Store Medical Items You Know How To Use

(This is continuation of the Emergency Preparedness Series from Mormon Times section of the Deseret News. His list of basis supplies to store is at the bottom of the article.)

Store Medical Items You Know How to Use

By Sharon Haddock
Mormon Times
Wednesday, Apr. 21, 2010


PROVO, Utah -- A Leatherman.

A Maglite flashlight.

A Sam Splint.

Benadryl, Super Glue and duct tape.

Those are the essentials in Dr. Michael Rhodes' emergency preparedness kit.

Of course, because he's a licensed medical doctor he also has an assortment of medicines, splints and bandages.

So while he has a Leatherman and a Maglite in his car and at several places in his home, he recognizes that his needs are more unique than most.

"I figure since I'm the doctor in the neighborhood, everyone will be coming here for help," he said.

For the mainstream audience, he suggests storing only those items a person knows how to use.

He's adamant that even in a disaster the layman should not try to be a doctor.

That means no stitching, no cutting, and no administration of drugs not prescribed for a specific person.

"Antibiotics, I'm very nervous about. Unless you're a registered nurse, a doctor or a pharmacist, don't share or prescribe medications. Don't keep or store leftover drugs or antibiotics," Rhodes said.

Rhodes is the program director of Family Medicine at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center and a member of the Wilderness Medical Society, a group that supports doctors training for outdoor emergencies.

He often gives presentations on what to store in the family emergency kit and has firm ideas about what's appropriate and safe.

"You have to be careful with children and babies. None of this, 'a little is good so a lot is better,'" he said.

People need to remember small children should not be given aspirin or cold medicine.

"Kids react weirdly to medications," he said. "The biggest thing to do for them is keep them busy. Pack games, puzzles, a journal to write in. Give them something to do. Empower them."

He doesn't recommend digging into a wound or closing up a deep wound that may not be completely cleaned.

He does suggest having Benadryl on hand to help patients with allergic reactions and anti-diarrheal medication to stave off dehydration.

He recommends Super Glue to use on shallow wounds and duct tape for splints.

"If you're using the Super Glue, don't glue yourself to the patient," he said, "And be sure the wound is dry, not bleeding, and use a very thin layer."

A Sam Splint can be shaped, cut and used on a variety of breaks, even as a neck collar, he said.

A cigarette lighter is good to use for sterilization.

He advocates buying big bottles of eye wash because it's a sterile solution and is easy to use to wash out wounds. It can be poured into a Ziploc bag, which can be pricked with a pin. The solution can then be pushed out in a strong stream to clean a cut.

Glucose paste is good to have on hand for diabetics. Cake frosting will serve the same purpose, he said.

Moleskin is valuable.

He packs maxipads to use to stop the bleeding from larger wounds and small-size tampons to use for nosebleeds.

"Hand sanitizer is a must," he said.

So is a mixture of salt, sugar and water that can be used to rehydrate someone who's been vomiting.

(The recipe for this oral rehydration solution is on the World Health Organization's Web site, Rhodes said. It's cheaper and generally more effective than sports drinks like Gatorade.)

He suggests getting a family supply of N-95 masks from the paint departments at Lowe's or The Home Depot stores, the same masks sold at medical supply stores, but cheaper.

Rhodes praises those who get prepared and he enjoys helping out in the odd situation.

He simply asks that people use common sense.

Dr. Rhodes’ list of basic supplies to store:

Over-the-counter medications:

water purification tablets
Afrin nasal spray (for nose bleeds)
smelling salts
loperamide hydrochloride tablets (anti-diarrheal)
motion sickness tablets (to stave off nausea, vomiting)
Benadryl
acid reducer tablets
simethecone
Tylenol
ibuprofen
naproxen
1 percent hydrocortisone cream
glucose paste or frosting
sunscreen

Wound management:

eye wash (contact lens saline solution)
povidone-iodine solution
rubbing alcohol
knuckle bandages
extra large and regular Band-Aids
moleskin (for blisters)
triple antibiotic ointment
zinc oxide ointment (Desitin)
Super Glue
Bandage materials
Ace bandages, three sizes: two-inch, four-inch and six-inch
one-inch porous tape
2x2 and 4x4 gauze
2x3 non-adherent gauze
tongue depressors (for finger splints)
gloves
maxi pads (for trauma dressing)
tampons (small size for nosebleeds)

Miscellaneous equipment:

notebook
pen
lighter
trauma shears
scissors
emergency blanket
hand sanitizer
“Sam Splint”
CPR face shield (plastic bag will work)
cotton-tipped applicators
headlamp
thermometer
tweezers
high SPF sunscreen
lip balm
triangular bandage with large safety pin
multitool (Leatherman)
duct tape
Ziploc bags
water filter
oral rehydration solution (ORS)

Prescription medications:

30-90 days’ supply of prescription medications
EpiPen
diabetes supplies, lancets, test strips, insulin, syringes
prednisone
Augmentin
Cipro