Prepper Medical Supplies Checklist

When it comes to medical preparedness, most preppers would agree that having the right supplies on hand is critical for emergency situations.

This comprehensive prepper medical supplies checklist covers everything from basic first aid kits to advanced trauma gear, ensuring you have the essentials to handle illness, injury, and other health crises when SHTF.

In this detailed guide, you'll discover the must-have medical items for your home, bug out bag, and beyond, helping take your medical preparedness to the next level.

Introduction to Prepper Medical Supplies

Having the right medical supplies on hand is a critical part of emergency preparedness. When disaster strikes, access to medical care may be limited or unavailable. Being prepared with basic medical supplies allows you to provide first aid and treat minor injuries until professional help is available.

Understanding the Importance of Medical Readiness

Preppers prioritize medical preparedness because health emergencies can happen at any time, not just during a disaster. Having a well-stocked first aid kit and medical supplies provides an invaluable sense of security and self-reliance. Key reasons why medical readiness matters:

Allows you to treat injuries, wounds, or illnesses without relying on medical facilities, which may be inaccessible during an emergency
Helps you manage chronic conditions if prescriptions and medical care are disrupted
Prepares you for situations where professional medical assistance is delayed
Promotes overall wellness and prevention within your household

The Essentials of a Prepper’s First Aid Kit

While preppers often stockpile medications, the foundation of any medical supply cache is a comprehensive first aid kit. This includes materials to treat trauma, wounds, burns, sprains, and other common injuries.

Essential items include:

Sterile gauze pads and roller bandages
Adhesive bandages
Antiseptic wipes and antibiotic ointment
Medical gloves and trauma shears
Burn gel and wraps
Eye wash and cold packs
Tweezers, scissors, safety pins
Aspirin and anti-inflammatory medication

Customizing your kit based on your household's unique needs is key. Ultimately, the ability to provide lifesaving first aid care until emergency responders can assist makes preparedness planning invaluable.

Basic Medical Supplies List for Home and Field

Having basic medical supplies on hand is critical for preppers, whether you are at home or out in the field. This list covers the fundamental items every first aid kit should contain.

Bandages, Dressings, and Adhesives

Adhesive bandages (various sizes)
Gauze rolls (2 inch and 4 inch widths)
Sterile gauze pads (4x4 and 8x10 sizes)
Adhesive cloth tape
Butterfly wound closures
Conforming stretch bandages

This assortment of bandages, gauze, and tape allows you to dress wounds of any size. The different types serve specific purposes like closing cuts or wrapping sprained joints.

Antiseptics and Cleaning Agents

Antibiotic ointment
Antiseptic wipes
Hydrogen peroxide
Alcohol wipes
Nitrile gloves
Eyewash solution

Cleaning wounds prevents infection, which can become life-threatening without medical care. Stock antiseptics to disinfect injuries and wear gloves to avoid contact with bodily fluids.

Over-the-Counter Medications

Ibuprofen/acetaminophen for pain relief
Antihistamines for allergic reactions
Antidiarrheals
Electrolyte supplements
Antacids

Painkillers alleviate discomfort from injuries. Medications like antihistamines and antacids treat common ailments that can occur during disasters or in the wilderness.

Basic Tools and Instruments

Tweezers for splinter removal
Scissors for cutting bandages, tape, gauze
Digital thermometer for checking body temperature
Flashlight for emergency nighttime care

Tweezers, scissors, and thermometers assist with basic medical tasks. A flashlight aids visibility when treating wounds in the dark.

Personal Protective Equipment

N95 particulate respirator masks
Nitrile examination gloves
Safety goggles

Respirator masks limit airborne illness exposure. Gloves prevent contact with biohazards. Goggles shield eyes from fluids and debris when caring for injuries. Personal protective equipment maintains personal safety when providing first aid.

Having these fundamental medical supplies on hand enables preppers to effectively dress wounds, maintain hygiene, monitor health, and stabilize medical emergencies. Tailor your first aid kit to your needs by adding prescription medications you take or supplies for likely wilderness hazards in your area. Periodically inspect and replace expired items to keep your kit prepared for disasters.

Advanced Prepper Medical Supplies

A look at more specialized medical items for the well-prepared prepper.

Trauma and Emergency Equipment

Having the proper equipment to deal with major trauma and life-threatening emergencies is critical for preppers. Some key items to have on hand include:

Tourniquets to stop severe bleeding from limbs
Chest seals and vented chest seals to treat penetrating chest injuries
Trauma dressing and pressure bandages to control bleeding
Nasopharyngeal airways to ensure a clear airway
Decompression needles for tension pneumothorax

Prepper Medical Supplies Antibiotics

Antibiotics allow treatment of bacterial infections when access to professional medical care is limited. Some important antibiotics for preppers to acquire and have proper knowledge of their use include:

Amoxicillin - Broad spectrum antibiotic useful for various infections
Azithromycin - Treats respiratory, skin and other infections
Ciprofloxacin - Broad spectrum antibiotic, effective for anthrax
Doxycycline - Treats infections and can protect against malaria
Cephalexin - Used for skin, bone, urinary tract and other infections

