(OP) As an EMT, I expect that you'd have much better resources to answer this one than I would.
But my big kit includes: disposable gloves CPR mask Thermometer Sphygmomanometer Glucometer Bandage materials (including bandage scissors - at least two pair) OTC meds for pain, inflammation, and allergies as well as low dose aspirin L.A.W. (liquid antacid and water) to treat pepper spray or other mild acids Sunscreen Instant cold packs Hand warmers Cheap plastic ponchos (useful to keep from contaminating your clothes) Lots of bandannas (useful as easy to carry face-masks) Water (as much as you can carry - for wounds and hydration) Granola bars Honey Penlight Flashlight (mine's a solar-powered/hand-cranked flashlight/emergency radio) Box-cutter
If I were knowingly going into a urban disaster area with only OTC gear, off the top of my head, I would also bring rope, a headlamp, bolt-cutters, cheap aluminum curtain rods (for splinting), at least two smallish tarps, and a least one extra flashlight (maybe several smaller ones). I would wear galoshes (even without natural flooding, damaged water mains can lead to sublevel flooding anywhere), and I would bring heavy work gloves, several extra pair of socks and at least one change of clothes.
All of that said, with a major disaster, a big thing to think about beyond wounds is environmental dangers. With any large urban disaster, you WILL end up with fires. What season it it? Is exposure to extreme temperatures or other weather dangers a potential threat? Downed electric lines and contaminated water are big threats. Smoke and/or airborne debris. Structural damage to buildings which is a very dynamic situation long after the initial disaster.
If any of that makes you go WTF? Please ask! I'd love to get your feedback as well.
Re: PSA: Wound care - Also can do some medical Q&A
But my big kit includes:
disposable gloves
CPR mask
Thermometer
Sphygmomanometer
Glucometer
Bandage materials (including bandage scissors - at least two pair)
OTC meds for pain, inflammation, and allergies as well as low dose aspirin
L.A.W. (liquid antacid and water) to treat pepper spray or other mild acids
Sunscreen
Instant cold packs
Hand warmers
Cheap plastic ponchos (useful to keep from contaminating your clothes)
Lots of bandannas (useful as easy to carry face-masks)
Water (as much as you can carry - for wounds and hydration)
Granola bars
Honey
Penlight
Flashlight (mine's a solar-powered/hand-cranked flashlight/emergency radio)
Box-cutter
If I were knowingly going into a urban disaster area with only OTC gear, off the top of my head, I would also bring rope, a headlamp, bolt-cutters, cheap aluminum curtain rods (for splinting), at least two smallish tarps, and a least one extra flashlight (maybe several smaller ones). I would wear galoshes (even without natural flooding, damaged water mains can lead to sublevel flooding anywhere), and I would bring heavy work gloves, several extra pair of socks and at least one change of clothes.
All of that said, with a major disaster, a big thing to think about beyond wounds is environmental dangers. With any large urban disaster, you WILL end up with fires. What season it it? Is exposure to extreme temperatures or other weather dangers a potential threat? Downed electric lines and contaminated water are big threats. Smoke and/or airborne debris. Structural damage to buildings which is a very dynamic situation long after the initial disaster.
If any of that makes you go WTF? Please ask! I'd love to get your feedback as well.