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Medical Module

Urban Bug Out Bag (v3.0)


The topic of Medical / First Aid is a very important aspect of emergency preparedness measures.
This individual first aid kit (iFAK) is a module to my Urban Bug Out Bag. However, the specific medical
items and the organization strategy is something that can be applied to first aid kits in general to facilitate
a systematic design. This particular kit has many new aspects that were not utilized in my earlier medical
kits. This version of the kit has been a collaboration with my friend and YouTuber TheMountainRN.
Make sure you check out his channel, which dives deep into various medical topics.

As a disclaimer, I am not a medical expert by any means. I have just implemented, in my own style, what I
have learned and researched from medical professionals. Applying first aid tactics involves training, lots
of training. The actual supplies are really just secondary. There are many training options available
through employers, local community centers, fire departments, outdoor stores like REI, online and more.
I would recommend learning about applying first aid through those methods instead of from myself. This
video and companion document simply lists the contents I have selected for my personal first aid kit, and
discusses the organization strategy that I have refined over the years. Many of the specific items featured
can be expensive, especially if purchased individually. Buying in bulk is a good way of reducing cost.
Some of my organization methods are not sterile. This kit is intended to be used in a 72-hour emergency
bug out bag, not in a sterile hospital room. This particular version of the Medical Module is just a
timestamp of what it looks like today and is subject to change. I am constantly trying to improve my kits
through refinement, slimming and re-organization. However, I prefer to go with this strategy rather than
purchase a pre-assembled first aid kit, which are usually mass produced to be cost effective. This allows
me to have intimate knowledge of all of the gear that is included and organized to my personal
preference.

The strategy of this Medical Module is to be implemented as a two-part system:

Grab-N-Go Module:
The Grab-N-Go Module is a sub-module to the main Medical Kit.
It is intended to be stored in a quick access location on the bug
out bag, such as one of the front pockets. The items included are
mostly basic first aid wound care, although there are some
others that are more from trauma situations like CPR
equipment and a tourniquet.

Main Medical Module:


The main Medical Module contains the majority of the first aid
and medical trauma equipment. This larger first aid kit will be
stored towards the top of the main compartment of the bug out
bag backpack for easy access. The intended use will be for
medical situations that go beyond the capabilities of the smaller
Grab-N-Go module and provide a more kit.
All of the medical gear is treated like a file cabinet. A typical file cabinet has slide out drawers for
containing all items of a specific category (e.g., “Taxes”). In this Medical kit, the category equates to items
either for “First Aid” or “Trauma” and are stored in a zippered area of the Eagle Creek storage cube that is
used for this kit. A typical file cabinet drawer also has many individual file folders that contain specific
items for that particular category (e.g., “2011 tax receipts”). In this Medical kit, the file folders are plastic
LOKSAK bags that contain all of the individual first aid items like bandages, tools and ointments. These
medical “folders” are labelled and assigned a specific color for easy association. Here is a list of the file
folder categories, which were inspired by a large suitcase size marine first aid kit made by Adventure
Medical Kits:

Wound Care BLUE


Bleeding RED
Medications YELLOW
Burns ORANGE
Fractures/Sprains PURPLE
CPR Instruments GREEN
Tools BLACK

Note: Medications are omitted from this video/document for the time being while I continue to finalize a preferred storage
method.

This document is designed to serve as a reference document for the Medical Module YouTube videos. It
contains a detailed description of all products included in the Medical Module. The specific items are
color coordinated based on each medical category. I have included direct hyperlinks to the products that
you can click, in case you would like to purchase the same products for your own supplies. One of the
columns in the category table provides a detailed description of the product with additional information
regarding its importance and why I wanted to include it in my Medical Kit. Also, some items include a
hyperlink that you can click to send you to a related TheMountainRN deep dive YouTube video or an
external medical documentation. I will try to update this PDF reference document from time to time
when minor modifications have been made to the individual items included.

I hope that you enjoy seeing what I have included in the Medical Module for my Urban Bug Out Bag!
Main Medical Module
The main Medical Module utilizes a red Eagle Creek Travel Gear Pack-It Clean Dirty Cube for containing
all of the medical category kits (aka “folders”). The Clean Dirty Cube has two main zippered
compartments. I use one of them for First Aid items and the other one for Trauma items. This module is
intended to be stored in the main compartment of the Bug Out Bag for use in medical situations. It is
organized like a two drawer file cabinet, with each drawer containing multiple file folders. In this
implementation, those file folders are kits for various medical categories.

