Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. The author and PrepBagPlanner.com are not medical professionals. In an emergency, always seek professional medical help when available. The information provided is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website.
When disaster strikes, medical help might be unavailable for hours or even days. Your bug out bag’s medical supplies could mean the difference between a manageable situation and something much worse. Yet many preppers make the mistake of packing only basic bandages and pain relievers, leaving themselves unprepared for real medical needs.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to build an effective medical kit for your bug out bag—one that prepares you for a variety of emergency scenarios.
Get Your Bug Out Bag Plan: Our Bug Out Bag Calculator can help you build a complete emergency kit based on your specific situation, including considering whether you have special medical considerations!
Foundation: The Enhanced First Aid Kit
Start with a comprehensive foundation that goes beyond the basic adhesive bandages found in store-bought kits.
Wound Care Essentials:
- Assorted adhesive bandages: Various sizes ($3-5)
- Butterfly closures/Steri-strips: For closing larger cuts ($4-8)
- Gauze pads: 2×2″, 3×3″, 4×4″ sizes ($3-6)
- Rolled gauze: 2″ and 3″ widths ($3-6)
- Medical tape: Paper and cloth options ($3-5)
- Elastic bandage: 2″ and 3″ with clips ($5-10)
- Triangular bandages: Multiple uses including slings ($3-6)
Treatment Supplies:
- Antiseptic wipes: Individual packets ($3-5)
- Antibiotic ointment: Individual packets or small tube ($3-6)
- Hydrocortisone cream: For rashes and insect bites ($4-6)
- Burn gel: For minor burns ($6-12)
- Eye wash solution: Small bottle ($5-8)
Basic Tools:
- EMT shears: For cutting clothing or dressings ($8-12)
- Fine-point tweezers: For splinter or debris removal ($5-10)
- Disposable gloves: 5-10 pairs, nitrile preferred ($5-10)
- CPR face shield: Basic life support ($3-8)
- Digital thermometer: Compact type ($8-15)
Medication Essentials
Don’t forget these important medications for your emergency kit:
Over-the-Counter Medications:
- Pain relievers: Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, aspirin ($3-6 each)
- Antihistamines: For allergic reactions ($4-8)
- Anti-diarrheal medication: Critical in emergency situations ($4-8)
- Antacids: For digestive discomfort ($3-6)
- Electrolyte packets: For dehydration ($5-10)
- Cough/cold medicine: Basic symptom relief ($5-8)
Prescription Considerations:
- 7-day supply of critical medications (work with your doctor)
- Written list of all prescriptions with dosages
- Waterproof container to protect medications ($5-10)
- Pill organizer to track doses in chaotic situations ($3-8)
Remember to rotate medications regularly to prevent expiration.
Trauma Response Supplies
For more serious injuries that might occur during emergencies:
Bleeding Control:
- Pressure dressings: Such as Israeli bandage ($8-15)
- Hemostatic gauze: For severe bleeding (more expensive at $15-40)
- Tourniquet: Commercial CAT or SOFT-T recommended ($25-35)
Fracture and Sprain Management:
- SAM splint: Moldable, reusable splinting ($10-20)
- Athletic tape: For sprains and securing splints ($3-5)
- Cold packs: Instant activation type ($5-10)
Environmental Medical Concerns
Different environments create different medical risks. Plan according to your location:
Heat Concerns:
- Electrolyte replacement tablets: Prevent heat exhaustion ($5-15)
- Cooling packs: Chemical activation type ($5-10)
- Sun protection: High SPF sunscreen ($5-10)
Cold Weather Items:
- Hand/foot warmers: Several pairs ($5-10)
- Hypothermia blanket: Emergency space blanket ($5-15)
- Petroleum jelly: Prevent wind/cold damage to skin ($3-5)
Regional Considerations:
- Insect repellent: If bugs are a concern ($5-10)
- Tick removal tool: In tick-prevalent areas ($3-8)
- Snake bite kit: If venomous snakes in your region ($10-20)
Special Considerations
For Children:
- Pediatric dosing chart: For medications
- Child-appropriate medications: Formulated for children
- Smaller bandages: Sized for little limbs
- Comfort items: To reduce stress during treatment
For Chronic Conditions:
- Condition-specific supplies: Based on family needs
- Backup essential devices: If applicable
- Medication information card: With dosages and schedules
- Emergency instructions: For others to help if needed
For Pets:
- Basic pet first aid items: Appropriate to your animal
- Any pet medications: 7-day supply
- Pet-specific reference card: Weight, conditions, medications
Medical Documentation
Information can be as important as supplies:
- Medical history cards: For each family member
- Medication lists: Complete with dosages and frequencies
- Allergy information: Prominently noted
- Emergency contacts: Including doctors’ information
- First aid reference guide: Waterproof preferred ($8-15)
Organization and Accessibility
Having supplies is only useful if you can find what you need quickly:
- Group by purpose: Bleeding control, medications, wound care, etc.
- Use clear containers: See contents without opening
- Label everything: Large, waterproof writing
- Keep critical items accessible: Don’t bury life-saving supplies
- Create a contents list: Know what you have and where it is
Skills Matter More Than Supplies
Even the best-stocked medical kit is useless without knowledge:
- Take a first aid course: Hands-on training is invaluable
- Consider advanced training: Wilderness First Aid or better
- Practice regularly: Skills deteriorate without use
- Involve the whole family: Everyone should know basics
- Supplement with good reference materials: For when you forget
Start Building Your Emergency Kit: Use our Bug Out Bag Calculator to get a complete packing list that includes medical essentials!
Keeping Your Medical Kit Updated
Your emergency medical kit needs regular maintenance:
- Check expiration dates quarterly
- Replace used items immediately
- Update for seasonal needs (summer vs. winter)
- Reassess for changing family medical conditions
- Upgrade supplies as your medical knowledge increases
A Basic Medical Kit Shopping List
If you’re just starting out, here’s a basic shopping list to build a solid foundation:
- Assorted adhesive bandages
- Gauze pads and rolls
- Medical tape
- Antiseptic wipes
- Antibiotic ointment
- Scissors and tweezers
- Disposable gloves
- Pain relievers (acetaminophen and ibuprofen)
- Antihistamine
- Anti-diarrheal medication
- Emergency blanket
- Elastic bandage
- Basic first aid guide
This starter kit costs approximately $50-75 and fits in a gallon-sized zip bag.
Conclusion: Be Prepared, Not Scared
Building a medical kit for your bug out bag isn’t about preparing for the worst-case scenario—it’s about having confidence that you can handle common injuries and medical issues during an emergency. Start with the basics, add components as your budget allows, and most importantly, get the training to use your supplies effectively.
Remember that your medical kit is a tool to help bridge the gap until professional help becomes available. In a disaster situation, being able to provide initial care can make a significant difference in outcomes.
Have questions about emergency medical preparedness? Leave a comment below!
Remember: This article provides general information only. The content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or emergency situation.