(Part 2) Best first aid kits according to redditors
We found 269 Reddit comments discussing the best first aid kits. We ranked the 118 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the products ranked 21-40. You can also go back to the previous section.
Clove oil is a miracle. It can usually be found in a drug store under tooth remedies. Around here they sell these. That's basically a vial of clove oil and some cotton balls. And keep in mind, the price on that link is for 6 kits not one, so it's pretty cheap really.
I would disagree with other users here, building your own kit will save a decent amount of money
What are you looking to put into these IFAKs? Here are some links that a 'basic' would have
4 pack of chest seals $29.19 (one in each kit)
20 count 5x9 combine pads $7.99 (two or so in each kit)
Isreali Bandage (non-amazon link as there have been many issues with amazon selling Isreali bandages and people getting knock-offs, youll want the 4in 'new manufacture' which come in a grey outer pouch, open the outer pouch and put them in the IFAK like that (they are double sealed/this will leave them sealed in a see through rip away plastic which can be used as an occlusive dressing) one in each kit.
2 Hemostatic Gauze $19.97 (open outer pack, put one 'inner' pack in each kit)
12 pack of 2in roller gauze $4.80 (one, maybe two in each kit, can be replaced with a triangular bandage instead)
12 Triangular Bandages (Cravats) $6.80 - these are multi-use, bleeding control, securing a dressing, TQ use etc. most opt not to have them but theyre a great 'multi-use' item I carry in every IFAK (one in each kit)
2 pack trauma shears $9.99 (one in each kit)
2 pack CAT tourniquets $53.98, one reason to go with amazon is the easy returns, which is a double edged sword, a lot of people will buy fake CATs for cheap, purchase real ones for $$ then 'return' the real ones with the cheap fake ones, look up lot codes when you get them if it doesnt look the part return it. Stay away from the thin elastic "pocket tourniquets" (one in each kit)
Rip away IFAK MOLLE pouch $14.99 each, depending on color. I prefer these over just a MOLLE pouch, unbuckle and use or throw to someone else without having to lug w.e. equipment the pouch is attached to - or leave off the MOLLE backing and put inside a pack loose
Personally I dont put airway in my IFAKs but do in a larger kit thats nearby - if you want links to NPAs a pretty good general size to go with would be a 26, dont forget lube or really you can just spit on them. Same with a decompression needle, not going to be in my IFAK.
More importantly than any of this stuff is training, you can do a lot more with training than you can with a 'be all end all kit'. Dont be afraid to adapt a kit to your environment, for example if you're going far away from civilization consider you might do wound packing and need more hemostatic gauze, but if you're right down the street from a hospital you probably wont want to pack a wound with a homeostatic agent but that will depend on the situation.
The purpose of an IFAK is to get you to a larger first aid kit/medical help.
(I purchase medical supplies for the EMS company I work for, Amazon prices are generally cheaper than buying from a distributor unless you're looking to build dozens of these kits and even then certain items will still be cheaper especially factoring in shipping) Any questions feel free to ask
Heat is transferred in two ways (sometimes called 3, but whatever). The first is called Conductive Heat Transfer, and the second is Radiative Heat Transfer (the third is usually called Convection, but it's a fancy version of Conduction and not important to this discussion).
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Conduction is when a hot thing touches another hot thing. A lot of the time, the hot thing is the air, and the thing touching the air is you. When you're near a fire, a lot of the heat you feel is because the air around the fire is getting hot, and giving that heat to you.
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Radiation is when heat energy is literally converted into Infrared Radiation which flies away from the hot thing until it hits something else. This is actually how the sun heats up the Earth (except it generates more than just Infrared Radiation since it's a gigantic nuclear fusion reaction).
​
Radiation is what a mirror reflects, but a lot of mirrors won't actually *reflect* infrared radiation, but absorb it. That means for most mirrors they will just heat up and make you hot. It's possible though you could build a mirror that reflects infrared radiation and prevent heat energy from getting to you. In fact someone already has: it's called a Thermal Blanket. In this case it's actually for reflecting your own heat back at you to keep you warm, but it could just as easily reflect outside heat away from you.
