Essential Items for a Survival Kit: A Comprehensive Guide

Whether you're preparing for outdoor adventures or military training, having the right items in your emergency medical kit and survival kit is crucial for staying safe and healthy. In this article, we will explore the most important components of both types of kits, drawing from personal experiences and historical gear.

Personal Emergency Medical Jump Kit

I have my own specially equipped emergency medical kits that I carry with me whenever I'm off duty. My current kit is a commercially made medical bag with multiple compartments, purchased online from Amazon. It contains a wide variety of essential supplies that can help in emergency situations. Let me walk you through the contents:

Key Components

Various Widths of Bandage and Kling Flex Wrap Different Size Dressings from 2x2 to 5x9 Inch Various Sized Trauma Dressings and Vaseline Dressing Finger and Limb Sam Splits BP Kit with Cuffs from Infant to Large Adult Thigh Littmann Cardiology IV Stethoscope Forehead Thermometer, Pulse Oximeter, and Glucometer Kit Curvats and Several Pen Lights A Small Magnetic Flashlight Variety of Scissors and Forceps Oral Pharyngeal Airway and Nasopharyngeal Airway Kits CPAP Face Shield Variations of Medical Tape Hot and Cold Packs Clean Water and Various OTC Analgesics such as Benadryl and Baby Aspirin Glucose Tablets and Several Writing Pens Patient Report Forms in an Enclosed Clipboard and a Small Writing Pad Folding Buck Knife and Seatbelt/Box Cutter Disinfectant and Eyeliner Pencil for Marking Notes on Patients' Skin Several Tourniquets and an Emergency Blanket Extra Batteries and PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)

Survival Training Gear from the Past

Going back 40 years to my time with the Marines, I recall having a fantastic survival kit that had its own unique features. Here's what I carried during those intense training exercises:

Marine Survival Kit Components

Two Canteens with Case and Cover (At Least One Canteen Cup) K Bar First Aid Pouch and Marine 1st Aide Kit Pouch Marine 1st Aide Kit - Carried a Compass in the Pouch M1956 Pistol Belt with Brass Buckle H Harness Issue Knives (Actual Camillus Type Ka Bars) Camo Canvas Version of the 1st Aide Pouch - No Stretch 20 Round Colt Magazine Loaded with 18 Rounds of Ball and Tracer Bullets Raven MP-25 in Another Pouch Canteen Cup and Canteens Critical for Survival Butt Pack Containing Food Items Like Granola Bars, Chili, Slim Jims, and a Sleep Shirt Poncho and Poncho Liner Hanging from the Butt Pack Lighters in the Pocket 550 Cord and Nails for Building Things Chopped Up Plastic Soldiers or Dinos for Starting Fires

Key Tips for Building Your Survival Kit

When preparing a survival kit, ensure it is well-organized and includes all necessary medical supplies, practical tools, and basic necessities. Here are a few key tips:

Comprehensive Medical Supplies: Pack a variety of bandages, dressings, and medical tools to handle different wounds and injuries. Sturdy and Durable Gear: Choose equipment that is both functional and weather-resistant to ensure longevity during various conditions. Personalized Items: Tailor your kit to your specific needs and the potential risks you might face in your environment.

By understanding and preparing for the essentials of both an emergency medical kit and a survival kit, you can enhance your readiness in any emergency situation.