A survival gear kit is essentially a series of necessary supplies and equipment specifically prepared to survive in an emergency situation. Civil and military aircraft, boats, and space shuttles are all equipped with survival gear. Kits can be very basic or quite extensive. They are most commonly used by hikers, mountain climbers, hunters, campers, or emergency personnel. There are different kinds of survival gear available and each one is intended for a particular use.
Some survival kits are designed for long-term use and others are meant for immediate need. For example, a wilderness survival kit includes a sleeping bag, waterproof matches, compass, a cell phone, a flashlight, a multi-tool, food bars or other low-nutrition food, a knife, a Swiss knife, a compass, a wet cloth, a waymark, a whistle, a cell phone battery, a Swiss knife, a hatchet, pliers, duct tape, and other emergency tools. An emergency kit for a cabin in the woods may include a sleeping bag, a blanket, a sleeping pad, candles, firewood, a compass, a flash light, a toolbox, a compass, a stove or other fuel source, a blanket, and some food and water items. Camping survival kits are similar to the above-mentioned kits but are usually meant for expeditions into remote wilderness areas. They contain items needed for a two-week camping trip.
Another category of emergency gear is emergency trauma or medical gear. This type of gear may be needed for a variety of reasons such as exposure to poison ivy, snake bites, exposure to toxic substances, or wounds from a car accident. Trauma kits or casualty kits should contain items that may help resuscitate a victim while awaiting professional medical assistance. Examples of these items are: blankets, bandages, dressing material, CPR gear, doctors’ shoes/stilts, rubber gloves, eye pads, CPR face shields, and tubes for breathing.
Another type of survival gear is specialized gear. This type of gear is designed to survive specific emergencies or circumstances. For example, the Marine Corps teaches members the habit of carrying a personal flotation device. A personal flotation device, or Personal Flotation Device as it is commonly called, consists of an inner tube and two lanyards. The inner tube, which has a buoyancy effect, can hold a person’s weight and is usually fastened to the person’s harness or belt.
One of the first steps in preparing an emergency survival kit or an emergency supply list is to understand your own personal situation. By knowing what to bring, you will have the assurance of your safety when faced with an unexpected event. To help you get started, here are the seven essential items required in an emergency situation: Emergency First Aid kits or supplies- The number one item on a list of emergency first aid supplies is the first aid kit. It is also important to keep additional first aid supplies on hand such as scissors, nail clippers, alcohol swabs, scissors and other nail tools, wound dressings, antibacterial ointment and other sanitary products, sterile gauze pads, cotton balls and other medical supplies, needle disposal kits, garbage bags, and other garbage.
Waterproof boots- You need waterproof boots for your survival gear. Your feet will stay relatively dry which can prove to be very helpful in a survival situation where your footwear will be subjected to water. In addition, waterproof boots help protect your feet from being soaked during a prolonged period of time. Other types of waterproof gear that you may want to consider include booties, socks, jackets, raincoats and gloves. You may also want to have a portable water filter, water purification tablets, and other emergency supplies.
Blanket Bivvy Mirror whistle- Using a blanket bivvy mirror whistle will prove to be an excellent survival gear item. A Blanket Bivvy Mirror Whistle is essential if you are lost in a wilderness area. This whistle can be used to attract attention to yourself or signal for help. To use the whistle simply tie a rubber band around it and blow until the whistle produces a ringing sound. This could work well to attract attention to you or for communication purposes with others.
All of the above mentioned survival kits are items that should definitely be contained in all first aid kits that you purchase. Although they do not go far in terms of quality, they are excellent items for your everyday carry. Keep in mind that all of these items can be used in the event of emergency situations. If you do not have a kit available that includes some of the above items, purchase one, or add additional items as you deem necessary.