While we’re on the subject of kits, we move on to personal health and wellbeing. A first aid kit is an essential for every bug out bag, as it contains a range of items that will patch you up in a wide variety of situations. From plasters and bandages for cuts and scrapes, to eye baths to wash out any dust or chemicals, to painkillers for coping with pretty much everything; as long as you’re not facing death or serious injury, first aid kits have it all. You can get travel sized first aid kits pretty much anywhere, and that’s all you need really. Unless you’re packing for a bus load of people, there’s no point in going out and buying a big, specialized first aid kit; it’ll just be an overkill and it’ll take up too much room.
If you take any specific medication, tuck some into your first aid kit. Take as much spare medication as possible – after all, you don’t know how long it will be before you can visit a doctor, drug store or hospital again – but try and strike a balance if it will take up lots of room. As with food, make sure that any medication you take is still in date, and if it has to be kept in the fridge then don’t forget to pick it up as you head out the door!
While you’re taking the time to think about how to care for yourself, it’s a good opportunity to look at anyone else who might be in your group as well. There’s no doubt that prepping an escape plan for you and you alone would be an awful lot easier, but if you live with other people and think you’ll have to flee with them, then give some thought to any extra items you could take which would benefit them. Children and the elderly might have some specific care needs, especially in terms of medication and sanitation, so pop a few spares in your own bug out bag. Of course, don’t forget to do the same for your pets!