The contents of this. If someone has a boo boo that a bandage or Tylenol can't fix, notify game staff immediately.
I wouldn’t recommend buying a “prebuilt” IFAK. They can get very expensive when you can build your own for half the price.
TRAUMA KIT
I also carry a small generic first aid kit with a few extra additions.
Don’t carry stuff if you don’t know how to use it. Especially using a chest seal. Can do more harm than good. Only stuff I would probably ever need would be a tourniquet, Israeli bandage and some gauze with quickclot. I’m a minimalist so I carry the bare minimum.
Chances are you’ll use a regular first aid kit more than you would a GSW kit of an IFAK. Don’t wear trauma shears like some guards do, looks tacky an if you get into a physical fight it can be used against you.
The only thing I physically carry on me is a tourniquet, the rest goes into an easily accessible patrol bag inside the trunk. I don’t have a lot of free room on my belt so I only carry what I need. Tourniquet goes into my cargo pocket.
EDIT:
I'm CPR and Firstaid trained, only reason I don't use any CPR mask because the chances of me using it will more than likely be on a transient or junkie. Eventhough barriers are relatively safe, I'd rather hold off. Chances are too risky for me to take on catching some sort of disease. EMS show up quicker than the police around here.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0764LV8QH/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1523246774&sr=8-2-spons&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=asthma+inhaler&psc=1 boom
Unless your in Afghanistan don't get something in od green of desert tan.
Get something highly visible and that obviously a first aid kit. Go one amazon and look up "empty first responder bag" and your set. If soft case is not your thing than the pelican 1200 is an ok bet (orange and yellow). It's a bit small though but mine holds what I need (7 inch trauma scissors, 6 inch trauma bandage, abd pads, sam splint & triangle bandage, tape, cpr micro shield, exam gloves, and emergency blanket)
EDIT This one is only 15 American dollarydoos Check its specs to see if its big enough
From the inventory of that kit vs. a lazy Amazon search:
QuikClot clotting sponge
$10.99
SWAT-T Tourniquet
$12.03
Nitrile Gloves
$0.24
Antiseptic wipe
$.06
Disposable bag
$.09
Trauma pad (5 x 9 in)
$1
Duct tape (2 x 26 in)
$0.06
TOTAL $23.47, leaving you $11.52 to package it in something waterproof and cheap like a ZipLoc bag (so you can see what's in it), and add the other boring stuff you'll need 99% of the time like band aids, tweezers, immodium, ibuprofen, antihistamine, etc. You'll even have 178' of left over duct tape for taping the living crap out of everything around you.
Also, if you don't have (recent -- as in the last couple of years) training on when it's appropriate to use a tourniquet, chances are you'll do more harm than good with it. A lot of the medical philosophy around using them has changed with all the recent combat experience US forces have experienced.
:-)
These guys (Adventure Medical -- same company) actually put out a very smart, more comprehensive kit for $29.99:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000G80KZQ
Or for something a little lighter and single-person, their $14.99 kit is great (to which I added a clotting sponge):
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AAZ08ES
I think people are better off buying a kit that covers the 99% first, and THEN adding to it a bit of trauma kit (after taking a ALS/EMT course so they actually know what to do with it).
Lots of people use duffel bags and pelican or even suit cases, from what I have seen. Also plenty of nicely arrayed backpacks (especially tactical ones with many pockets and points to hang things from). I've heard of and might be interested in emergency medical response bags and such as well. This is for traveling with toys, of course.
In the home, I personally just use variously arrayed plastic boxes for organization in one larger "toy" box with a collection of hanked and coiled rope and chains. I'd like to set up some kind of semi-portable but permanent pole/cleat/peg system to keep in the corner of the room.
