Saddlebag SuppliesGeneral Store · Colorado

Saddlebag Supplies General Store · Live list

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The 72-Hour Kit Shelf

The Beginner 72-Hour Kit, live: current picks, prices at three quality levels, and shopping links for the Starter, Trail-Ready, and Fully Loaded kits.

Saddlebag Supplies may earn a commission if you buy through links on this page. This doesn't change your price. Read the full disclosure.

Last updated: Prices are estimates as of Oct 2026

We stock the list. The retailer stocks the goods. Saddlebag Supplies doesn't sell or ship any of the gear on these shelves. Every shop button opens a search at an outside retailer, and you buy from them. Store types are suggestions for where these items are commonly found, not endorsements. Check labels and pick what fits your household.

Two separate choices: the kit size (Starter, Trail-Ready, Fully Loaded) sets which items are in the kit. The quality level (Shoestring, Trail-Tested, Top Shelf) sets how much each item costs, so each kit shows a price range. Every kit is for one person for 72 hours; build one per person and add role gear at the Counter.

The Counter · household planner

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Prices below are Trail-Tested (mid-range) defaults. Each person needs their own base kit: add one kit total per person, then add the role add-on totals listed below.

Shelf 1 · 1 person · 72 hours

Starter

The essentials for one person for three days.

Price range

$41–$170

Shoestring
$41.25
Trail-Tested
$50.00
Top Shelf
$169.70

Prices are estimates as of Oct 2026 and vary by store and region. Saddlebag Supplies may earn a commission if you buy through links on this page. This doesn't change your price.

Starter kit (one person, 72 hours): items, quantities, estimated prices, and where to shop
ItemQtyEst. priceWhy it mattersStore typeShop
Water
Drinking water, 1-gallon jugs3$4.50$1.50 each1 gallon per person per day: drinking plus cleanup.WalmartShop Walmart ↗
Unscented household bleach, small bottle1$1.25Backup water treatment. Follow EPA label directions.Dollar TreeShop Dollar Tree ↗
Food
Pull-top canned meals (chili, stew, pasta)3$3.75$1.25 eachReady to eat with no cooking and no can opener.Dollar TreeShop Dollar Tree ↗
Granola or protein bars, 12-count box1$4.50Quick calories that hold up in a bag.WalmartShop Walmart ↗
Peanut butter, 16 oz jar1$2.25Cheap calories and protein that keep for months.WalmartShop Walmart ↗
Trail mix or salted nuts, snack bags2$2.50$1.25 eachSalt and fat for energy on the move.Dollar TreeShop Dollar Tree ↗
Electrolyte drink packets1$1.25Helps with hydration in dry Colorado air or in heat.Dollar TreeShop Dollar Tree ↗
Shelter & Warmth
Mylar emergency blankets2$2.50$1.25 eachReflects body heat back and packs down small.Dollar TreeShop Dollar Tree ↗
Rain poncho1$1.25Wet clothes pull heat from you fast.Dollar TreeShop Dollar Tree ↗
Hand warmer packets (pair)1$1.00Mountain nights get cold even in summer.WalmartShop Walmart ↗
Light & Power
LED headlamp1$4.00Hands-free light for outages and night travel.WalmartShop Walmart ↗
AA/AAA batteries, 4-pack (match your lamp)2$2.50$1.25 eachOne set in the lamp and one spare set.Dollar TreeShop Dollar Tree ↗
First Aid

Not medical advice. Get first-aid training, and talk to a doctor or pharmacist about your household's needs.

