapers/formula. ointments/aspirin, etc.
20. Washboards, Mop Bucket w/wringer (for Laundry)
21. Cookstoves (Propane, Coleman & Kerosene)
22. Vitamins
23. Propane Cylinder Handle-Holder (Urgent: Small canister use is dangerous without this item)
24. Feminine Hygiene/Haircare/Skin products.
25. Thermal underwear (Tops & Bottoms)
26. Bow saws, axes and hatchets, Wedges (also, honing oil)
27. Aluminum Foil Reg. & Heavy Duty (Great Cooking and Barter Item)
28. Gasoline Containers (Plastic & Metal)
29. Garbage Bags (Impossible To Have Too Many).
30. Toilet Paper, Kleenex, Paper Towels
31. Milk - Powdered & Condensed (Shake Liquid every 3 to 4 months)
32. Garden Seeds (Non-Hybrid) (A MUST)
33. Clothes pins/line/hangers (A MUST)
34. Coleman's Pump Repair Kit
35. Tuna Fish (in oil)
36. Fire Extinguishers (or..large box of Baking Soda in every room)
37. First aid kits
38. Batteries (all sizes...buy furthest-out for Expiration Dates)
39. Garlic, spices & vinegar, baking supplies
40. Big Dogs (and plenty of dog food)
41. Flour, yeast & salt
42. Matches. {"Strike Anywhere" preferred.) Boxed, wooden matches will go first
43. Writing paper/pads/pencils, solar calculators
44. Insulated ice chests (good for keeping items from freezing in Wintertime.)
45. Workboots, belts, Levis & durable shirts
46. Flashlights/LIGHTSTICKS & torches, "No. 76 Dietz" Lanterns
47. Journals, Diaries & Scrapbooks (jot down ideas, feelings, experience; Historic Times)
48. Garbage cans Plastic (great for storage, water, transporting - if with wheels)
49. Men's Hygiene: Shampoo, Toothbrush/paste, Mouthwash/floss, nail clippers, etc
50. Cast iron cookware (sturdy, efficient)
51. Fishing supplies/tools
52. Mosquito coils/repellent, sprays/creams
53. Duct Tape
54. Tarps/stakes/twine/nails/rope/spikes
55. Candles
56. Laundry Detergent (liquid)
57. Backpacks, Duffel Bags
58. Garden tools & supplies
59. Scissors, fabrics & sewing supplies
60. Canned Fruits, Veggies, Soups, stews, etc.
61. Bleach (plain, NOT scented: 4 to 6% sodium hypochlorite)
62. Canning supplies, (Jars/lids/wax)
63. Knives & Sharpening tools: files, stones, steel
64. Bicycles...Tires/tubes/pumps/chains, etc
65. Sleeping Bags & blankets/pillows/mats
66. Carbon Monoxide Alarm (battery powered)
67. Board Games, Cards, Dice
68. d-con Rat poison, MOUSE PRUFE II, Roach Killer
69. Mousetraps, Ant traps & cockroach magnets
70. Paper plates/cups/utensils (stock up, folks)
71. Baby wipes, oils, waterless & Antibacterial soap (saves a lot of water)
72. Rain gear, rubberized boots, etc.
73. Shaving supplies (razors & creams, talc, after shave)
74. Hand pumps & siphons (for water and for fuels)
75. Soysauce, vinegar, bullions/gravy/soupbase
76. Reading glasses
77. Chocolate/Cocoa/Tang/Punch (water enhancers)
78. "Survival-in-a-Can"
79. Woolen clothing, scarves/ear-muffs/mittens
80. Boy Scout Handbook, / also Leaders Catalog
81. Roll-on Window Insulation Kit (MANCO)
82. Graham crackers, saltines, pretzels, Trail mix/Jerky
83. Popcorn, Peanut Butter, Nuts
84. Socks, Underwear, T-shirts, etc. (extras)
85. Lumber (all types)
86. Wagons & carts (for transport to and from)
87. Cots & Inflatable mattress's
88. Gloves: Work/warming/gardening, etc.
89. Lantern Hangers
90. Screen Patches, glue, nails, screws,, nuts & bolts
91. Teas
92. Coffee
93. Cigarettes
94. Wine/Liquors (for bribes, medicinal, etc,)
95. Paraffin wax
96. Glue, nails, nuts, bolts, screws, etc.
97. Chewing gum/candies
98. Atomizers (for cooling/bathing)
99. Hats & cotton neckerchiefs
100. Goats/chickens

