Most communities don't have the medical capabilities to handle large scale disasters. There are just too many people. So for your church group, preparedness group, or large family it is a really good idea to have at least one set of basic medical testing equipment. When a disaster hits you will possibly have a doctor or nurse in your area, but they will need some of those basic tools to diagnose the sick and injured. A lot of doctors and nurses won't have those tools in their homes. Here is a list of basic testing equipment that you will want to have. All of these items can be bought online. Keep in mind that you will still need first aid supplies to go with it.
- Stethoscope
- Otoscope (for ears)
- Thermometer
- Pulse Oximeter (for monitoring a person's oxygen saturation)
- Glucometer including appropriate strips and lancets (for blood sugar)
- Blood pressure cuffs
- Reflex hammer
- Tongue depressors, preferably wrapped.
- Flashlight
- Masks, Gloves
- Alcohol wipes
- Lubricating jelly
- Alcohol gel for hands