I've seen plenty of lovely pictures posted here of people's toy boxes and chests, as well as their nicely arrayed closets full of toys, or the walls of their play rooms. Nothing short of heartwarming to see such nicely arrayed toys and tools!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/124656473/bdsm-spanking-paddle-monkey-pod-wood-50?ref=col_view
http://www.amazon.com/Primacare-KB-4135-B-Responder-Length-Height/dp/B000R11D6M/ref=wl_it_
Rothco or similar?
http://www.amazon.com/Rothco-E-M-S-EMT-Emergency-Rescue/dp/B009T6IPNK
Be cognizant of bag size versus type of kit; some may be too small or massive overkill. The above-linked Rothco is 22" x 11" x 11.5" inches.
The IronDuck and LA Rescue stuff is fantastic. I was thinking about picking up the LA-R First Call In Bag myself. (instead of a stupid plastic "med kit" for the house)
I'm not fond of hard-sided cases for medical gear - too bulky and if you drop it, it cracks, spilling your gear everywhere.
I've got a lot of love for Plano gear though and own quite a bit of it. I had no idea they made EMS gear; looks nice. Every bag should have a glove dispenser port like theirs.
Hello everyone!
I had been wanting to post my edc for school and felt since the semester is almost over, now would be a great time. I am a computer science major and have been carrying this with me for several months now. Also, pls excuse the obvious line down the middle - i merged two seperate pictures together. So here is my edc from L>R, T>B.
I do carry all of this with me. It's not too heavy as I've tried to minimize the weight of the items I did decide I wanted to carry.
Some bonus pics are below:
[Backpack loaded will all the above] (https://imgur.com/XRBubGH)
[Another showing the strip that reflects light - one of the reasons I purchased it] (https://imgur.com/lkirjJf)
[The Headphone case w/ the headphones] (https://imgur.com/UQFNF53)
[Inside of Five-Star Binder for those curious] (https://imgur.com/aVPxA2l)
[Bulit in organization in the backpack] (https://imgur.com/m0KAvOa)
[The reason I carry the extra monitor/keyboard/mouse/etc] (https://imgur.com/n6QRldz)
I always bring this guy hiking or it's in my car if I'm not hiking (which means its always in my car at the range). I've added some other stuff to it, primarily face shields for CPR.
And yes... I know... it's a med kit with the word tactical in it.
The Victorinox Swiss Army Knife is a classic
Light My Fire makes reasonably good fire starters
Storm proof matches are fun
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You can definitely gather the tinder from outside, don't buy this. Just get a handful of pencil sized sticks and wrap it up with some twine. Just make sure it's dry (not green / wet).
Zippo's are okay, but torches and even bic lighters are more valuable for actual fire starting.
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Maybe a map for your local area. It would go well with the compass and maybe encourage you all to get out and hike a trail.
National Geographic has many options.
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Headlamp is valuable. 'to see your love' or whatever.
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Duct tape is fun. It comes in lots of different colors and is versatile for all sorts of adventures.
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First Aid Kit is more practical - but if you are being corny - you could say 'in case of broken heart' or something.
I have this same one. It's a very good starter kit and comes with a pretty awesome BP Cuff and Stethoscope! It's perfect for what you're looking for, OP.
Ever Ready First Aid Fully Stocked First Responder Kit, Orange https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000I2RM3S/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_GyW-wbJ816S2W
EMT bag
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009T6IPNK/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_uOUstb02XEMQS
Link spam - go!
