During a blackout, pharmacies are often closed or unreachable. Ambulances are overwhelmed. Hospitals are running on emergency operations. Anyone who gets sick or injured then needs to be able to help themselves.
This list shows you what belongs in a well-stocked home emergency medicine cabinet.
Bandages and Wound Care
- ☐ Adhesive bandages in various sizes (at least 30–50 pieces)
- ☐ Wound dressings / sterile gauze pads (5×5cm, 10×10cm)
- ☐ Gauze bandages (5cm and 10cm wide)
- ☐ Elastic bandages (for sprains)
- ☐ Triangular bandage (arm sling, improvised dressing)
- ☐ Wound disinfectant (e.g. Octenisept or Betadine)
- ☐ Scissors (blunt/sharp)
- ☐ Tweezers
- ☐ Disposable gloves (at least 20 pairs)
- ☐ Emergency blanket (gold/silver)
Medications (Over the Counter / OTC)
Note: If in doubt, consult a doctor or pharmacist. Always follow dosage instructions on the package insert.
Pain and fever:
- ☐ Ibuprofen 400mg (adults)
- ☐ Paracetamol 500mg (also suitable for children / pregnant women)
- ☐ Aspirin (additional option — not for children)
Stomach and digestion:
- ☐ Loperamide (diarrhea — important when water quality is uncertain)
- ☐ Electrolyte powder (rehydration)
- ☐ Activated charcoal tablets (suspected poisoning)
- ☐ Antiemetic (for nausea/vomiting)
- ☐ Magnesium / antacid (heartburn)
Skin and eyes:
- ☐ Hydrocortisone cream (insect bites, irritations)
- ☐ Wound and healing ointment (e.g. Bepanthen)
- ☐ Eye wash solution
- ☐ Sunscreen (SPF 50) — important even in a summer blackout
Other:
- ☐ Antihistamine (allergy sufferers: according to allergen)
- ☐ Cough syrup / lozenges
- ☐ Nasal drops
- ☐ Blister plasters (long walks during a blackout)
Personal Medications — The Most Critical Point
Anyone who takes regular medications (blood pressure, diabetes, heart medication, psychiatric drugs, thyroid, etc.) must keep a supply of at least 4 weeks at home.
How to do it:
- Request follow-up prescriptions from your doctor early (not only when the pack is empty)
- Print out a medication list: active ingredient, dosage, indication
- For temperature-sensitive medications (insulin, etc.): create a cooling plan for a blackout scenario
Storing Your Emergency Medicine Cabinet
- Store cool (max. 25°C / 77°F) and dark
- Not in the bathroom (humidity)
- Childproof lock if children are in the household
- Check expiration dates once a year
- In a solid box / bag — within easy reach, not scattered around
Verdict: 30 Minutes of Preparation Can Save Lives
A complete home emergency medicine cabinet costs a one-time investment of $50–$100 and half an afternoon of shopping. In a real blackout, it could make all the difference.
Combined with a good emergency backpack, you are prepared for almost any situation:
👉 Emergency Backpacks with First Aid Kit: The Best Models →
👉 Emergency Equipment for a Blackout: The Complete Overview →