The Best Things to Have in Your First Aid Kit During a Pandemic

Hand sanitizers, medical masks and thermometers are some of the products flying off the shelf as people stock up in reaction to a worsening outbreak of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. You might have to brave long lines and empty shelves looking for these items that you should already have in your emergency medical kits.

The ready-made first aid kits that you can buy at the store or online are packed with the basic items needed during a regular first aid emergency situation. But, they are not prepared for pandemics, so you’ll need to make sure that your kit has what will come in handy during a viral health situation like bird flu, Ebola, or SARS Cov-2.

Every first aid kit should have at least the basics when you buy it – but you can build onto that kit by adding what it’s lacking. You can find some first aid kits that are specifically built for pandemic use – or you can just create it yourself by adding items one or two at a time.

You want to start out by making sure your kit has at least a week’s supply of the prescription medications that every family member uses on a regular basis. Don’t forget to add medicines to treat allergic reactions since this can spring up without warning.

Rehydration mix a key component to maintaining proper electrolyte balance in ill adults and teens.

Your kit should also have a list of numbers that you can reach out to in case of an emergency. You’ll need a flashlight and fresh batteries in the kit. These items are necessities because you don’t want to try to administer first aid treatment to someone when you’re in the dark.

In the kit, you need sterile dressings that are big enough to cover large wounds. But you also want to have a hardy supply of bandages in assorted sizes. Plus, you’ll need medical tape to put on the dressings so they’ll stay in place.

Antibiotic ointment, hydrocortisone ointment and alcohol wipes are staples that should be in every kit. Pain medication should be the kit as well. You’ll want a thermal blanket to use to protect the injured from cold, to cover them from bad weather or to wrap around them in the even that they’re in shock from the injury.

You’ll want a mouth shield in case you have to give CPR to someone. During a pandemic, you may not know if the person you’re treating is disease or virus free, so you’ll need to protect yourself as you’re giving CPR.

For that same reason, you’ll need a supply of medical exam quality latex or nitrile gloves, N95 facemasks, safety goggles with indirect ventilation, biohazard bags and a way to protect your clothing from being contaminated. Don’t forget that pair of scissors in the kit that are strong enough to cut through clothing.

You might want to include protective clothing such as

• An isolation gown made of non-woven polypropylene material coated with water repellent agent for added protection. Material is breathable which prevents irritating hot temperature build-up. Waist ties are designed to tie in front for ease of use. For most routine medical and dental procedures. Elastic cuffs. Latex-free.
• Shoe covers made of polypropylene, coated with water-repellent. Bottom-tread for skid-resistance. Bottom of shoe cover 15″ in length. Latex-free.
• A medical cap made of non-woven polypropylene material, and the elastic band is made of 100% latex-free synthetic material.

Disclaimer: These products, when used properly, may be effective against viral pathogens commonly associated with influenza. No personal protective gear can guarantee 100% effectiveness. Any use of these materials can increase the likelihood of damage to the materials and may endanger subsequent user. Usage of these materials will vary with the individuals location, situation and personal circumstance. These products, when used properly, may help reduce the risk of contracting influenza; however, it cannot eliminate the risk of contraction. For maximum benefit, users must follow the manufacturers instructions.

Flu viruses can live on hard surfaces for 48 hours or more. You should have a supply of hospital grade germicidal wipes for disinfecting surfaces. These Hospital-grade disinfectant wipes kill germs. They are bactericidal, tuberculocidal and virucidal. Super sani-cloth germicidal wipes come in convenient individually sealed packages to make it easy to take them where you need them.  Use wipes as a strong one-step cleaner/disinfectant, except with blood and body fluids where a precleaning step is required.

Hand hygiene is important to help yourself and your loved ones stay healthy.  Washing your hands often is recommended, but if access to soap and water is not available, you’ll want some hand sanitizer to minimize getting and spreading germs. Proper sanitizer kills 99.9% of most common germs that may cause illness, without the need for water or towels.

You’ll want to have a regular thermometer as well as a supply of disposable thermometers in the kit to use for someone who could have been exposed to a virus. Tweezers should also be in your kit.

You’ll need a supply of anti-diarrhea medicine to treat that ailment along with medications that can ease nausea. Don’t forget to plan for dental emergencies in your kit. Have a supply of topical gel to relieve toothaches.

You can find supplies that can help you temporarily pack a cavity to relieve pain, too. Most importantly, if you’re dealing with a disease where fevers are an issue, invest in fever reducers and items to help you keep hydration levels stable.

With the current COVID-19 coronavirus scare, now would be a good time to review your first aid supplies and make sure your kit is ready for pandemics.