Compact first-aid kit (~100 pieces)1$5.00Bandages, wipes, and tape for cuts and scrapes.WalmartShop Walmart ↗
7-day pill organizer1$1.25Holds a few days of your own daily meds.Dollar TreeShop Dollar Tree ↗
Tools
Butane lighters, 2-pack1$1.25Fire for warmth, light, and boiling water.Dollar TreeShop Dollar Tree ↗
Duct tape, small roll1$1.25Fixes gear, tarps, and torn shoes.Dollar TreeShop Dollar Tree ↗
Communication
Safety whistle1$1.25Carries farther than your voice, with less effort.Dollar TreeShop Dollar Tree ↗
Index cards + permanent marker1$1.25Write down key numbers and a meet-up spot.Dollar TreeShop Dollar Tree ↗
Hygiene & Sanitation
Wet wipes, travel pack1$1.25Keeps you clean when there's no running water.Dollar TreeShop Dollar Tree ↗
Hand sanitizer1$1.25Cleans hands before you eat and after the toilet.Dollar TreeShop Dollar Tree ↗
Travel toothbrush + toothpaste1$1.25A small routine that keeps morale up.Dollar TreeShop Dollar Tree ↗
Heavy-duty trash bags1$1.25Trash, a toilet liner, rain cover, or ground cover.Dollar TreeShop Dollar Tree ↗
Documents & Cash
Gallon zip-top bags1$1.25Keeps your ID copies, cash, and phone dry.Dollar TreeShop Dollar Tree ↗
Small bills ($1s and $5s), set aside $20+1Not in totalCard readers fail in outages. Not in the buy total.Your bankNo link needed
Extras
Backpack or tote you already own1Not in totalUse what you have. Not in the buy total.At homeNo link needed
Deck of cards1$1.25Passes the time and keeps spirits up.Dollar TreeShop Dollar Tree ↗
Estimated total (Trail-Tested prices)$50.00

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Shelf 2 · 1 person · 72 hours

Trail-Ready

A fuller one-person kit with sturdier gear in every category.

Price range

$139–$660

Shoestring
$139.98
Trail-Tested
$150.25
Top Shelf
$659.55

Prices are estimates as of Oct 2026 and vary by store and region. Saddlebag Supplies may earn a commission if you buy through links on this page. This doesn't change your price.

Trail-Ready kit (one person, 72 hours): items, quantities, estimated prices, and where to shop
ItemQtyEst. priceWhy it mattersStore typeShop
Water
Drinking water, 1-gallon jugs3$4.50$1.50 each3 days for one person at 1 gallon a day.WalmartShop Walmart ↗
Squeeze-type water filter, 1L pouch1$20.00Makes questionable water safe to drink.Outdoor retailerShop REI ↗
Unscented household bleach, small bottle1$1.25Backup water treatment. Follow EPA label directions.Dollar TreeShop Dollar Tree ↗
Food
Pull-top canned meals3$3.75$1.25 eachOne ready-to-eat meal a day, no can opener needed.Dollar TreeShop Dollar Tree ↗
Granola or protein bars, 12-count box1$4.50Breakfasts and snacks for three days.WalmartShop Walmart ↗
Peanut butter, 16 oz jar1$2.50Dense calories and protein.WalmartShop Walmart ↗
Trail mix or salted nuts, snack bags2$2.50$1.25 eachSalt and fat for energy on the move.Dollar TreeShop Dollar Tree ↗
Electrolyte drink packets1$1.25Helps with hydration at altitude and in heat.Dollar TreeShop Dollar Tree ↗
Manual can opener1$1.25For canned goods that aren't pull-top.Dollar TreeShop Dollar Tree ↗
Shelter & Warmth
Emergency bivvy (reflective sleeping sack)1$6.00Much warmer than a flat blanket.AmazonShop Amazon ↗
Mylar emergency blanket1$1.25Extra layer, ground sheet, or signal.Dollar TreeShop Dollar Tree ↗
Rain poncho1$1.25Keeps you dry, which keeps you warm.Dollar TreeShop Dollar Tree ↗
Hand warmer packets (pair)3$3.00$1.00 eachCold nights and cold hands.WalmartShop Walmart ↗
Knit hat and gloves1$6.00est.Most body heat escapes from your head and hands.WalmartShop Walmart ↗
Wool-blend socks, 2 pairs1$10.00est.Dry socks prevent blisters and cold feet.WalmartShop Walmart ↗
Light & Power
LED headlamp1$4.00Hands-free light for outages and night travel.WalmartShop Walmart ↗
LED camp lantern (battery)1$8.00Room light for evenings without power.WalmartShop Walmart ↗
AA/AAA batteries, 4-pack (match your gear)2$2.50$1.25 eachSpares for the lamp, lantern, and radio.Dollar TreeShop Dollar Tree ↗
First Aid

Not medical advice. Get first-aid training, and talk to a doctor or pharmacist about your household's needs.

