Prioritizing the Acquisition of Supplies, Part Two

Part One on this topic, posted yesterday, covered the medications and supplies to stockpile based on your personal needs and situation, the items you know you need because of medical conditions, age, and climate.  Now we continue with the most commonly used pharmaceuticals and reasons for seeking medical attention.  An understanding of these aspects will not only help you fill in holes in your supplies, but will also provide the reassurance that you're on the right track and preparing well.

Reports from care providers in austere environments suggest that approximately 90% of the medications being dispensed are OTC--over-the-counter.  They're the common pharmaceuticals that we can all acquire without restriction.  People already know where the pain is and most likely already have the medication on hand.  So why are they going to see a doctor?

It all boils down to the fact that they want or need a little reassurance.  The patient got stressed that some illness or injury was more serious than it actually was.  What's great about this is that you're not treating the public.  You aren't even treating your own family, except for the issues you have the confidence and skill to manage.  Think about what happens when your children come to you for a scratch or scrape or bruise.  They're usually looking for comfort and care.  Sympathy.  And if it's something beyond their ability to handle, someone to wash the wound, put the Band-Aid on, and cuddle and reassure. 

Here are the most common reasons for seeking medical care:

• upper respiratory tract infections, including sinusitis, pneumonia, influenza, ear infections, strep throat
• viral infections and fever
• asthma
• allergies, hay fever, and anaphylaxis
• gastrointestinal pain and infections--gastroenteritis, food poisoning, appendicitis, vomiting, diarrhea
• chest pain
• urinary tract infections, kidney stones
• burns, mostly second-degree
• open wounds--bites, lacerations, abrasions
• skin infections, rashes
• sprains and minor fractures
• dislocations and major fractures
• dental abscesses
• pregnancy, miscarriage, contraception, and STDs
• mental health issues
• fainting
• headaches

The above constitute approximately 95% of all visits.  Most of these are managed with OTC medications and compassion.

The most commonly prescribed or recommended OTC drugs for non-chronic conditions include:

• pain relievers (acetaminophen, hydrocodone, morphine)
• antibiotics (amoxicillin, Augmentin, azithromycin)
• antihistamines (Benadryl, Zantac, Zyrtec)
• anti-diarrheals (loperamide)
• anti-fungals (nystatin, Diflucan)
• omeprazole
• throat lozenges
• hydrocortisone cream
• asthma inhalers

One clinician reported that, according to his records, 90% of visits were managed with OTC medications.  Eight percent required antibiotics.  The remaining 2% were actual traumas, half of which were minor and could be treated on-site, and the other half requiring evacuation to a hospital.  Basically, if you get the supplies on this list, you or a doctor will be able to handle most problems.

However, it bears repeating that proper handwashing and sanitation will prevent most of these illnesses, as will safe food handling methods.  Taking care of these little things will mean there are far fewer big issues to manage.  

Links to related posts:
Prioritizing the Acquisition of Supplies, Part One
Acquiring Antibiotics
Antibiotic Chart
OTC Pain Relievers 

For further reading:
https://health.howstuffworks.com/medicine/10-common-reasons-for-er-visit1.htm
https://beaumontemergencycenter.com/ten-common-er-visits/
https://www.medicaldaily.com/er-visits-2016-top-10-reasons-going-emergency-department-400875