When it comes to self-defense and preparedness, people often think of the weapons. After all, being prepared to defend yourself or your loved ones is a terrifying prospect. Most people can’t comprehend the horror that would accompany a fight for life. As such, when discussing being prepared, most people obsessively focus on the tools for the conflict. Firearms, knives, flashlights, and physical martial skills all have an agreed-upon importance. What can occur after the conflict, however, may be just as(if not more) important. Continue reading to see our tips on putting together your own first aid bag.
What’s It For?
The first step when planning to create a first aid bag is to determine what it is for. Is it a small kit, carried with you everywhere daily? Is the bag to be carried while camping or hiking? Maybe it’s a large bag you’ll keep in your car in case of a large casualty event? Each of these situations will have different requirements. Different requirements may dictate a difference in gear. Decide early on what your purpose in creating a kit is.
Where you live will also play a role in your planning. If you are creating a personal first aid bag and live in a rural environment(far from emergency services), your choices may be different. Remember, in the case of a traumatic wound, it’s going to be difficult to compete with a modern medical facility.
(As a side note, don’t think you need to only pick one of the above options. The best choice might be to create multiple bags of varying size for different situations!)
Get a Bag
Once you’ve determined your first aid bag’s purpose, the next thing to do will be to get the bag. Choose something durable and waterproof, if possible. It will preserve the longevity of your kit and supplies if the bag is high quality. There are tons of options when it comes to tactical bags. Find one in the size you need and then try it out!
Essentials
Once you’ve got your bag, time to start stocking it!
-Get at least a few pairs of sterile exam gloves. Keeping yourself and the person you are treating as clean as possible is of critical importance.
-Next, get something to clean wounds. Soap and water is great…if that’s an option. Consider at least some sort of alcohol wipes.
-Bandaids, butterfly closures, and bandages of various sizes. The amount and diversity of your choices here will depend on your bag size, but the more options the better!
-Antibiotic cream/ointment. Again, keep that injury clean!
-Gauze. It can work as another bandage in a pinch, or be used to wrap an already bandaged injury.
–Tourniquet. In the even of severe trauma, the bleeding needs to be stopped. Tourniquets are invaluable for this, and take up relatively little space.
Add Your Own Personal Touch
The list above is far from exhaustive. You may opt to include some over-the-counter medication, burn treatment, or any number of other things in your first aid bag. That’s fine! You are the one who will likely be using the kit. Stock it how you want.
Get Training
As with any new skill or tool, you must be properly trained. That’s all there is to it.
For any of your firearms needs, head over to Liberty Shooting Sports and begin your journey of self protection today!