Is it best to buy or make you first aid kits?

[john1929]

Money is supper tight right now is it worth buying a kit or buying the stuff and and make a few kits?

[610Alpha]

Like my software engineering instructor used to say...It Depends. It depends on what comes in a kit vs. buying the various parts in bulk. I am of the mindset to buy a kit to have an all around kit then buy the most likely used items in bulk. Or you can price out a bulk order of a specific item and compare that to what it costs roughly in a kit. There are certain must haves IMO, anti-bacterial ointment, tape, gauze rolls & pads, burn cream. Then there are the more exotic stuff like quik clot that should be stocked. Surgical kit would also be right up there. Just a start on this as I am sure more will add to it.

[Grand58742]

I would say buy a kit to start and then add in what you are missing and what you've found you need more than others. They offer a good start and base to expand on. With money being tight, I can understand and appreciate your predicament. China Mart offers some good general purpose kits like the Coleman weekender that have enough general purpose items in it for most applications. But it'll be on you to expand with the more specific and not needed as often items like larger bandages, dressings, ointments, wraps, etc.

Adventure medical kits are another good kit for the price and a good place to start from in my experience.

Having said that, I tend to pack my own IFAK (individual first aid kit) myself. It's a mix between a blow out kit and a boo-boo kit. I have yet to find a decent IFAK out of the box I was perfectly happy with and didn't tinker around by adding this and that. YMMV, but I tend to find IFAKs are generally either blow out kits or boo-boo kits. And often never in between.

Honestly, I would say go with one of the kits in the beginning and add to as you find things you need. Also, if you haven't done so, I would highly recommend getting into a first aid class like those offered through the Red Cross. It gives you some ideas for what your home kit should have as well as the training you get. I might even do that first before buying a kit.

[Patriot Prepper]

Great answers here. Everything in prepping and survival is purpose driven. To suit your purposes and needs you will eventually must customize your kit, whether its a BOB or IFAK. I have multiple first aid kits, medic kits, so forth. If you buy them pre-packed it saves some time. But they are never fully complete and must be added to - IMHO.

It also depends on your particular mission. When I backpack I usually carry a small basic kit that takes care of minor wounds. I may also carry a snake bit kit from sawyer. In my defense BOB I have multiple blood stopping abilities from tourniquet to Quick clot. First aid courses, and especially WILDERNESS First Aid courses are vital beginnings. A medical library with field medical advice is also really useful for your retreat.

Most first aid courses will teach you vital info, but it is not complete. The courses are designed to help you stop the immediate life threatening situation and then call 911 and an ambulance. In the wilderness or SHTF, there will be no ambulance or hospital.

We are fortunate enough to have a surgeon in our group. I have been trying to get him on video, but he does not want to be recorded. I have been planning a video on this topic for about 6 months and never seems to finish it.

First aid and medical is critical and the most complex thing that preppers and survivalists need to learn. Not as much fun as shooting guns or camping out. But a lifesaving skill that cannot be ignored.

[claymore]

I'll step in line with the other guys. Start with a good basic kit (hard to get your monies worth seems like). Find a good pharmacy, after making a list of the stuff you think you'll need, start gradually adding to it. This site offers a good basic surgical kit which you might want (group sales JRH Enterprises). I'm thinking about a first aid course like Grand 58742 advises; although I do put on a prettymean bandaid.

[claymore]

Patriot Prepper is dead-on. Hey read the item list of whatever FAK ; it might be all cotton swabs and safety pins or something. Check the web for items to add to your list. Like prepping in general have a goal in mind but keep an open mind. I got flex bandages at a farm supply half the price of say Johnson & Johnson.

[Lowdown3]

Thanks for the plug Claymore :) Also, purchasing from JRH directly supports the forums here!

A lot of folks start with a standard medical kit like the M3

http://www.jrhenterprises.com/product.sc?productId=3&categoryId=2

and then tailor it to their needs. Like any other gear or prep, tailoring it to YOUR needs is the way to go.

Some may want to add a bunch of Israel battle dressings, some Quickclot or Celox and a couple of C.A.T. tourniquets. Others may be planning for less life threatening deals and therefore might not feel the need for those.

Tailor your med kits to YOUR needs.

FWIW, I'm NOT a believer in the theory that you shouldn't have any items that "you" personally at this very moment can't use. You might have an IV setup and not know how to use it (and DON'T try it without training), but your brother in law that used to be a paramedic that shows up at your door in the PAW might.

Better to have and not need than need and not have type of deal.

[hua man]

What kind of first-aid are you needing? Scraped knee and cut finger level or broken bone level?

Most commercial kits I've seen usually deal with the former. My advice is make your own. Bandages can be made with cut-up bed sheets. Sutures are plain needle and thread from sewing supplies. Some of the best salves I've used are herbal homemade. And when you put it together, you will putting in items you will use, and know their manufacturing origins.

Of course, a med kit is usually dependant on your medical skill level.

[Matt In Oklahoma]

The kit that LD3 mentions is awesome! I won one from them and have added a few items to tailor it for our families needs. My wifes excitment said bout everything. I think any kit needs to be somewhat tailored as we are all not the same but a good kit like this makes the job much easier.

[john1929]

I have a small one started but I think I will do as you say and find a class. thanks a bunch, John1929.

[sewbeit221]

Build your own a little at a time-First Aid kit

I have been building my own First aid kit by buying a little at a time. I also made my own roll up style first aid kit storage bag w/ zippered see through pockets & ties to store it all in. I think I can handle just about anything with this kit.

[Matt In Oklahoma]

I have been building my own First aid kit by buying a little at a time. I also made my own roll up style first aid kit storage bag w/ zippered see through pockets & ties to store it all in. I think I can handle just about anything with this kit.

Nice, thats a great job!

[Hidden Agenda]

My first thought is to ask "What kind and level of first aid kit?" Car kit? House kit? Backpack kit? PAW patrol kit? Each one would have differing quantities and components, but with the same basics. My advice, start by figuring out what kind of kit(s) you need and how many. Then buy a starter kit (from JRH) and build on it.

[EX121]

I'm going to say do both, research and find a kit that fits your needs, carry method (backpack vs car) and skill level. Then duplicate it. As you practice,experiment, & train with various items you will modify the kit.

[Grand58742]

I have been building my own First aid kit by buying a little at a time. I also made my own roll up style first aid kit storage bag w/ zippered see through pockets & ties to store it all in. I think I can handle just about anything with this kit.

That's pretty handy right there. I like what you've done