https://www.amazon.com/Nicesh-Storage-Organizer-Medicine-Emergency/dp/B01G3CEE2S
https://www.amazon.com/Qsbon-Storage-Container-Medicine-Organizer/dp/B07R5SXP9P
https://www.amazon.com/Flexzion-Removable-Separated-Compartments-Prescriptions/dp/B07KQ4C6L6
https://www.amazon.com/Seahorse-Protective-Case-Without-Orange/dp/B001A1TR1Q
https://www.amazon.com/Flambeau-Medical-First-Medium-Empty/dp/B001B9XTNY
https://www.amazon.com/Morning-Plus-Medication-Organizer-Emergency/dp/B07LH4KMCX
https://www.amazon.com/Durham-535-43-Cold-Rolled-Industrial-Cabinet/dp/B006WQO6EW
https://www.amazon.com/Wobe-Rectangular-Containers-4-5x3-3x0-9-Organizer/dp/B07CBQN9QH (posting these for my own purposes)
https://www.amazon.com/RotopaX-RX-72-EMPTY-First-Preparedness-Pack/dp/B008S9QOT6
I’ve used this one with a propeller and it worked just fine CASEMATIX Asthma Inhaler Case - Travel With Your Portable Inhaler While Keeping it Dust and Dirt Free - The Ideal Medicine Case For Protecting and Keeping Your Inhalers By your Side https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0764LV8QH/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_mlS-AbN6MACQJ
My company gives out face masks once we are CPR trained. I recommend either asking your company to buy these or get some yourself. Would have saved his mouth washing haha.
Seriously, good for him though. Scary thing to do but he knew his job and was very honorable and admirable in his duties. Hats off.
Edit: heres an amazon link to those masks. 10pcs CPR Face Shield Mask Keychain Ring Emergency Kit CPR Face Shields for First Aid or AED Training https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QMV8QTX/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_moFADbMX2JR6J
Okay, awesome. Thank you for breaking out in more context. So in a bug in scenario, taking into account you have short term heat supply and I assume you would be able to boil water in case of water contamination in the earthquake zone. Even flooding at times can contaminate water supplies. However it would be a good idea to get either individual Sawyer water filtration kits that way everyone would be responsible for their own. Especially if you have children. I know you wanted links to Amazon, but I feel it is best to direct you write you the product source and therefore you can find them and what you want on Amazon. It is ultimately your decision.
https://sawyer.com/products/type/water-filtration/
As for storage, I found that you can get these 6 gallon Ozark Trail water cans which were made by Reliance. There about 12 to $13 each. I have two of them for absolute emergency filtered water. I'm sure if you did a little digging, you can find those on Amazon as well.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Ozark-Trail-Desert-Patrol-6-Gal-Water-Jug/16537207
Next I would say having food that you do not have to worry about preparing would be key. Especially if you have a place to cook and boil water. Having a few buckets of meals that can be made inside their own mylar bags is key. This is a calculation you will want to take into account for your self. Since you have two people leaving you'll have you your spouse and someone else left. It might be easier to decide how much money to spend on emergency food. My mother personally has bought two buckets of her own food, one for her and one for her husband. They're easy to carry if you did have to leave in a hurry.
http://www.mountainhouse.com/
http://www.wisefoodstorage.com/
House for medical, I have always found it easier to get an all in one trauma kit. Those kits can be fully stocked for first responders. Here's what I found on Amazon. As I am NOT a first responder, I cannot point you in a direction that is better or worse. However I have found that buying complete kits for first responders generally have what you need in them. You may want to also look for small suture kits if these do not have them in them.
http://www.amazon.com/Ever-Ready-First-Aid-Responder/dp/B000I2RM3S
You mentioned tools, that is a huge spectrum. Are you talking about tools for debris removal, home repair, or what are you looking to achieve when you talk about tools?
I know you meant cheap palatable food and water storage in the beginning. Water storage can be done cheaply to a point. But when it comes to the food, that is where you want to spend your money. There are plenty of emergency foods out there, not all of them are palatable. When you look into mountain house and wise food company. Those are the types that can be done inside the bag. That in and of itself means as long as you can boil clean water, you are good to go. I'm assuming you live in California, since you mention flooding and earthquakes. Do you have any means to defend yourself? If there is a major earthquake how long does it take for people to get to you? Meaning are desperate people going to make their way out of that city and come up the hill to find you?
tl;dr. I know that you're getting Amazon gift cards, I wanted to at least give you general ideas so you can look at the links and will most likely be able to find everything on Amazon. Maybe you focus your money on food and the other links will help you put some cash together. If everyone that is staying together is chipping in, that will help greatly.
