How to Stock Emergency Medical Service Supplies

Basic emergency medical supplies are an essential part of any emergency-preparedness kit. This critical part of "being prepared for anything" can be as simple as a basic first aid kit, or as involved as an extensive collection of varied medical supplies. Depending on your level of medical and first aid knowledge and skill, your supply kit may include as little as basic bandages and splints, to as much as airway adjuncts, medications, and diagnostic devices. The focus of this particular article will be how to compile an emergency medical service kit for use by the average person with limited first aid skills and knowledge. Stocking medical equipment for professionals will be covered in a later article.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Triangular bandages
• Roller-guaze bandages
• Sterile guaze pads (4 x 4)
• Sterile guaze pads (5 x 9)
• Occlusive dressings
• Bandage shears
• Eye injury protectors (paper cups or cones work great)
• Latex or vinyl medical gloves
• Waterproof tape
• Standard medical tape
• Safety glasses and masks
• Assortment of standard Band-Aids
• ACE wrap bandages
• Cold packs
• Disinfectant wipes
• Clean plastic bags (for disposal of used supplies)
• Safety pins
• Scissors
• Blanket and Pillow
• Flashlight with spare batteries
• Regular Hydrogen Peroxide
• Regular Rubbing Alcohol
• CPR barrier device, or bag valve mask for ventilating patients
• First Aid & CPR guide
• Emergency phone numbers, including hospitals, police, and fire departments
• Bag or box to keep everything organized.

1. When thinking about organizing an emergency medical supply kit, there are several factors to consider. How many people may need assistance? What kind of skills and knowledge do you have to offer? What kind of injuries could you encounter, and will you know how to treat them? Also, your location could dictate special equipment, such as a snake bite kit in the southeastern U.S., or warming blankets and packets in northern climates.
   
   It is a very good idea to sit down with a pen and paper, and at least answer the above questions. Talk with others and consider their advice as well.

2. Go to your local firehouse, and ask the professionals. You'll find that the vast majority of firefighters are courteous, helpful, and very knowledgeable. And of course, ask the advice of any health care workers you may know. Many hospital's emergency rooms will have literature on first aid. Some even offer free classes.

3. Decide upon a budget. Emergency kits can become expensive. There isn't a lot of reason to spend a fortune on a high-end kit if you live in an urban or suburban region, or near a hospital. Here is where the health care professionals come into play. Ask their advice, inquire about ambulance and fire department response times to your location, and also about transport times to the appropriate hospitals.
   
   Your emergency medical kit should match your level of risk, skill, and knowledge. It should also be affordable, yet effective. You don't want to break your bank, but you still need it to work. Emergency supplies won't get used very often, but when they do, you'll be glad you spent the money.

4. Decide on a storage method and location. Your medical supplies should all fit neatly into a bag or box, so they're ready when you need them. Bulkier items like blankets and pillows should be nearby, and designated for emergencies only. You'll ideally want everything in a readily accessible, clean, dry place, out of direct sunlight. Sunlight can fade and deteriorate bandages and their wrappers.

5. Familiarize yourself with everything. As you put your kit together, get to know what each package is, what each tool does, and how to use them. Periodically get the kit out and show others. Make sure you keep the knowledge that you have fresh in your mind, so that when it matters most, it will be second nature.

6. Reevaluate everything. Each time you speak with a medical professional, take a class, read a medical book, or have an actual emergency, go back and critique your emergency medical supply kit. You might decide to add to it or change its contents.

7. Get educated. Fire departments, hospitals, colleges, and the Red Cross all offer first aid and cpr courses. You may even decide to learn more, and take a Medical First Responder class, or maybe even an Emergency Medical Technician course.

Tips & Warnings

• Use medical professionals' advice. Nurses, doctors, firefighters, paramedics, and E.M.T.'s are good sources.
• The internet, libraries, textbooks, the Red Cross, fire departments, and hospitals are all great sources of assistance.
• Take a CPR course as a minimum. Continue on with a First Aid class.
• Never attempt to give assistance beyond your knowledge. Learn the laws that govern "Good Samaritan" acts in your area.
• Use appropriate protection. Gloves, safety glasses, and a mask are the minimum protection you should have when providing medical care.
• Be wary of everyone's bodily fluids. As a rule, "If it's wet and it's not yours, don't touch it!).