Surgical Supplies and Suture Kits

Suture kits and basic surgical instruments allow closure of wounds and treatment of some injuries without needing to go to an emergency room. Key items include:

Sutures - For closing lacerations
Scalpels and scissors - To debride wounds
Hemostats - Clamping bleeders
Needle drivers - Closing wounds with sutures
Gloves, antiseptic wash, bandages - Protecting sterile field

Orthopedic Supplies

Stabilizing injuries to bones and joints may be required in a disaster when hospitals are not accessible. Supplies to have include:

Splints - To immobilize limbs
Elastic bandages - Secure splints
Triangle bandages - Make arm slings
Braces - Support injured joints
Crutches and canes - Assist injury recovery

Specialized Treatment Kits

Pre-packaged kits are available to treat specific medical situations:

Bleeding control kits - Tourniquets, bandages, clotting gauze
Burn kits - Burn dressings, antibiotics ointments, gloves
Medications - Pain relievers, antibiotics, anti-diarrheals
Airway kits - Supraglottic airways, suction

Having tailored medical supplies for emergencies ensures preppers can provide life-saving care when professional responders may not be available. Preparedness and proper training is key.

Prepper Medicine: Managing Illness and Chronic Conditions

Strategies for stocking and using medications for both acute and long-term medical conditions.

Prescription Medication Management

Ensuring access to necessary prescription drugs during emergencies is critical. Here are some tips:

Talk to your doctor about getting extra prescriptions to have on hand or to rotate into your supply. Be upfront about your prepping goals.
Properly store medications as directed, away from heat, moisture and light. Check expiration dates and rotate stock.
Research alternatives like older generation drugs that treat the same conditions. These may be cheaper and easier to stockpile.
Obtain legally from pharmacies abroad if certain meds aren't available domestically. Verify regulations first.
Use extreme caution with dosage changes or discontinuation. Work closely with your doctor.

Alternative and Herbal Remedies

Incorporating natural medicines and treatments into your prepper medical supplies can supplement traditional care. Consider stocking:

Analgesics like white willow bark, feverfew, turmeric
Antiseptics like honey, garlic, salt
Anti-inflammatories like ginger, boswellia
Immune boosters like echinacea, elderberry, mushrooms

Research safety, dosage, drug interactions before use. Complement with modern medicine under medical guidance.

Vitamins and Supplements

Maintaining health and wellness with an appropriate stock of dietary supplements helps ensure adequate nutrition when access to fresh produce may be limited. Prioritize:

Multivitamins to fill nutritional gaps
Vitamin C and D to support immunity
Probiotics to aid digestion
Protein powders for muscle retention if weight loss occurs

Rotate stock as many vitamins degrade over time. Choose quality brands that adhere to supplement regulations.

Monitoring and Diagnostic Tools

Devices to track health conditions and diagnose issues in austere settings are key for recognizing problems early and adjusting care plans. Consider:

Blood pressure monitors
Blood glucose meters with extra test strips
Thermometers
Pulse oximeters to measure oxygen saturation
Glucagon emergency kits for diabetes

Check batteries/power sources and calibrate equipment regularly. Learn how to use these tools now to diagnose conditions.

Survival Medical Supplies List: Tailoring to Specific Scenarios

Customizing your prepper medical supplies to suit various survival situations, from wilderness to urban environments.

Wilderness First Aid Essentials

When venturing into remote, outdoor settings, having the right medical gear can make all the difference in an emergency. Focus your wilderness medical preparedness kit on supplies to treat injuries, stabilize fractures, and manage pain. Useful items include:

Sterile gauze pads and rolls for controlling bleeding
Triangle bandages and elastic wraps to create splints
Antiseptic wipes to clean wounds and prevent infection
Medical tape and butterfly bandages for minor cuts and abrasions
Anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen to relieve pain and swelling

Also be sure to pack essentials like insect repellent, sunscreen, electrolyte tablets for dehydration, and basic OTC medications. Having these basics on hand ensures you can handle minor medical issues until you can get professional care.

Urban Survival Medical Kit

Medical preparedness takes on a different dimension in urban disaster scenarios. Air pollution, contaminated water, injuries from collapsed buildings, and spread of disease are all heightened risks. Equip yourself by including:

Respirator masks and protective goggles to filter airborne contaminants
Water purification tablets to make found water sources drinkable
Advanced trauma supplies like tourniquets and clotting gauze for serious wounds
Viral infection protections like face masks, sanitizing wipes, and disposable gloves

Having these specialized supplies makes it possible to safely navigate issues unique to cities in crisis. Add general OTC medications and first aid tools as well.

Bug-Out Bag Medical Components

When on the move in an emergency, space in your bug-out bag is at a premium. Pack only the most versatile, compact medical gear including:

Mini first aid kits with adhesive bandages, gauze, ointments, and basic tools
Packets of pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, antihistamines
Small vials of antiseptic, antibiotic ointment, burn cream
Emergency blankets, gloves, and protective masks
Water purification tablets and portable water filters

Choose lightweight, multi-use items that take up little room. This allows you to travel farther and faster with critical medical capacity.