ITEM PRICE COMMENTS LINK


The Color of Prepping uses RED for Medical. This storage bag has
Eagle Creek Travel two main compartments, originally intended to be used for clean
Gear Pack-It Clean and dirty items during travelling. I use it to divide general "First
Dirty Cube (Red) $22 Aid" items from "Trauma" items.
Resists bacterial colonization within the dressing * Reduces
bacterial penetration through the dressing * Provides precise
Kendall AMD balance of moisture for optimal healing * Effective against fungi,
Antimicrobial Foam yeast and other microorganisms such as MRSA and VRE * Offers up
Border Dressings 7.5 Special to 7 days of protection * Limits cross contamination *
x 7.5 Order Hypoallergenic * Sterile
aLokSak Bags Each sub-module is stored in a Loksak bag, organized similar to a
(Multiple Sizes) Varies file cabinet, for each of the main first aid categories. VIDEO
N95 Flat Fold
Particulate $17 My current favorite disposable N95 particulate respirator mask. It
Respirator & Surgical (box of folds flat and is individually wrapped, plus you get good quality
Masks by 3M 20) products by 3M. VIDEO
“Grab-N-Go” Medical Module
The Grab-N-Go Medical Module is a sub-module to the main Medical Module. It is intended to be stored in
a quick access location on the Bug Out Bag, like a front compartment zippered pocket. It is intended to be
used for small wound care. There are also items for trauma situations, such as CPR Instruments and a
tourniquet. There are two categorized kits (aka “folders”) that follow the same organization strategy and
color coordination as is used in the main Medical Module.

ID ITEM PRICE COMMENTS LINK


The Color of Prepping uses RED for
Medical. This storage bag contains all of
Eagle Creek Travel Gear Pack-It the smaller, Grab-N-Go, first aid items for
Sac Small (Red) $9 quick access.
$6 An antiseptic wipe for your face, hands and
BZK Towelette (box of 100) body, for when there is no soap and water.
The Laerdal Face Shield is the simple, low-
cost solution to prevent direct contact with
the victim. The protective Face Shield
helps providers overcome hesitation to
start resuscitation by preventing direct
contact with the victim’s mouth, nose and
Laerdal Face Shield CPR Barrier $2 face. VIDEO
Medical Pin N/A Used for emergency airway management VIDEO
Nitrile gloves are manufactured using
$8 synthetic polymers and are more puncture
Nitrile Gloves (box of 100) resistant than natural rubber. VIDEO
A Nasopharyngeal Airway is
recommended for use as an airway adjunct
in the semi-conscious or unconscious
patient with an intact gag reflex. The
Nasopharyngeal Airway is not easily
dislodged during transport and better
tolerated than an Oropharyngeal Airway.
Lubricate the nasopharyngeal airway with
a water-soluble lubricant to minimize
resistance in the nasal cavity. Do not use
Nasopharyngeal Airway (28 Fr., petroleum jelly or a non water based
9.3mm) with Surgilube $6 lubricant.
The SWAT-Tourniquet allows a more rapid
means to control extremity bleeding and
allows application higher into the groin
and axilla than other tourniquets. Its ease
of application is one of its greatest
benefits; individuals can effectively apply
SWAT-T Tourniquet $12 it in seconds with little to no prior training.
A sting-free, alcohol-free liquid barrier film
that dries quickly to form a breathable,
transparent coating on the skin. Designed
to protect intact or damaged skin from
$14 urine, feces, other body fluids, tape
3M Cavilon No-Sting Barrier (box of 25) trauma, and friction. A hypoallergenic,
non-cytotoxic liquid film which will not
sting even when applied to damaged or
denuded skin.

