Medical

Why it matters

Medical preparedness is a vital part of any emergency plan. Whether you’re sheltering in place or evacuating, having the right supplies and basic knowledge can help you manage injuries, illnesses, and chronic conditions when professional care may be delayed or unavailable.

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Medical Resiliency

Know The Difference Between a First Aid Kit and a Medical Trauma Kit

A first aid kit and a trauma kit are both collections of medical supplies, but they are designed for different levels of injury. Here are some key differences:

First Aid Kit

• Purpose: Treats minor injuries and illnesses
• Injuries: Cuts, scrapes, burns, minor bleeding, sprains, insect stings, headaches, etc.
• Contents:
  • Bandages (various sizes)
  • Antiseptic wipes
  • Gauze pads
  • Adhesive tape
  • Pain relievers (ex. ibuprofen, acetaminophen)
  • Antihistamines
  • Tweezers
  • Scissors
  • Gloves
  • CPR mask (sometimes)

Trauma Kit

• Purpose: Treats severe, life-threatening injuries, often involving significant bleeding.
• Injuries: Gunshot wounds, deep lacerations, arterial bleeds, chest injuries, etc.
• Contents:
  • Tourniquet (for stopping severe bleeding in limbs)
  • Hemostatic agents (dressings or powders to promote blood clotting)
  • Chest seals (for sealing open chest wounds)
  • Gauze (for packing wounds)
  • Bandages/medical tape (for securing gauze to wounds)
  • Trauma shears (for cutting clothing to expose wounds)
  • Splint (for broken limbs)
  • Gloves (ideally thicker rubber gloves that can be sanitized and re-used)
  • Povidone-iodine: a broad-spectrum antiseptic effective against bacteria, fungi, and viruses
  • Hydrogen peroxide: While commonly used, hydrogen peroxide can damage healthy tissue and slow healing. It’s best reserved for cleaning intact skin around a wound, not directly on the open wound itself.

Assemble Your Kit

Steps to Assemble your First Aid and/or Trauma Kit:

1. Determine Your Needs: Consider the environment where the kit will be used (home, car, outdoors), the number of people it will serve, and potential risks.
2. Gather Supplies: Refer to a comprehensive first aid kit checklist (like above), identify what you already have, and gather any additional necessary items.
3. Organize and Pack: Use a durable, water-resistant container with compartments for easy access. Organize items by category (e.g., wound care, medications).
4. Include a First Aid Manual: Add a basic first aid guide for reference during emergencies.
5. Review and Maintain: Familiarize yourself with the contents and their uses. Check expiration dates regularly and replace used or expired items.

Additional Tips:

• Customize: Add items specific to your needs, such as personal medications or items for managing chronic conditions.
• Store Properly: Keep the kit in a cool, dry place that is easily accessible but out of reach of children.
• Make it Portable: If needed, pack a smaller, portable kit for travel or outdoor activities.

Learn Basic First Aid

• Take a Course: Consider taking a basic first aid course to learn essential skills like CPR, wound care, and how to treat common injuries.
• Practice: Practice first aid skills regularly to stay proficient.

Prepare For Medical Emergencies

• Emergency Plan: Develop an emergency plan that includes a list of local hospitals, emergency contacts, and evacuation routes.
• Medical Records: Keep copies of important medical records, including vaccination records and insurance information, in a safe place.
• Emergency Contacts: Make sure you have a list of emergency contacts, including family, friends, and neighbors.
• Emergency Apps: Download iFirstAid or the RedCross app to have instructions in your pocket.

Consider Special Needs

• Individuals with Disabilities: If you or someone in your household has a disability, ensure your emergency plan and medical kit are tailored to their specific needs.
• Pets: Prepare a separate emergency kit for your pets, including food, water, medications, and identification.

First Aid Kit vs. Trauma Kit