I would disagree with a lot of that list.
Anything running on propane, NG, white gas, Coleman fuel etc will soon run out of it's fuel and become useless. Diapers are fine, if they are flannel or cloth, not disposables. Nothing that smells good or bad, incuding cigs. No inflatable mattresses. They leak. No paper plates. Use once or twice, then they are gone. Get stainless plates and silverware. More durable and not disposable. Avoid batteries unless you MUST have the item. Stock up on rechargeables and a solar charger instead. Avoid anything disposable if you can.

And, lesst you lynch me, no toilet paper. Yeah Yeah I know. I poop too. Use broad, smooth leaves instead. TP is bulky and unwieldy in quantity. It's a waste in a survival situation.

Disregard the above advice if the emergency will last 30 days or less.

Pam - could you recommend some good survival/prepping websites?

sure.

try these:

survivalblog.com
preparednessadvice.com
theprepperjournal.com
modernsurvivalonline.com
survivallady.com
suburbanprepper.wordpress.com


that should get you going. Just don't get crazy like those guys on Doomsday Preppers. You CAN go too far. Or so I believe. Don't forget topic-specific websites for more information. Fishing must have a zillion websites. Hunting and gardening too.

Better than any stored food/weapons and ammo/water is KNOWLEDGE!!!!
Learn how to hunt, fish, garden, perform first aid, take up carpentry, blacksmithing, sewing or knitting, building etc. I have a small library in paper form (in case the power grid fails, the internet is gone and my Kindle dies).

It will help if you have a marketable trade to offer in barter situations. Should, say, ebola, wipe out a large chunk of the population, who will take up the slack? What if the financial system should collapse? Money would be worthless. How would you get what you need then?

Don't think it cannot happen. A large pandemic has happened several times before. Imagine bubonic plague, which wiped out one third of Europe, in modern society! They didnt travel much back then. Jet travel can spread disease fast. Read Executive Decisions by Tom Clancy.

Do not try to become an expert in everything. Focus on one or two things and gain a basic understanding of the rest. Apartment dwellars might learn square foot gardening, but large scale ag is not going to happen. They can learn basic firearm safety and practice tactical shooting with Airsoft guns, but long range shooting is not possible without travelling a long way to an outdoor rifle range with space for 400-1000 metre lanes. Such training might be irrelevant to a city person anyway since ranges in cities are rarely more than, say, 100 metres.

Think through each purchase, don't get caught up in the latest gadget or hot new whatever that is advertised as "must have". And for goodness sake, TRY YOUR STUFF OUT!!! Don't be like the guy at Burning Man who bought a tent and didn't open it until he got there, only to find out that it was a child's tent. If you buy prepackaged meals such as MREs (Sarge, you already know this), just buy a few and eat them. See if you like them first. If you hate em, you will be stuck with a bunch of food that you won't eat.

I recently bought a camp stove. I am going to use it a few times in various weather conditions and with different kinds of food and pans. If it lives up to the hype, it stays. If it doesn't, it's out of here.

Prepping isn't hard and it need not be expensive. Haunt thrift stores but buy wisely. Be creative. Repurpose stuff or modify it to work. Learn to make repairs on products. Look for useful things at garage and estate sales. Craigs list and freecycle have good stuff, if you look enough. Above all, educate yourself and know a bargain when you see one. Try to avoid wally world and anything made in China or SE Asia. Buy things that will last and take a beating.