This is a very nice larger one, the other is daypack size.
In a mass casualty situation, I would completely ignore anyone that needed CPR and focus on the bleeders. The time you spend giving one person CPR could be used stabilizing a dozen people who are bleeding.
For extremities, the most useful thing is a tourniquet. I prefer one with a windlass like a [CAT] (https://www.amazon.com/C--Combat-Application-Tourniquet-GENERATION/dp/B018R73OWI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1468623443&sr=8-1&keywords=gen+7+cat+tourniquet) or [SOFTT] (https://www.amazon.com/Tac-Med-Solutions-SOFTT-W-Tourniquet/dp/B00E3W3BK2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1468623620&sr=8-2&keywords=sof-t) over a [TK4] (https://www.amazon.com/H-Associates-TK4-Tourniquet/dp/B003YHGKF0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1468623679&sr=8-1&keywords=tk4+tourniquet) or [SWAT] (https://www.amazon.com/SWAT-T-Tourniquet-Black-1-Count/dp/B003IWNOVO/ref=sr_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1468623735&sr=8-2&keywords=swat+tourniquet).
For injuries to the abdomen, armpit, crotch, or neck; you will want a homeostatic agent. [Combat Gauze] (https://www.amazon.com/QuickClot-Combat-Gauze-Z-Fold/dp/B001E1CLTC/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1468623859&sr=8-1&keywords=combat+gauze) is the way to go here, it is much better than powdered QuickClot.
For penetrating chest trauma (also called 'sucking chest wounds'), you need a large, occlusive bandage on both the entry and exit. In clinical testing of chest seals, the [Halo] (https://www.amazon.com/Progressive-Medical-Performance-Occlusive-Dressing/dp/B003VSORKC/ref=sr_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1468624256&sr=8-3&keywords=chest+seal) and [Hyfin] (https://www.amazon.com/North-American-Rescue-Hyfin-Chest/dp/B00KQS2NGK/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1468624483&sr=8-1&keywords=hyfin) drastically outperformed the [Asherman] (https://www.amazon.com/Rusch-Inc-849100-Asherman-Chest/dp/B0015TE9N4/ref=sr_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1468624546&sr=8-2&keywords=asherman+chest+seal).
I also personally have a [decompression needle] (http://www.rescue-essentials.com/h-h-needle-decompression-kit-tpak/) to treat tension pneumothorax, but I advise you not to get it unless you have specific training on it.
For general bleeding the [Israeli bandage] (https://www.amazon.com/Israeli-Bandage-Shipped-Israel-Inches/dp/B00JKMPJBY/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1468625201&sr=8-2-spons&keywords=israeli+bandage&psc=1) is way better than other bandages.
You will also want an [NPA] (https://www.amazon.com/Nasopharyngeal-Airway-Fr-9-3mm-Surgilube/dp/B003950R2E/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1468625347&sr=8-1&keywords=nasal+pharyngeal+airway) to help keep an open airway.
Edit, I forgot that you are also going to want a good pair of [trauma shears] (https://www.amazon.com/Madison-Supply-Premium-Fluoride-Scissors/dp/B00YFG1U86/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1468625730&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=trauma+shears&psc=1).