First-aid kit (~200 pieces)1$9.00Covers cuts, blisters, burns, and sprains.WalmartShop Walmart ↗
N95 masks, 5-pack1$5.00For wildfire smoke and dust on the Front Range.WalmartShop Walmart ↗
7-day pill organizer1$1.25Keep your own daily meds with the kit.Dollar TreeShop Dollar Tree ↗
Tools
Basic multi-tool (pliers, screwdriver, small blade)1$9.00One tool that handles lots of small fixes.WalmartShop Walmart ↗
Paracord, 50 ft1$5.00Tie down a tarp, hang a line, or lash gear.WalmartShop Walmart ↗
Butane lighters, 2-pack1$1.25Reliable fire starting.Dollar TreeShop Dollar Tree ↗
Duct tape, small roll1$1.25Quick repairs on almost anything.Dollar TreeShop Dollar Tree ↗
Communication
Hand-crank/solar NOAA radio with USB out1$20.00Get alerts with no cell service and top up a phone.AmazonShop Amazon ↗
Safety whistle1$1.25Carries farther than your voice, with less effort.Dollar TreeShop Dollar Tree ↗
Hygiene & Sanitation
Wet wipes, travel pack1$1.25For washing up with no water.Dollar TreeShop Dollar Tree ↗
Hand sanitizer1$1.25Keeps germs off your food.Dollar TreeShop Dollar Tree ↗
Travel toothbrush + toothpaste1$1.25A small routine that keeps morale up.Dollar TreeShop Dollar Tree ↗
Heavy-duty trash bags1$1.25Trash, a toilet liner, or a rain cover.Dollar TreeShop Dollar Tree ↗
Toilet paper, flattened roll1$1.25You'll miss it fast if you don't have it.Dollar TreeShop Dollar Tree ↗
Documents & Cash
Gallon zip-top bags1$1.25Waterproofing for papers and your phone.Dollar TreeShop Dollar Tree ↗
USB flash drive (scans of ID, insurance, deeds)1$5.00Backup copies if originals are lost. Encrypt it.WalmartShop Walmart ↗
Small bills ($1s and $5s), set aside $50+1Not in totalCard readers fail in outages. Not in the buy total.Your bankNo link needed
Extras
Backpack or duffel you already own1Not in totalUse what you have. Not in the buy total.At homeNo link needed
Deck of cards1$1.25Passes the time and keeps spirits up.Dollar TreeShop Dollar Tree ↗
Estimated total (Trail-Tested prices)$150.25

↑ Back to the shelves

Shelf 3 · 1 person · 72 hours

Fully Loaded

The most complete one-person kit, and the bridge into Ranch Hand.

Price range

$337–$1,138

Shoestring
$337.46
Trail-Tested
$400.00
Top Shelf
$1,137.78

Prices are estimates as of Oct 2026 and vary by store and region. Saddlebag Supplies may earn a commission if you buy through links on this page. This doesn't change your price.

Bridges into Ranch Hand. This kit adds a 5-gallon water container, an emergency toilet bucket, a camp lantern, a power bank, and a sleeping bag. See the Ranch Hand trail.

Fully Loaded kit (one person, 72 hours): items, quantities, estimated prices, and where to shop
ItemQtyEst. priceWhy it mattersStore typeShop
Water
Stackable water container, 5 gal (fill from tap)1$20.00Holds your 3 gallons with room to spare.WalmartShop Walmart ↗
Drinking water, 1-gallon jugs2$3.00$1.50 eachGrab-and-go water if you have to leave the big container.WalmartShop Walmart ↗
Squeeze-type water filter with 2L pouch1$22.00Refills your bottle from water you're unsure of.Outdoor retailerShop REI ↗
Unscented household bleach, small bottle1$1.25Backup water treatment. Follow the EPA label directions.Dollar TreeShop Dollar Tree ↗
Food
Pull-top canned meals3$3.75$1.25 eachReady-to-eat meals, no can opener needed.Dollar TreeShop Dollar Tree ↗
Granola or protein bars, 12-count box1$4.50Breakfasts and snacks for three days.WalmartShop Walmart ↗
Peanut butter, 16 oz jar1$2.50Calorie-dense food that keeps for months.WalmartShop Walmart ↗
Trail mix or salted nuts, snack bags2$2.50$1.25 eachSalt and fat for energy on the move.Dollar TreeShop Dollar Tree ↗
Electrolyte drink packets1$1.25Helps with hydration in dry Colorado air.Dollar TreeShop Dollar Tree ↗
Manual can opener1$1.25A backup for regular cans.Dollar TreeShop Dollar Tree ↗
Shelter & Warmth
Emergency bivvy (reflective sleeping sack)1$5.00A warm sleep wherever you end up.AmazonShop Amazon ↗
Sleeping bag, compact (40°F-rated)1$25.00est.A real night's sleep if you're away from home.WalmartShop Walmart ↗
Poly tarp, 8 x 10 ft1$10.00Quick shelter, ground cover, or a window patch.WalmartShop Walmart ↗
Hand warmer packets (pair)3$3.00$1.00 eachCold-weather insurance.WalmartShop Walmart ↗
Rain poncho1$1.25Keeps you and your pack dry.Dollar TreeShop Dollar Tree ↗
Knit hat and gloves1$6.00est.Most body heat escapes from your head and hands.WalmartShop Walmart ↗
Wool-blend socks, 2 pairs1$10.00est.Dry socks prevent blisters and cold feet.WalmartShop Walmart ↗
Light & Power
Rechargeable LED headlamp (USB)1$20.00est.Brighter, and it charges from the power bank.WalmartShop Walmart ↗
LED camp lantern (battery)1$8.00Room light for evenings without power.WalmartShop Walmart ↗
AA batteries, 24-pack1$12.00Feeds the lantern and radio. Match the size to your gear.WalmartShop Walmart ↗
Power bank, 20,000 mAh1$18.00Several full phone charges.WalmartShop Walmart ↗
First Aid

Not medical advice. Get first-aid training, and talk to a doctor or pharmacist about your household's needs.

First-aid kit (~300 pieces)1$25.00Room for more than small cuts and scrapes.WalmartShop Walmart ↗
N95 masks, 5-pack1$5.00Wildfire smoke protection.WalmartShop Walmart ↗
7-day pill organizer1$1.25Keeps your daily meds with the kit.Dollar TreeShop Dollar Tree ↗
Tools
Multi-tool (pliers, screwdriver, small blade)1$12.00Handles everyday repairs.WalmartShop Walmart ↗
Adjustable wrench, 10 in1$8.00Shuts off gas or water valves. Know where yours are.WalmartShop Walmart ↗
Work gloves1$5.00Protects hands while you clean up debris.WalmartShop Walmart ↗
Paracord, 50 ft1$5.00Ties down tarps and lashes gear.WalmartShop Walmart ↗
Duct tape, full roll1$4.00Repairs almost anything.WalmartShop Walmart ↗
Butane lighters, 2-pack1$1.25Fire for warmth and boiling water.Dollar TreeShop Dollar Tree ↗
Communication
Hand-crank/solar NOAA radio with USB out1$25.00Gets weather and emergency alerts without cell service.AmazonShop Amazon ↗
Safety whistle1$1.25Three blasts means 'help.'Dollar TreeShop Dollar Tree ↗
Index cards + permanent marker1$1.25Write down key numbers and a meet-up spot.Dollar TreeShop Dollar Tree ↗
Hygiene & Sanitation
Wet wipes, travel packs2$2.50$1.25 eachFor washing up with no water.Dollar TreeShop Dollar Tree ↗
Hand sanitizer1$1.25Keeps germs off your food.Dollar TreeShop Dollar Tree ↗
Travel toothbrush + toothpaste1$1.25A small routine that keeps morale up.Dollar TreeShop Dollar Tree ↗
5-gal bucket with lid (emergency toilet)1$6.00Line it with bags if plumbing fails. It doubles as storage.WalmartShop Walmart ↗
Heavy-duty contractor bags1$8.00Toilet liners, trash, and rain covers.WalmartShop Walmart ↗
Toilet paper, 4 rolls1$4.00Store it in a zip bag to keep it dry.WalmartShop Walmart ↗
Documents & Cash
Fire- and water-resistant document pouch1$12.00Protects ID copies, insurance papers, and prescriptions.AmazonShop Amazon ↗
USB flash drive (scans of key documents)1$5.00A digital backup of everything in the pouch.WalmartShop Walmart ↗
Small bills ($1s and $5s), set aside $100+1Not in totalCard readers fail in outages. Not in the buy total.Your bankNo link needed
Extras
Backpack, 30-40 L1$30.00est.Carries the whole kit on your back if you have to go.WalmartShop Walmart ↗
Deck of cards1$1.25Passes the time and keeps spirits up.Dollar TreeShop Dollar Tree ↗
Personal-needs allowance1$54.50Spare clothes, comfort items, pet food: whatever you need.VariesNo link needed
Estimated total (Trail-Tested prices)$400.00

↑ Back to the shelves

Stack on top of a base kit

72-hour role add-ons

Role gear adds to one person's base kit. Give each role to one person; most households only need one or two. Prices are estimates as of Oct 2026; "est." marks typical retail guesses not checked against a listing. Saddlebag Supplies may earn a commission if you buy through links on this page. This doesn't change your price.

Ramrod (Leader)

Keeps the plan, the maps, and the head count. On a cattle drive, the ramrod ran the crew day to day.

+$53.25
Ramrod (Leader) role add-on: items, quantities, estimated prices, and where to shop
ItemQtyEst. priceWhy it mattersStore typeShop
Baseplate compass with declination adjustment1$28.00Finds direction with no signal or battery.Outdoor retailerShop REI ↗
Paper road atlas or local map1$10.00est.Routes out when phones and GPS are down.WalmartShop Walmart ↗
1-inch binder with sheet protectors (planning binder)1$6.00est.Holds the plan, contacts, and copies in one place.WalmartShop Walmart ↗
Waterproof notebook + pencils1$8.00est.Notes that survive rain and spills.Outdoor retailerShop REI ↗
Safety whistle1$1.25Calls the group together without shouting.Dollar TreeShop Dollar Tree ↗
Household emergency plan templates (free from Ready.gov), printed1Free, not in totalFill in meet-up spots, contacts, and who does what. Not in the total.Free downloadNo link
Add-on per person (Trail-Tested prices)$53.25

Sawbones (Medic)

Carries the general first-aid and bleeding-control supplies, and gets the training to use them.

+$136.38

Not medical advice. These are general first-aid and bleeding-control supplies plus a few common over-the-counter basics. Get trained before you rely on any of it (for example a Stop the Bleed course and a first-aid class). In an emergency, call 911.

Sawbones (Medic) role add-on: items, quantities, estimated prices, and where to shop
ItemQtyEst. priceWhy it mattersStore typeShop
Windlass tourniquet (genuine C-A-T Gen 7 or equivalent)1$34.99Stops severe limb bleeding. Buy from the maker or an authorized seller; counterfeits fail.Authorized distributorBuy from the maker or an authorized seller
Trauma shears1$6.00est.Cuts clothing and tape quickly.WalmartShop Walmart ↗
Moldable splint, 36 in1$14.95Supports an injured limb until help arrives.Outdoor retailerShop REI ↗
Nitrile gloves, box of 1001$10.00est.Protects you and the person you're helping.WalmartShop Walmart ↗
Gauze pads, roll gauze, and medical tape1$12.00est.Covers and wraps wounds bigger than a bandage strip.WalmartShop Walmart ↗
Emergency pressure bandage, 4-6 in2$16.00$8.00 eachest.Holds steady pressure on a wound.Outdoor retailerShop REI ↗
First-aid field guide (book)1$12.00est.Step-by-step reference when you can't look it up.WalmartShop Walmart ↗
Over-the-counter basics

Not medical advice. These are common over-the-counter products, listed by type only, with no dosing and no health claims. Read and follow every label. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any of them, especially if you're pregnant, have a health condition or allergies, or take other medicines. Check expiration dates when you rotate the kit. In an emergency, call 911.

Ibuprofen tablets, small bottle1$3.97est.A common pain reliever to keep in the kit.WalmartShop Walmart ↗
Acetaminophen tablets, small bottle1$3.97est.A common pain reliever to keep in the kit.WalmartShop Walmart ↗
Antihistamine tablets, small pack1$3.50est.A common allergy product to keep in the kit.WalmartShop Walmart ↗
Loperamide tablets, small pack1$4.50est.A common anti-diarrheal product to keep in the kit.WalmartShop Walmart ↗
Antacid chewable tablets, small bottle1$3.00est.A common antacid to keep in the kit.WalmartShop Walmart ↗
Electrolyte drink-mix packets, 6-pack1$6.00est.Drink-mix packets to keep in the kit.WalmartShop Walmart ↗
Hydrocortisone cream, small tube1$2.50est.A common anti-itch cream to keep in the kit.WalmartShop Walmart ↗
Antibiotic ointment, small tube1$3.00est.A common first-aid ointment to keep in the kit.WalmartShop Walmart ↗
Add-on per person (Trail-Tested prices)$136.38

Lookout (Comms)

Keeps the outfit talking when cell service drops: radios, a listening watch, and signals.

+$139.96

GMRS needs an FCC license ($35, 10 years, no exam, covers your immediate family). FRS needs no license. Ham (amateur) radio needs a license to transmit; you can listen without one.

Lookout (Comms) role add-on: items, quantities, estimated prices, and where to shop
ItemQtyEst. priceWhy it mattersStore typeShop
GMRS handheld radio1$49.99Longer range than FRS and talks to FRS radios too.WalmartShop Walmart ↗
FCC GMRS license (10 years)1$35.00Required to transmit on GMRS.FCCApply with the FCC
Dual-band ham handheld (starter radio)1$17.99Listen to local repeaters and nets now; transmit once licensed.Radio retailerNo link
Upgraded whip antenna for the ham handheld1$20.98Noticeably better range than the stock antenna.Radio retailerNo link
AA batteries, 8-pack1$6.00est.Spares for radios that take AAs.WalmartShop Walmart ↗
Signal mirror1$10.00est.Flashes a signal miles away on a sunny day.Outdoor retailerShop REI ↗
Add-on per person (Trail-Tested prices)$139.96

Scout (Navigation & Security)

Watches the trail and the perimeter: sees trouble early and finds the way out. No weapons on this list.

+$139.88
Scout (Navigation & Security) role add-on: items, quantities, estimated prices, and where to shop
ItemQtyEst. priceWhy it mattersStore typeShop
Compact binoculars1$25.00est.See who and what is coming before they arrive.WalmartShop Walmart ↗
Bright headlamp with red-light mode1$20.00est.Night watch without blinding yourself.WalmartShop Walmart ↗
Laser rangefinder (golf/hunting style)1$39.99Judges distances for routes and landmarks.WalmartShop Walmart ↗
Wireless driveway/motion alert, 1 sensor1$12.99A chime indoors when someone comes up the drive.WalmartShop Walmart ↗
Battery perimeter trip alarm1$13.90A loud alert around a campsite or back door.WalmartShop Walmart ↗
Baseplate compass1$28.00Your own direction-finding if the group splits up.Outdoor retailerShop REI ↗
Add-on per person (Trail-Tested prices)$139.88

Fixer (Tools & Repair, optional)

Optional role. Keeps gear, shelter, and clothing working with a small repair kit.

+$48.50
Fixer (Tools & Repair) role add-on: items, quantities, estimated prices, and where to shop
ItemQtyEst. priceWhy it mattersStore typeShop
Full-size multi-tool1$25.00est.Pliers, drivers, and a saw in one tool.WalmartShop Walmart ↗
Gear repair tape1$6.00est.Patches tents, jackets, and sleeping bags.Outdoor retailerShop REI ↗
Two-part epoxy putty1$6.00est.Seals leaks and rebuilds broken parts.WalmartShop Walmart ↗
Zip ties, assorted1$1.25est.Fast fixes for almost anything.Dollar TreeShop Dollar Tree ↗
Sewing kit1$1.25est.Fixes torn clothes and straps.Dollar TreeShop Dollar Tree ↗
Utility wire, small spool1$4.00est.Stronger than tape for lashing and hanging.WalmartShop Walmart ↗
Work gloves1$5.00Protects hands while you fix things.WalmartShop Walmart ↗
Add-on per person (Trail-Tested prices)$48.50

↑ Back to the shelves

Next rank

Kit packed? You've finished the Greenhorn gear. Up next: Ranch Hand (2 weeks). Your 72-hour kit is packed. Now stretch it to two weeks at home: more water, a real pantry, and a backup way to cook.

Ride on to Ranch Hand

Not medical advice. The first-aid items are general preparedness information. They don't replace professional care or first-aid training. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist about medications, allergies, and your household's needs. In an emergency, call 911.