In the last post of this building a quality survival kit on a budget series, we continued exploring the 10 C’s plus one concept and added some cover to the survival kit. At this point, the survival kit contains items to help combat all of the most common threats. As such, we have started adding some utility to it. We have also introduced a few options for cutting tools, combustion, cordage, containers, cover, compass, and candle. Now it’s time to look at the next category of the 10 C’s plus one, which happens to be “casualty care”, to figure out what to add next to the kit.
For review and in terms of utility, I like to refer to a concept coined as the 10 C’s plus one. They are:
- Cutting (tools)
- Combustion
- Cordage
- Container
- Cover
- Compass (maps)
- Candle (lighting)
- Casualty care
- Combat
- Communications
- Calories
The concept of casualty care in this context refers to the tools required to effectively treat wounds, prevent infection, and proactively address conditions that may require medical care if ignored. Most often folks immediately think of first aid kits and tourniquets, which is always a good idea. In fact, a trauma kit was one the very first thing I suggested to add to the survival kit because it’s necessary in order to deal with things that post the highest risk to survival like a nasty bleed. As such, if one has been following the suggestions laid out in this series, then one should already have some casualty care items in the kit.
With that in mind, there are a number of things that can be added to a kit that fall under this category that would quickly surpass the $25 per month budget set for this project. Frankly, I’m having a hard time landing on one or two things to suggest. I’m going to lay out a few options for the reader to pick and choose from depending on their typical environments.
The first thing that I would consider to compliment this survival kit in the context of casualty care would be a boo boo kit. A boo boo kit is your typical first aid kit with band aids, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic cream, and common over the counter pills to remedy typical pains and ailments. This gives us the means to treat basic bumps and bruises that help us keep going or from developing to more serious medical issues. For this purpose, I like the Adventure Medical Kits. They are available in different sizes to treat a larger number of people. For a personal survival kit like the one we are building I find their 0.5 size First Aid Kit to be just right. However, a larger kit like the 2.0 size First Aid Kit might be better for folks sharing a single survival kit with a few family members.
Throwing some sunblock and bug repellent into the kit is worth considering. Sun block is a life saver for folks who are susceptible to sunburns who tend to spend most of their time in sunny environments. While bugs like ticks and mosquitoes can be quite annoying, they can also pose a threat which makes bug repellent spray and wipes a really good idea for folks who live in places where those sorts of pests are commonplace.
Another thing that is commonly overlooked, but a necessity for most is something to wipe the rear after nature calls. This can be something as simple as toilet paper in a zip lock bag. I’m also a big fan of personal cleansing wipes which can also be used for hygiene care in a pinch.
Out of all the different categories of items that we have covered in this project so far, this is the first category where I would suggest spending a little extra and exceeding the budget or using some of the saved dollars from other categories where the entire $25 monthly budget wasn’t spent. The reality is that survival situations can be dangerous and are usually uncomfortable, having the means to deal with things that could complicate a survival situation or make it a bit more comfortable is a worthy endeavor.