Make your own island first-aid kit
Because of the secluded nature of private islands, basic medical supplies like band-aids and cold medicine can be hard to come by. The absence of these basic necessities can dramatically worsen the effects of even the slightest injuries, so it is a good idea of any islander to always have a first-aid kit at the ready. Doing so will make living on your private island safer and more enjoyable for everyone. Learn how to make your own first-aid kit after the jump…
Remember that because you don’t have a drug store down the street, a private island first-aid kit should contain more items in greater quantities than a typical first-aid kit. Be sure to check the expiration date of everything you buy. Preferably, you should buy the items with the longest shelf life possible.
Items to consider in your kit:
- Olive oil
- Prescription drugs
- Antibiotic ointment
- Tylenol or Advil
- Aspirin tablets (5 grain)
- Children’s aspirin
- Children’s Tylenol
- Ipecac – To induce vomiting
- Motion sickness medication
- Kaopectate (for diarrhea)
- Laxative
- Benadryl
- Eye drops
- Ear drops
- Nasal spray
- Aerosol Burn spray
- Cough medicine (Codeine Prescription)
- Inhalation aids (Vicks, etc)
- Vaseline
- Hand lotion
- Baking soda
- Iodine
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Table salt
- Smelling salts
- Rubbing alcohol
- Sun screen
- Water Purification tablets
- Soap (tincture of green soap)
- Artificial skin spray
- Chlorine bleach
Wound dressings and bandages:
- Adhesive tape, sterile roll 2″ wide.
- Bandage, sterile roll 4″ wide.
- Bandage, sterile roll 2″ wide.
- Bandages, large triangular (37×37x52).
- Band aids
- Cotton-tipped swabs (Q-tips).
- Cotton, sterile absorbent.
- Butterfly bandages
- Ace bandages.
- Gauze pads (4×4)
Other things to have:
- Tweezers
- Plastic spoons
- Space blankets
- Pocket knife
- Needles, thread
- Scissors
- Safety pins, assorted sizes
- Paper,pencils, and pens
- Thermometer
- Heavy string
- Sanitary Napkins
- Tissues
- Snake Bite Kit
- Matches, butane lighter
- Clean sheets, torn into long strips
- Medicine droppers
- Splints, wooden 18″ (optional)
- Dental floss
- Cold pack (one that turns cold when opened)
- Plastic sheeting
- Rubber gloves
- Waterproof container for kit
- Paper cups
- Razor blades
- Duct tape
- Flares
- Flotation devices
- Defibrillator
Put your first-aid kit in a waterproof container. Store it in a central, easily accessible location where it will stay safe, even during storms. Make sure everyone on the island knows where the kit is and how to properly use it contents. A well-stocked first-aid kit is essential to every private island. Don’t be without one!