Multi-Purpose bandages. Cushioning gel


pad that relieves pain while protecting the
blister. Waterproof, superior adhesive
Band-Aid Brand Adhesive stays in place for multi-day use. Flexible
Bandages, Advanced Healing form that conforms to skin for greater fit
Blister Cushions for Fingers & $5 and comfort. Seals out water, dirt and
Toes (box) germs that can cause infection. VIDEO
Antiseptic for preparation of the skin prior
to medical treatment. Could use alcohol
$5 hand sanitizer or even a travel size vodka
BD Alcohol Swab (box) as a replacement.
Buy 1 large and 1 small. The small version
can replace the medical tape (multi-
Co Band $3 function).
Note: It does not stick well if wet or cold
Medical Tape $3 when outdoors (optional)
Medique Products Provides temporary relief from minor skin
Hydrocortisone Cream $7 irritations, itching and rashes.
Mepiform is a thin and discreet dressing,
designed for the management of both old
and new hypertrophic and keloid scars. It
can also be used as a prophylactic therapy
on closed wounds for prevention of
hypertrophic or keloid scarring. With the
patented Safetac® technology, it also
Mepiform $15 minimizes pain during dressing changes.
Mepilex Border is an all-in-one foam
dressing proven to minimize patient pain
and trauma to the wound and surrounding
skin. It has been designed to create an
optimal healing environment for moderate
to high exuding wounds such as pressure
ulcers, leg and foot ulcers, traumatic
Mepilex Border Lite Foam wounds, and other secondary healing
Dressing 1.6" x 2" $22 (box) wounds
A breathable dressing, impermeable to
liquids, bacteria and viruses. Secure
adhesion, and gentle to the skin,
breathable film, allows oxygen in and
moisture vapor out, barrier to external
Nexcare Tegaderm Transparent $25 contaminants and comprehensive clinical
Dressing - 2-3/8 " X 2-3/4 " (box of 100) documentation.
Non-invasive design helps reduce scarring
and the risk of infection as compared to
Steri-Strip Adhesive Skin $18 sutures and staples, providing less tissue
Closures R1541 (box of 50) trauma and better cosmetic outcomes. WEB
$13 Effective protection against infection from
Triple Antibiotic Ointment Packs (box of 144) minor cuts, burns and abrasions. VIDEO
Honey protects against damage caused by
bacteria. Some honey also stimulates
production of special cells that can repair
tissue damaged by infection. In addition,
honey has an anti-inflammatory action
Wedderspoon 100% Raw $27 that can quickly reduce pain and
Manuka Honey Kfactor (24 pack) inflammation once it is applied. PDF
Pedialyte works good for rehydration from
Pedialyte Powder Pack, Variety, of vomiting or diarrhea. It replaced
0.3-Ounce $8 electrolytes and has kid approved taste.
Wound Care
The Wound Care kit contains medical supplies for tending to a mid-size wound in a first aid situation. Rather than
feature inexpensive gauze, which mainly just absorbs blood, this kit uses multiple modern wound dressings that do
a better job of stopping bleeding. This is done by being specifically designed to turn into a gel like substance which
fills in the wound to better help stop the bleeding. Also, the modern wound dressings are able to remain on a
wound for multiple days without changing. If a dressing change is required, they also do a better job of being
removed without as much pain and without reopening the original wound due to the gel transformation of the
dressing.

ITEM PRICE COMMENTS


20 mL Syringe $1 Used for wound irrigation
A sting-free, alcohol-free liquid barrier film that dries quickly to form a
breathable, transparent coating on the skin. Designed to protect intact or
$14 damaged skin from urine, feces, other body fluids, tape trauma and
3M Cavilon No-Sting (box of friction. A hypoallergenic, non-cytotoxic liquid film which will not sting
Barrier 25) even when applied to damaged or denuded skin.
3M Tegaderm
Transparent Dressing
with Label 4" x 4 3/4" Special Provides a waterproof, sterile barrier to external contaminants including
(10 x 12 cm) Order liquids, bacteria and viruses.
3m Tegaderm $6
Transparent Film (box of Provides a waterproof, sterile barrier to external contaminants including
Dressing 2.375" x 2.75" 20) liquids, bacteria and viruses.

Repurpose item. Multiple uses outside of "original intended design" for


breastfeeding mothers. It provides relief from soreness by soothing,
cooling and protecting nipples. Long wear time, each pad can be rinsed
Ameda ComfortGel and reused for up to 6 days. The moist wound healing environment is
Extended-Use Hydrogel $15 recommended by hospitals for optimal healing.

