The Power of Preparedness: Why You Need a Medical Kit

Medical kits contain essential first aid supplies that can be used to treat minor injuries or illnesses, as well as more serious medical issues. Whether you're a camper, a hiker, or simply someone who is always on the go, having a medical kit readily available can help you deal with unexpected medical situations quickly and effectively.

Think about how you feel when you forget your phone charger at home or run out of gas on the highway. It's a frustrating and stressful experience that could have been avoided with a little bit of planning. The same goes for being unprepared in emergency situations.

In an emergency situation, time is of the essence. You do not have the luxury of time or, depending on where you are, the ability to go out and get the needed supplies. Medical kits are not just for medical emergencies either.

Take the story of my neighbor, Anna, for example. Anna was having a picnic in the park with her family when her daughter started feeling sick. Before she knew it, her daughter had a high fever and her temperature was quickly rising. Luckily, Anna had a small kit in her car. Inside she found a thermometer, an anti-inflammatory, and ibuprofen, all of the fever rescue essentials. She was able to get her daughter's fever under control and they were able to enjoy the rest of their picnic. So why make things harder for yourself and others? Keeping a med kit on hand at home, in the car, and workplace is essential for both minor and major hiccups that occur in our day-to-day lives.

Read: What kind of emergency kit does car owner need to have?

What is a Medical Kit?

A medical kit is a collection of essential supplies and tools used for administering first aid and basic medical care in emergency situations.

Medical kits come in all shapes and sizes, designed for a variety of lifestyles. Whether you're an avid camper, hiker, frequent traveler, or stay at home parent, there's a kit that can provide you with the necessary supplies for emergency situations.

Read: What is a Portable Medical Kit? Why is it Important to Have One?

Why a Medical Kit Is Important: 10 Reasons

#1. It saves time and lives.

You can provide quick, effective treatment to help manage the situation until professional help arrives and ensures that you won't have to waste precious time trying to locate and purchase the necessary supplies.

#2. It helps you and others.

In case of an emergency, having a first aid kit can help save lives, whether it's yours or someone else's. Whether it's a family member, friend, neighbor, or stranger, having a medical kit can come in handy in almost any situation.

#3. You can use it for more than just first aid

A medical kit can provide instant relief for minor illnesses, such as a fever or upset stomach, from pain or inflammation, and can also be useful in providing medication for allergies.

#4. It saves money

Keeping a supply of basic medical supplies on hand can save time and money when faced with a medical emergency. Rushing to the store to buy supplies or having to take a trip to the doctor or hospital can end up being costly.

#5. It reduces stress, shock, and gives you a peace of mind

Having the right supplies and knowing how to use them can help reduce stress and shock, as well as provide you with a sense of security and assurance that you are able to take action in an emergency.

Think about how you would prepare for a long trip. You make sure to pack all the essentials and a few extras, just in case, because it feels good to know that you're covered. Having a first aid kit on hand is no different. We take comfort in knowing that if the unexpected arises, we have the necessary items to provide care for ourselves and our family.

#6. It can help you stay organized

Having a medical kit gives you an easy way to keep track of all the items you need for treating minor injuries and illnesses. Instead of having to search for each item every time you need it, all of the supplies are kept in one place.

#7. It's better to be safe than sorry

You never know when you'll need it – whether you're on a camping trip or out running errands, you could find yourself wishing you had something as simple as a bandaid or allergy medication.Having a kit equipped with supplies necessary to treat common ailments as well as serious medical issues could completely change the outcome of an emergency situation.

#8. Its empowering

Knowing that you are prepared and can quickly provide help to yourself or someone else in need is a great feeling.

Being able to handle an emergency with confidence, instead of feeling helpless or panicking, is a true testament to the importance of having an emergency kit in your home, car, and workspace.

#9. It can teach you life-saving skills

Whenever I get something new, I always make sure to take the time to learn everything about it.When I got my medical kit, I was no different. I spent the time to really dive in and learn all about it, from the different items it contains to how to use them properly in case of an emergency.

#10. It can be used in a variety of different situations and environments

Whether you are hiking, traveling, running errands, or just out to dinner, a medical kit can be invaluable in providing supplies to treat a basic injury and illness.

Common Types of Medical Kits

Med kits vary depending on the situation they are designed for. Not all situations present the same threats and risks, which is why having a specific kit for your lifestyle can make all the difference. Lets walk through a few of the different types:

#1. First Aid Kits: the most common and standard safety kit, designed to treat minor ailments.

Different components of first aid kit include adhesive bandages, gauze, antibiotic ointment, burn gel, and other items.

#2. Emergency Medical kits: more supplies to address more serious injuries.

Emergency kits contain more advanced medical equipment such as a blood pressure cuff, or an airway kit or suture kit, designed specifically for use in life-threatening situations.

#3. Trauma Kits: specialized kits for use in life-threatening situations where bleeding control supplies are critical.

In a trauma kit you will find more advanced medical items such as chest seals, emergency bandages, trauma shears, tourniquets, and hemostatic gauze.

In a life-threatening situation, seconds can make the difference between life and death.

Trauma kits can help to provide medical care quickly before first responders arrive on the scene, where a person can then be transferred to a hospital where medical professionals take over.

#4. Wilderness/Adventure Medical Kits: tailored to outdoor activities, where access to medical facilities is limited or nonexistent.

Adventure kits are designed for use in remote and wilderness areas and are carried among people hiking or camping. Special items you might see in an adventure kit include snakebite kits, insect repellent, and a high decimal whistle.

#5. Medical Survival Kits: collection of essential, survival and first aid items needed in an emergency or disaster situation.

In the event of a natural disaster, national emergency, or power outage, help and resources may not be readily available. Survival kits contain basic items such as flashlights, blankets, batteries, as well as supplies to treat both minor and major injuries.

Pre-made or home-made Medical kit?

When it comes to having the right medical supplies on hand, the debate often revolves around whether to buy a pre-made med kit or make one yourself. Both options have their pros and cons and it's important to weigh your options carefully before making a decision. If you are debating on making your own or purchasing one, ask yourself this:

Do I know the typical emergencies that could happen, the types of medical problems that could occur as a result, the necessary tools and resources needed, and how to properly use and apply such tools?

One of the benefits of buying a pre-made med kit is that you can be sure that it contains all the necessary items you need for first aid.

The items in our Roadie Kit, for example, are hand-picked by experts in health, safety, and survival. Another thing to consider is the exterior of the kit? Is it a small hand-held pack, a backpack, or a hard shell case?

The more comprehensive the kit is, the heavier and bulkier it may be. If the med kit is intended to be kept in the car, make sure it is easy to carry, durable, and well organized. Ultimately, the decision between buying a pre-made med kit or making your own comes down to personal preference. Consider what items you will need and what type of environment you will be using the kit in before making a decision.

Items to Add to Your Medical Kit

Even a complete kit may not have the specific resources that you or your family members need. If someone in your family is diabetic or has specific allergies or conditions, make sure to include their necessary medications, such as an epi pen and others.