I find that the hardest thing to do is to make a plan. I really don't know what will happen. Prepping for a pandemic is markedly different than prepping for, say, another civil war and that is much different than prepping for a nuclear strike. Do I spend $50,000-$100,000 for a fallout shelter? Or buy medical gear with masks, gloves, gowns, respirators, anti-virals etc?

I dunno, your guess is as good as mine.

Caveat Emptor!

Disaster First Aid Kit
 

I'm waiting for the clone thread: Disaster First Date Kit

Counterpoint:

Disaster preparedness has not ever actually been needed by anyone who has prepared unless they live in tornado country. Disasters are rather unpredictable things otherwise they would not be disasters. And a shit ton of money has been spent on building things like fallout shelters that mainly house mice and have never actually protected anyone from dick.

A properly charged smartphone (my kit) and gassed-up car will get you pretty goddamn far in a disaster. In a real disaster you should probably get out of Dodge anyway. The biggest disaster in our country in our lifetime (Katrina) you had 3 days warning and the only people horribly affected were the ones that didn't just leave.

Here is a list of disasters in the United States ranked by death toll. Notice how most of them are not in our lifetimes. That's system improvements, better building materials, air conditioning. Notice how few of them would be made better via personal disaster preparedness.

Most people who are preparing for "disaster" are really preparing for "societal apocalypse." Fantasizing about what they would do if they couldn't drive away because the zombies had taken over Atlanta as well...

It's important to stock up on wines to disinfect water. It's important to stock up on wines for topical antiseptic. It's important to stock up on wines for barter. It's important to stock up on wines for morale.

I'm good too! :D

I have considered moonshine as a bartering tool. It can be used for fuel or consumption. I also make knives and flintknap. As many of you remember from Addie's pics, we make soap and tan hides.

As far as disaster preparedness, the tornado earlier this year took out the hospital in Webster County and the roads were blocked by debris. Their community is still being served by a FEMA portable hospital. Katrina was disastrous in MS. We were hit far worse than New Orleans. The sheriff of Forrest County hijacked military cargo trucks at gun point to get supplies for his county. These were items being sent to New Orleans. Finally, we have had major ice storms here in the past and been without power for more than a week. Travel was extremely difficult due to fallen trees, power poles, and a lack of resources to salt and gravel roads.

I'm not looking for the collapse of society and combating roving gangs. I already have the weapons to kill anything from squirrel to elephant.

I've been through several military survival courses. The common thread between them is that a good front end analysis is key. With that, you can go through everyone else's laundry lists and select what's best to keep both natural and manmade occurrences from becoming a disaster for you. Do you have a working knowledge of the Rule of Threes in relation to this topic? If yes, you don't need my intervention, just to do your own legwork. If no, I'll be happy to elaborate.

I know about the rule of threes. I am also a SERE level B. It became required for my MOS and duty assignment in an aviation BN deployment. I could really use your help in designing a med kit that will supplement my field trauma kit. I use to be BLS certified and I maintained yearly combat life saver status until last year. Oh this kit would be kept in a vehicle or storm shelter and not in my BOB.

The rule of 3s is heavily weighted for the 1st 72 hrs. Experience has shown that if people can survive that long, most will likely get to help; or, help will get to them (YMMV). Likewise, weigh your BLS guidelines for prioritizing acquisitions. Primary survey - ABC, start an IV. // VS // Secondary Survey. That translates into A: Mouth shields, J-tubes, B: tourniquets, topical clotting agents, field dressings, cravats, ace wraps, tape C: ...

... C: Here you may have to make a major adjustment to civilian life. What saves the most lives on the battlefield are IV fluids. Every member of an SF A-team carries a 1L bag of Ringers Lactate, administration set, and can start an IV. As a civilian you'd need a prescription for that. The alternative for someone who can't take fluids PO is RECTOCLYSIS. You'll need to obtain/construct apparatus to reliably deliver the fluids without you having to remain conscious for continued self administration; or, having to stay with someone else. The fluid containers will have to be durable enough to withstand the temperature extremes where they'll be stored. You'll need the capability to both quickly heat and cool the fluids to near body temperature so you don't induce either hyper- or hypothermia. Check body temperature elsewhere so you're not just reading the fluid temperature.