AQUACEL® Ag dressing incorporating the unique Hydrofiber®


Technology with 1.2% (w/w) silver combines the favorable gelling
AQUACEL Ag characteristics of Hydrofiber® Technology with the broad-spectrum
Hydrofiber Wound antimicrobial properties of ionic silver (Ag+). It is a versatile primary
Dressing with lonic Special dressing indicated for moderate to highly exuding chronic and acute
Silver Order wounds where there is an infection* or an increased risk of infection.
Mepilex Border is designed for a wide range of exuding wounds such as
leg and foot ulcers, pressure ulcers and traumatic wounds, e.g. skin tears
and secondary healing wounds. Molnlycke Mepilex dressings helps to
minimize pain and trauma during dressing changes. Mepilex Border foam
dressing is self-adherent and requires no secondary dressing. It is
Mepilex Border Self- "shower proof" and can remain in place for several days (depending on
Adhesive Foam the condition). Mepilex dressings may be used under compression
Dressings 4"x4" $5 bandages.
Mepilex Lite is a highly comfortable foam dressing that absorbs exudate
and helps maintain a moist wound environment. The Safetac Layer seals
around the wound edges, deterring exudate from leaking onto the
Mepilex Lite Wound surrounding skin, thus minimizing the risk for maceration. Safetac
Care Foam Dressing w/ ensures a traumatic dressing changes. Mepilex Lite can be cut to suit
Safetac (4" X 4") $4 various wound shapes and locations.
Mepilex is a foam dressing suitable for a wide range of wounds like
venous leg ulcers, pressure ulcers or diabetic ulcers. Mepilex minimizes
pain and wound or skin damage at dressing change. Mepilex can be cut to
Mepilex with Safetac $4 fit making it ideal for difficult to dress areas.
Sterile Nuderm Hydrocolloid Dressing is designed to promote a moist
wound environment encouraging natural debridement and enabling
granulation under optimal conditions. The dressing material interacts
with wound exudate to form a soft gel. The matrix formulation of the
Nuderm Hydrocolloid Special hydrocolloid allows it to be removed with the dressing, with little or no
Dressing Order damage to newly formed tissue.
Burns
The Burn kit has just a few components, but they are intended to provide pain relief in addition to facilitating a
natural healing process of a burn.

ITEM PRICE COMMENTS


Manuka honey has been shown to have unique properties that
are advantageous to wound healing, including a low pH and
high osmolality. Medihoney is indicated for use on lightly to
moderately exuding wounds, or wounds that are difficult to
Derma Sciences 31515 manage due to their odd shape or placement on the body. This
Medihoney Dressing Paste, non-toxic dressing can be used as a cornerstone for wound bed
1.5 oz Tube $13 preparation, and throughout all the phases of wound healing.
Mepilex Border Ag is an all-in-one antimicrobial foam dressing
designed for medium to high exuding wounds such as pressure
ulcers and partial thickness burns, and where an antimicrobial
Mepilex Border Ag 15cm x $19 action is indicated. Mepilex Border Ag contains silver
15cm (box of 5) compound which provides antimicrobial activity.
Blood Loss
The Blood Loss kit is designed to be used more for trauma situations which go outside of the capabilities of the
Wound Care kit. It contains multiple items for stopping bleeding. Of course, direct pressure to a wound is also the
best method for stopping bleeding. The items in this kit are intended to compliment this medical treatment.

