Granted, this isn't enough to handle a major trauma, but if you're at that stage, one Band-Aid more or less isn't going to matter much anyway. It's designed to help stop little cuts or scrapes from becoming big problems later on. I decided against adding a large compress-type bandage because of the bulk issue.

The 24 acetaminophen (Tylenol Extra-Strength 500 mg caplets) were repackaged in a small plastic bag to reduce their bulk. I can envision a number of situations where relief from pain could be a real asset, especially if you have to think clearly to get yourself out of a jam. I have since added 6 ibuprofen (Motrin 500 mg caplets) for the inflammation relief it provides.

The adhesive bandages are in three sizes, mainly so I won't have to use a big bandage for an itty-bitty cut, or a tiny bandage for a jagged gash. I have since added two packets of Neosporin triple-antibiotic ointment. It weighs almost nothing and will keep cuts and scrapes from getting infected. If that happens, you're in even more trouble.

I put the salt packets in the medical group because they can, if used very sparingly and with lots of water, be used to help recover from severe dehydration. They can also be used to season food, of course, or even to preserve a small amount of meat or fish for a few days, both of which can help you face a survival situation more successfully.

None of these supplies are of much use if you haven't had any training in at least basic first aid. In the US, the American Red Cross offers basic and advanced first aid and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) classes for free or at a very modest cost. Yes, it takes a few hours of your time, but which would you rather be? Prepared to take care of yourself or others in a emergency, or another helpless, flailing, spastic victim?