VS: Equipment with which to evaluate your critical management. packed so that it won't break or rust out.

Those things are what saves lives. Stock and configure kits in order of priority for not only your use; but, for others to use on you. That latter aspect may be what saves your life. CPR mouth shields can be a deciding factor in whether or not someone will even try to resuscitate you. Short, concise instruction sheets can help others, even if as only a memory aid, to become engaged in helping. Redundant kits are good backup and contingency planning. They should be easier to maintain in a vehicle or storm shelter.

To take advantage of your familiarity with military supplies, shop online surplus stores. It can be surprising what's out there. Supplies don't have to be perfect to keep you alive for those first 72 hours. After you've accomplished the above, we can get into the secondary survey - non-critical management and palliative care. No point in passing pills and putting on band aids for dead people. Later, perhaps some preventive medicine (e.g. if you know a potential disaster is looming like tornado weather, hurricane, ice storm...etc, - stay off anticoagulants like NSAIDS and ETOH). It might seem like the prevention aspects should come first; but, those things are harder to predict and it's harder to change those behaviors in people.

I'm not trying to be all inclusive here. This doesn't even come up to the level of hip-pocket training, it's just an overview ... food for thought. Feel free to ask questions. I still browse the laundry lists 'cause you never know where you'll find a gem.

I have fairly good medical training. What kind of car med kit are yu looking to have?

Ambulances have a fair amount of stuff, but it's pretty general and geared to keeping a victim alive until you can transport them to a hospital. They are not equipped to handle more than tw or three casualties. Attendants will have to call for backup to handle more than one or two.

Are you looking to handle a busload of crash victims? A grup of college kids that wrecked their Jeep? Your neighbor who bypassed the safety shutoff of his mower and got his foot cut off by the blade?

There are some things you should not attempt without training, such as victim extrication or moving someone with a neck injury.

I can deal with up to two serious casualties with my turnout bag. This can include amputations, GSWs, impalements and major trauma. But I cannot perform surgery or administer more than OTC meds. I do have a few things that are illegal to adminiister wihout a medical licence but in an emergency....

I get the impression he wants to keep it simple to use and to maintain. He most likely won't get CME or refresher training at this point. I'm ATLS qualified. I CAN and have performed surgery. Under Good Samaritan laws, I can administer any emergency med, anytime - anywhere, even if I have to perform a venous cut-down to do it. Big Sarge doesn't need 98% of that. I'm giving him input, commensurate with his level of training & experience, because he recognized his limitations when he said "I guess this means I have enough knowledge to really screw things up." Recognizing one's limitations was a part of my military medical oath as was sharing one's medical knowledge with those who seek it. If Big Sarge's end of this public discussion; however, turns to exceeding his limitations (e.g. I do have a few things that are illegal to administer without a medical license but in an emergency....), please understand if I bow out of the conversation.

What I was referring to is a small supply of broad-spectrum antibiotics nd some topical analgesics. I do know how these are meant to be used, but I know better than to give them to anyone. Practising medicine sans a license is a serious felony.

Look, I appreciate the info. With my BOB that I take hunting, traveling, or at home, I have a military IFAK. I also have epi-pens, Benadryl, immodium, and motrin. I'm looking to supplement with an additional bag to handle more injuries, big or small. I'm seriously thinking about a BLS kit from Galls. Later, I can add a suture kit or staples. I have stitched dogs and horses in the past.


Idea - Should we start a new thread that we can use to rework my BOB, prep supplies, and my cache?? We could also discuss firearm ideas for personal defense and hunting.