Pandemic and Infectious Disease Gear

Medical preparedness also means having what you need to prevent the spread of contagious illnesses. Stock protective items such as:

N95 respirator masks to filter airborne virus particles
Full-body protective suits and nitrile gloves
EPA approved disinfectants and hand sanitizers
Biohazard waste disposal bags
Digital thermometers to monitor for early symptoms

Isolation protocols may also be needed should someone fall ill. Planning for pandemics ensures you can avoid infection and safely quarantine if required.

Water Purification and Hygiene

In any disaster scenario, access to clean water for drinking, hygiene, and medical care is critical. Be prepared with:

Water purification tablets (iodine or chlorine) to disinfect found water
Portable water filters to remove bacteria and parasites
Bar soaps, shampoo, toothbrushes and toothpaste
Absorbent towels, washcloths, and other sanitary items

Proper hygiene prevents the spread of illness and infection when regular infrastructure is disrupted. Planning for clean water access alleviates a major preparedness pressure.

Storage and Maintenance of Prepper Medical Supplies

Properly storing and maintaining your medical preps is crucial to ensuring they are effective when needed. Here are some best practices:

Long-Term Storage Solutions

Store items in a cool, dark, and dry location to prevent degradation from light, heat, and moisture. A basement, closet, or cabinet works well.
Use airtight plastic containers or bags with oxygen absorbers to keep out air and extend shelf life.
Rotate stock using the "first in, first out" method to use older items before they expire.
Label all containers with contents and expiration dates for easy identification.

Inventory Management

Keep a detailed list of all items, quantities, locations, and expiration dates.
Set reminders to check stock and replenish so you never run out of critical items.
Take regular inventories and replace anything damaged or expired.

Regular Inspection and Testing

Periodically inspect equipment for signs of deterioration and test to ensure full functionality.
Check batteries, sterility of items, integrity of containers/packaging, etc.
Replace batteries, patches, gauze, medications nearing expiration dates.

Climate Considerations

If you live in hot climates, cool the storage area and use desiccants to control humidity.
In cold climates, avoid areas prone to freezing and use insulating materials to maintain stable temps.
Adapt storage solutions to environmental conditions to prevent damage.

Training and Knowledge for Effective Use of Medical Supplies

The importance of education and hands-on training cannot be overstated when it comes to making the most of your prepper medical supplies. Proper training enables you to use even basic first aid equipment effectively and potentially save lives in an emergency situation.

Basic First Aid and CPR Certification

Every prepper should have basic first aid and CPR training. Local community colleges, hospitals, fire departments, and organizations like the Red Cross frequently offer classes at low cost. These fundamental certifications teach skills like controlling bleeding, treating shock, stabilizing injuries, performing CPR, and using an AED. With this essential knowledge, preppers can better utilize their medical kits when it matters most.

Advanced Medical Skills Workshops

For preppers seeking more advanced skills, there are medical training programs that cover setting fractures, suturing lacerations, administering IVs, and even basic field surgery techniques. Organizations like the Patriot Nurse offer multi-day intensive workshops to teach these complex skills. Consider investing in advanced training if you want to maximize your capability to handle serious trauma with your medical preps.

Online Resources and Manuals

An enormous wealth of medical knowledge is available through prepper websites, YouTube channels, podcasts, and digital manuals. From wound care to improvised treatments, this easily accessible information can expand your understanding of how to apply your medical supplies. Maintain a library of digital references to study in your free time.

Community and Group Training

Connect with local prepper networks, first responder organizations, community emergency response teams (CERTs), and amateur radio groups. These collaborative environments provide an excellent opportunity to learn new techniques and engage in hands-on medical training scenarios. Tapping into community knowledge can vastly improve your readiness.

Having the right gear is only half the equation - proper training and education enables preppers to fully leverage their medical preparedness supplies when faced with a crisis scenario. Investing in knowledge pays dividends.

Conclusion: Prepper Medical Supplies Checklist

Having the right medical supplies on hand is a critical part of any prepper's emergency plan. When disaster strikes, you can't rely on hospitals and pharmacies being open or fully stocked. Building your own medical preparedness takes forethought, vigilance, and self-reliance.

The Comprehensive Prepper Medical Supplies List

At a minimum, every prepper medical kit should contain:

First aid essentials like bandages, gauze, medical tape, trauma shears, gloves
Medications - antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, pain relievers
Tools - thermometer, tweezers, safety pins
Personal protective equipment - masks, sanitizer
Specialized items like quick-clot bandages and sutures

Tailor your supplies to your family's unique needs as well. Having a complete inventory means you'll be ready for anything from minor cuts to severe trauma.

Ongoing Preparedness and Vigilance

As with all prepping, maintaining your medical supplies should be an ongoing effort. Set reminders to check expiration dates and restock as needed. Expand your knowledge of emergency medical treatment through books or first aid classes. Share what you've learned with family members so everyone is prepared.

The Role of Self-Sufficiency in Medical Preparedness

Being self-reliant medically allows you to handle health issues independently when hospitals are overwhelmed or inaccessible. Building these skills now means you'll remain calm and confident when faced with crisis situations. A well-stocked medical kit is the first step towards medical self-sufficiency.