Some other things to consider are rubber gloves, [Kerlix] (https://www.amazon.com/Original-Kerlix-Sterile-Bandage-Rolls/dp/B00UAULWR0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1468626013&sr=8-1&keywords=kerlix), [cravats] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HBG726G/ref=ox_sc_mini_detail?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=AR9BYY7RS0Q08), [medical tape] (https://www.amazon.com/Durapore-Medical-Tape-Silk-yards/dp/B000C4O7GC/ref=sr_1_2_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1468626363&sr=1-2&keywords=medical+tape), a [SAM splint] (https://www.amazon.com/SAM-Rolled-Splint-Orange-Blue/dp/B001J5H92C/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1468626238&sr=1-1&keywords=sam+splint), and a [space blanket] (https://www.amazon.com/Emergency-Mylar-Blankets-84-52/dp/B004356WLY/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1468626282&sr=1-1&keywords=space+blanket).
\>very occasional social smoking
Can you define very occasional? For how long have you done it?
When it comes to your breathing problems I don't know of anything you can do, so try to talk tl the doctor and seriously consider getting the MRI, it might be the only way to really figure it out, but I can think of a few things you can do to prepare incase something goes wrong
Im going under the assumption that someone lives with you. First of all you should think about buying like a pocket bvm or something, like (https://www.amazon.com/CPR-Mask-Valve-Pocket-Resuscitator/dp/B07KDFFCXZ/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=pocket+bvm&qid=1569003780&refinements=p_36%3A1253518011&rnid=386636011&s=hpc&sr=1-5)so if you ever can't breath someone can perform rescue breathing if necessary. Go to the nearest fire department and ask them to teach it. Off course, this is an emergency only thing, so just do it till ems arrives.
http://www.amazon.com/ADSAFE-Shield-Keychain-Adult-Orange/dp/B0011MIQX4
Eh, people have herpes and I'm no saint. Also, puke.
I ordered this med kit for fishing, hiking, camping but I dont carry anything when in town.
I have this bag https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0080Y21BY that I found on another post in this sub. It's small, light and obviously medical.
North American Rescue Hyfin Vent Chest Seal 4 Count https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M9C9BSX/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_XgBGDbQW42752
Here are the ones we train with. I’d love it if you bought from us, but amazon free shipping is hard to pass up.
Yup, just buy good quality ones.
Practice practice practice. Buy an orange tq and an extra Israeli, try it wet, with gloves, in the dark.
Bullshit. They just hate videogames for some reason, Johnson and Johnson has been doing that for decades. Othe companies follow suit. Hell, the American Red Cross licenses it out!
IT's a generic symbol for first aid kits. If they want it to stop being that, start in the real world, don't become an enemy of free artistic expression.
I used this stuff, and it would be a lot cheaper for you. (I got the 5 pack and didn't even use one of them).
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Survival-Blanket-reflective-thermal-first/dp/B004O793JY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1394299383&sr=8-1&keywords=space+blanket
I have been working on this right now. I have been trying to work my way down to a box this size because it’s cute and I like it.
Metal First Aid Box, Red
I probably won’t be able to get it down that small so I’m aiming for this one instead (or painting a tackle box and trying to do it for cheaper).
Metal First Aid Box, White
I'm a regular motorcyclist. This is everything I have on me when going out on it, whether commuting to work or just going for a day ride.
Being a motorcyclist I'm more likely to be involved in or be the first (or first prepared) person to deal with an incident on the road.
My kit is a lot of first aid and safety related equipment. The notebook I'll use if details need to be taken down before the police can arrive.
(Taking the picture) Samsung S8
Also waiting for delivery of a clip-on flashlight
5-7 and 10-13 live in the MOLLE pouch which goes at the bottom of the backpack.
8, 9, 14, 15, 16 live in the front pocket of the backpack.
18, 19, 20 go in my pockets.
On the bike I also carry a puncture repair kit, allen keys, and cable ties. I have a RAM mount incase I need to use my phone as a sat-nav.
I'm also an ATGATT rider, so I always have a jacket (leather in summer, textile w/ hi-vis overcoat in winter), trousers (armoured denim in summer, textile in winter), gloves, boots and helmet.
On the helmet I have a Drift Ghost X Action Cam
A quick search of Amazon:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Scissors-Tough-Shears-Paramedic-Emergency/dp/B00AKE20PE/