The end of the world as we know it (TEOTWAWKI): Perhaps a few years ago we would have laughed at the preppers who insisted that a huge-scale disaster could be just around the corner. Most of us aren’t laughing anymore. The world, as we once knew it, is no more. It feels like we are surrounded by threats, and that a natural or other disaster could strike at any time.
Instead of allowing fear to immobilize us, however, we should calmly take stock of the situation, recognize that the threat of a cataclysmic disaster is certainly higher now than ever before, and make sure that we are prepared … for anything.
While survival items like food, water, hunting supplies and so on, might be the first things that pop into our minds when we think about preparedness, one of the most important areas we need to be really kitted out for is medical supplies. In a disaster situation you could be dealing with anything from mild cuts and scrapes to burns, infections, gunshot wounds, disease outbreaks and more.
Medical supplies you won’t be able to do without if disaster strikes
Natural News does not support the needless long-term use of the chronic medications Big Pharma loves to push on people. That doesn’t mean there isn’t a place for acute medication, however, and that becomes even more true in a SHTF-type scenario. In a disaster situation needs must, and there are certain medical supplies that really must be stockpiled ahead of time.
In addition to a basic first aid kit with bandages, gauze, disinfectant, Band-aids, etc., there are more specialized treatment items that may become likely in a disaster situation. Some of the medical issues to consider preparing for include:
General health and well-being: While it is not a great idea to be taking painkillers like Tylenol on a long-term basis, in a disaster situation it is very likely that people are going to experience pain and it’s good to be prepared for that by having painkillers on hand. It might also be worth stocking an anti-diarrhea medication like Imodium (loperamide), and a general antibiotic (if you can get your doctor to prescribe one) for infections. Some prepper sites encourage stockpiling other OTC medications for nausea and so on, but it would be better to keep natural medications wherever possible. Ginger is a well-known natural cure for nausea, for example, while herbs like Valerian root and passionflower would be good to have on hand to stem anxiety – which is likely to be high. Try to think of the general ailments that affect your family, and then search online for natural treatments that can be stored ahead of time.
Fungal infections: The Prepper Journal recommends keeping Lamisil or Lotrimin cream for fungal infections like ringworm and athlete’s foot. It is also good to have zinc oxide on hand for the treatment of poison oak, rashes, eczema and so on. Apple cider vinegar also has amazing anti-fungal properties.
Burns: Any end-of-the-world scenario conjures up images of fire and the potential for burns, so add some burn gel – which also contains a painkiller – and some aloe vera, which has amazing healing properties for all skin conditions, including burns.
Cuts and other wounds: Beyond disinfectant and Band-aids, it would also be good to have a plan in place for deep cuts which need suturing. The Prepper Journal recommends keeping either a suture needle, skin stapler (not for use on the face or joints) or Steri-strips. It’s also a good idea to keep some medical tape in your first aid kit.
Bugs: It’s a fact that bugs transmit disease – the types of diseases that you urgently need to avoid in a survival situation. It is, therefore, a good idea to keep some bug spray on hand, but you want to avoid the toxic types that contain DEET or permethrin. A natural product that is formulated from citronella, tea tree, witch hazel and other potent natural ingredients is a far better option.
It is certainly true that we are living in difficult, uncertain times, but a little bit of planning can go a long way towards providing peace of mind and a real chance of survival – come what may.
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