ITEM PRICE COMMENTS LINK


The Israeli bandage is an innovative, combat proven first aid
device for the staunching of blood flow from traumatic
Ever Ready First Aid hemorrhage wounds in pre-hospital emergency situations. This
Israeli Bandage Battle 6" wide, all-in-one device consolidates multiple first-aid devices
Dressing First Aid such as a primary dressing, pressure applicator, secondary
Compression Bandage, 6 dressing, and a foolproof closure apparatus to secure the
Inch $9 bandage in place.
A Foley catheter is a thin, sterile tube inserted into the bladder
to drain urine. Because it can be left in place in the bladder for a
period of time, it is also called an indwelling catheter.
Foley Catheter $6 Optional Item: Extensive training required. VIDEO
KALTOSTAT Calcium Sodium Alginate dressing is indicated for
Kaltostat Alginate $40 moderately to highly exuding chronic and acute wounds, and for
Dressing by Convatec (box) wounds with minor bleeding.
QuikClot Sportbrand hemostatic agent is based on the same
QuikClot Sport, Advanced QuikClot brand hemostatic agent used by the US military,
Clotting Sponge 25G $12 federal agencies, EMS, police and fire departments everywhere.
The SWAT-Tourniquet allows a more rapid means to control
extremity bleeding and allows application higher into the groin
and axilla than other tourniquets. Its ease of application is one
of its greatest benefits, individuals can effectively apply it in
SWAT-T Tourniquet $12 seconds with little to no prior training.
Applications include use in arm slings, tourniquets, compression
Triangular Bandage $3 bandages, and various dressing coverings. Latex free.
Used to stop bleeding for particularly deep wounds. Insert and
Tubing + Condom N/A inflate internally.
Fractures and Sprains
The Fractures and Sprains kit is designed to be used in trauma situations for providing a temporary cast or wrap
for injuries like a broken limb or sprain. In some extreme cases, a portion of the bone may be exposed, so a modern
wound dressing that contains a silver compound (AG) is also included to assist in the healing process.

ITEM PRICE COMMENTS


The SAM SPLINT is built from a thin core of aluminum alloy,
sandwiched between two layers of closed-cell foam. The
SAM Splint is extremely pliable. Bent into any of three
simple curves. It becomes extremely strong and supportive
36" Gray Flat SAM Splints $11 for any fractured or injured limb.
Used if bone fracture protruding. AQUACEL Ag dressing
incorporates the unique Hydrofiber Technology with 1.2%
silver combines the favorable gelling characteristics of
Hydrofiber Technology with the broad-spectrum
antimicrobial properties of ionic silver (Ag+). It is a versatile
primary dressing indicated for moderate to highly exuding
AQUACEL Ag Hydrofiber Wound chronic and acute wounds where there is an infection or an
Dressing with lonic Silver 2" x 2" $10 increased risk of infection.
Black Cohesive Wrap 2" x 5yds $3 Used as a wrap for the SAM splint
Tools
While the majority of the items in the Medical Module consist of bandages, ointments and other wound care items,
Tools are also beneficial for applying medical treatment to an injury. The Tools kit is fairly minimal, but provides
you with the ability to make small (e.g., medical razor) to large size cuts (e.g., trauma shears) in addition to
maneuvering medical procedures with precision (e.g., hemostat).

ITEM PRICE COMMENTS LINK


Provides a simpler, safer alternative to suturing in
outdoor emergencies. This unit is lightweight well
Skin Stapler & 25 Staples $13 balanced and easy to use and release. VIDEO
Disposable skin staple remover designed to provide
fast and easy removal of all brands of surgical skin
Skin Staple Remover $5 staples. VIDEO
20 mL Syringe $1 Used for wound irrigation VIDEO
For cutting off clothing of victim or first aid use.
Alternative could be the scissors found on a multi-
tool, although probably not with the same cutting
Think Safe 1095TS 7" Trauma Shear $4 performance for clothes.
Also called a hemostatic clamp or arterial forceps. A
surgical tool used in many surgical procedures to
Hemostat $2 control bleeding.
Dental
While not as common as a cut or burn, Dental first aid supplies are something you'll be happy that you have,should
the need arise. I have had several injuries and medical procedures in my life. However, I can’t think of one of them
that hurt and debilitated me greater than a nasty toothache. They can feel like an icepick going into your brain! I
used to make my own small dental kits for emergency kits, but lately I have just been using the pre-assembled
Dental Kit made by Adventure Medical Kits. It contains all of the dental supplies that I previously used and is stored
in a sealed bag to allow it to have a longer shelf life. In my testing, I have found that dental supplies can expire
quicker than I anticipated, as seen through discoloration.

ITEM PRICE COMMENTS

Treating a jagged cut or laceration the right way right


away prevents infection, speeds healing and minimizes
scarring. Perfect as an addition to your ultralight first
aid kit or on its own in your glove box or daypack. Each
kit in the medic series features proprietary dryflexbags
Adventure Medical Kits Dental Medic Kit $12 for the ultimate in ultralight, waterproof storage.

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