Checking out pre-assembled kits designed around your acquired skills is a good idea. The more they address life and limb threatening injuries, the better they are. Don't be in a hurry to get into things like primary closures. They can hurt more than help with wounds contaminated in the field. Delayed primary closures, 4 to 5 days after wounds are initially debride, and secondary closures are prudent more often than not; unless, you're highly skilled in debridement, have access to and a working knowledge (indications, contraindications, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, dosage, administration) of prescription meds (anesthetics, antibiotics ..) and are performing the procedure in a controlled environment. If major blood vessels or nerves are exposed and you've run out dressings with which to cover them, you might consider tacking some tissue together to protect those structures in the field; but, for that you could use safety pins (sterile stainless steel ones). Save the suturing for the zombie apocalypse. If adhesive strip skin closures won't do the job, you probably don't want to close that wound during disaster week.

I'll see if I can find that BLS kit at Galls online to give you my impression. Oh, and for the zombie apocalypse you'll want one of these (hurry to get yours before they're all sold out): http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-CODMAN-D...item1e811a649d

Pamela, that list was called "100 Items to Disappear First" not 100 things you should totally have. I read it as more of an indication of how to envision what life is like during an emergency, a lot of people don't have a clue about "life during wartime" and in the winter, there are not a lot of smooth broad leaves to be had around here...

Nor around here, come to think of it ... that list was NOT a list of things to have.
The CDC did a great page on the coming Zombie Apocalypse, which was an in-joke in terms of the idea that it doesn't matter at all what the disaster is; the prep is the same.

Be sure you have potable (drinkable) water. Ensure sufficient shelter that you don't perish in the next few days. You can easily fast for (probably) several weeks, so don't go crazy trying to ensure food supply. As a better bet, furnish yourself with the skills to provide food in the long term, rather than the short term. We'll all survive the short term.

As for first aid, I won't even go there. Sexo and the others aren't telling you guys about the tags, so all the elaborate discussions and exciting protocols are moot. Everybody gets a tag, and then they get the care that the tag dictates. It's all based on statistical outcomes.

However, if the boys want to play, let them play.

We're talking about expanding a first aid kit for Sarge to use on himself, his family, and perhaps others in his immediate company when disaster strikes. The premise Sarge forwarded is he's isolated enough that it could be up to a week before he could overcome transportation barriers left by a disaster and get out for help; or, for help to get to him. The first aid kit discussion revolves around self sufficiency. The only triage in this situation would be done by Sarge himself who isn't even bound by those principles when deciding who to help first: himself, family; or, others who just happen to be around. Not much point in talking triage until Sarge has the materials necessary to manage multiple, multiply inflicted casualties either. Right now he has just an individual first aid kit (IFAK) and a few meds. He's hoping to change that.

Thread drift happens.

Pamela gets carried away.

It's like the tides. :D

Here ya go Sarge, I found a disaster kit for you that weighs only 20 lbs. It is; however, so secret that they can't tell you what's in it or even show you a picture of it. They can only give you a price:

MES SPECIAL FORCES TACTICAL KIT CONSISTING OF 27 ITEMS FOR DEALING WITH TRAUMA AND EMERGENCY SITUATUIONS IN A TACTICAL ENVIRONMENT

Should have one in each vehicle.

Of the BLS Kits at Galls, the one that seems best suited for personal disaster preparedness considering contents, container and adaptability for handling a couple-three additional items is THIS.

I've piecemealed together my own kits from mostly military surplus OD nylon ALICE gear that's NOS (new old stock - unissued surplus) and surplus medical supplies. It requires devoting time to research what's available on the market. That may not be for you. The results; however, are superior to prefab kits. If this interests you, I can share links for describing and procuring what I use so you can evaluate those items for possible use yourself. Keep in mind that you can choose a carrying bag from any source and order a prefab contents Refill Kit from someplace like Galls if you don't want to hunt down all the supplies yourself. It's worth considering.

The problem is I wouldn't know what to do with most of that stuff. No, I'll just stay here and die. :dead: