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Medical supplies are important in a survival situation. Even if combat isn't involved you can fall and cut your leg on a rock or some other kind of injury. You can get a first aid kit just about anywhere, but I don't really like them because they are usually mostly just band aids and while band aids are helpful I don't want over a hundred of them and a few other things. It's a lot easier to just buy one, but if you want to make one there are some good things to keep in mind. For the record I have no medical training. If you know for sure that I am wrong about something feel free to correct me. For more information I would suggest asking someone who knows what they're doing.

1. Medicine. Allergy medicine is very useful. If you or anyone traveling with you has allergies you obviously want to keep that under control. Pain medicine like tylenol or ibuprofen would be good. I also keep some pepto bismol tablets in my kit. The liquid can be messy but any stomach problems will make traveling plans uncomfortable.

2. Antiseptic is a must for cuts. Rubbing alcohol is good for minor cuts but it's not recommended for deeper gashes. Rubbing alcohol can also be used for emergency fire fuel though I would suggest keeping it for medicine. Hydrogen peroxide is good and you don't get such a burning sensation. I also use it for mouthwash. Like with rubbing alcohol I hear it's bad for deeper wounds. Stainless steel doesn't like peroxide either. I put some peroxide in a flask and it got a hole in the bottom.It was a cheap flask, but you could see the rust. Another problem with peroxide is that it breaks down. After a few months you are just left with water. Exposure to sun light makes it degrade faster which is why it's sold in a dark bottle. You can just settle for grain alcohol. My kit has a small plastic bottle of vodka. It has all the same benefits of rubbing alcohol and can be taken internally.

3. Antibiotic ointment. Antiseptic is good for cleaning out wounds and sterilizing stuff, but when you bandage up a wound rubbing a little neosporin on it can help keep infection out. It's thicker than the liquid antiseptics so it won't just spill off to the side.

4. Bandages. As I said before band aids can be good for little cuts. For bigger areas of injury gauze pads. Gauze wrap can also be used to cover the area. For taping things up I like using ductape rather than medical tape because medical tape doesn't hold well. I've heard the adhesive in ductape can affect the immune system and promote infection. I'm not sure if it does or not nut just in case keep it away from the wound.

5. Sewing kit. If you get a gash you can't keep closed you can sew it shut. It can double for patching up clothing. You don't need a big sewing kit you just need something that will work.

6. Space Blanket. These shiny things are super compact and super light. I hear they're good at preventing hypothermia. If you fall in the river or get lots of rain on you it's important to stay warm.

7. Beware of trench foot. Trench Foot is a disease where your feet are kept in wet, cold, unsanitary conditions. The name "trench foot" came from the trenches of WWI where soldiers were constantly in those conditions. Your feet soak up a lot of water and infection starts to set in. Eventually the flesh begins to rot. Take a look at some pictures right here That's pretty gross looking. Early stages can be cared for by warming the feet and keeping them dry. Advances stages can require amputation. The good news is that this is very easy to prevent. After walking for a long while take a break. Feel free to take your shoes off and let them air out. Keep some clean socks with you and if your boots get soaked dry them out before using them again. If you take care of your feet they will take care of you.

I'll update this as I think of more.