Best source for first aid supplies?
 

One of my new-year's tasks is to build up a supply of emergency medical items. There is a dizzying array of available supplies and vendors online, and I'm paralyzed about what to get, and who has the best prices. I've spent hours online looking at all of the options, and my fear is that after I purchase an array of supplies to construct a custom kit piecemeal, I'll encounter a pre-packaged kit with everything that I need!

Amazon.com seems to be one good resource, but the big problem is that shipping costs tend to be prohibitive (especially when shopping for inexpensive items like bandages etc.).

I know that I've seen this topic mentioned on other threads, but I don't recall ever seeing a definitive discussion about the best sources for supplies.

I'll list some links below of various suppliers I've found. If anyone has more experience regarding lists of medical supplies that are essential (or, preferably, recommendations for comprehensive pre-packaged kits), and which sellers have the best prices, I would appreciate it! Thanks in advance for your input.



http://www.firstaidsuppliesonline.com/

http://www.boss-safety.com/shop/safe...its-c-416.html

http://www.fourseasonssurvival.com/

http://www.wildernessmedical.com/

These kits look excellent, but for their small dimensions, they seem quite pricey (they're intended for hikers):
http://www.wildernessmedical.com/wil...-kits_new1.htm

http://www.areyouprepared.com/surviv...FQwNGgodvyvhDA

http://www.sammedical.com/

Re: Best source for first aid supplies?
 

I ordered several kits from several places. I was not really happy with any of them. The suture kit I ordered sucked. Nothing was in sterile wrap. While sitting at the gas station someone pulled up and had AB First Aid on their truck window. I ran over and found out where they were located. Went into the store and was amazed! You can buy kits or loose. They come in pelican cases. The price was better than that other cheezey stuff I bought. I went thru the store and got stuff I thought I would use and made my own kit. I also got another suture kit and extra needles. These kits fit great in my bob bag. This company also supplies alot of the EMT's and sheriff dept in our area. They are not just a fly by night internet site. You can call in and order your "build to suit your needs" own bag.
http://www.abfirstaidstore.com/cart/...&mode=detailed

http://www.abfirstaidstore.com/cart/...&mode=detailed



AB First Aid

Re: Best source for first aid supplies?
 

I don't have time for an in depth post right now, but on amazon there is company called BP medical supplies and I'm actually buying a bunch of stuff from them. They have just about everything bandage wise and their combined shipping makes buying from them worthwhile.

i.e. buying a 100 pack of 3x3 gauze (individually wrapped) is about 4 bucks with shipping at 5.99. However if you buy 2 shipping is only another 50 cents, buy three shipping goes up a quarter or so.

This company has great videos if you've got an aspiring combat medic in your group: http://www.tacmedsolutions.com/07/videos.php specifically this video for anyone interested in learning wound packing: http://www.tacmedsolutions.com/07/tr...video_0001.wmv

I'll give of list of the items I'm buying from them later today to give you an idea of their "best buys".

I tend to shy away from prepackaged deals because usually they are over priced. Not always, but most times. I also buy for a couple of friends so when I buy a 100 pack of gauze or 20 pack of abd pads we split them 3 or 4 ways. In which case the kits may be better for you since you'll be buying enough stuff to load up several kits at once. You could always resell them too ;)

Re: Best source for first aid supplies?
 

I like the snake bite and suture kits, but their standard kits look waaay overpriced to me.

Re: Best source for first aid supplies?
 

I have bought a few kits from different sites and agree the prices suck. I need to just convince my mother and a couple other family members to start "borrowing" some supplies from the hospitals they work at. Or at least get me as many freebies as they legally can.

Re: Best source for first aid supplies?
 

That is why I browsed the store and picked my own stuff.

The other suture kit I got from elsewhere was more $$ and had less stuff in it.
And nothing was sterile! Some of the links that have been posted are very good too.

Re: Best source for first aid supplies?
 

I agree with Prometheus, try these guys:

www.allmed.net

Just placed another order on the 31st to use the balance of the flex spending plan.

A couple of examples:

50 sterile 12 ply 4x4's for $2.61
12 rolls of 3m Transpore 1" wide tape for $16.43

The only catch is you have to have a minimum order of $75.00.

Hope this helps.

Re: Best source for first aid supplies?
 

My order arrived today, all was well with it!

Re: Best source for first aid supplies?
 

WARNING about BP MEDICAL SUPPLIES

I just got my order I placed. It was missing 2 items and they substituted (apparently) "burnaid" burn gel for "WaterJel".

They also charged a shitload for shipping and you didn't even realize what shipping was going to be until it finished.

I get the feeling I'm going to have to dispute this with my credit card company. Their numbers are all generic "1-3-1-7-2-2.... is not available..." voicemails. I can dispute thru Amazon... anyone ever done that? Is it like paypal/ebay dispute where the good guy normally gets shafted?