Thoughts on Antibiotics After TSHTF

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I watched After Armageddon the other night (I DVR’d it). I have seen it a couple of times and think the show does a good job of showing the necessity to prepare in case of a major collapse. One of the parts that really caught my attention was someone cuts themselves and the cut becomes infected. No antibiotics – infection spreads and eventually the guy dies. Not good.

I need to stock some antibiotics. Life expectancy has increased over the past 100 years so dramatically partly due to antibiotics. Decades ago the smallest cut/infection could lead to serious complications.

I am going to do some research on the subject – if I find anything of value I will post some results here. If anyone has some knowledge on the subject – please post a comment or two.

Thanks -

Rourke

Tags: first aid, TEOTWAWKI, TSHTF

first aid | Rourke July 16, 2010

10 Comments to “Thoughts on Antibiotics After TSHTF”

By JeSter, July 16, 2010 @ 11:07 am

Rourke,

After getting off of acitve duty back in the 90′s I started selling medical equipment. While I am certainly no doctor I have learned quite a bit over the years. An alternative to stocking antibiotics would be to purchase wound dressings with silver in them. The ionic silver impregnated in the dressing kills bugs and funk; including MRSA, VRE, etc.

I’d recommend Aquacel Ag from ConvaTec. It’s a bit pricey, but likely better than trying to figure out what you are doing with antibiotics. You can order individual dressings or boxes here…http://www.woundcareshop.com/aquacelagaquacelsilverbyconvatec.aspx The dressings should come with an IFU (Instructions For Use). Make sure you read it thoroughly so you would be use the product appropriately.

It might also be a good idea to read up on wound care in general. Hopefully you can dramatically reduce the need for oral antibiotics if you practice proper first aid and wound care.

JeSter
By TomChemEngineer, July 16, 2010 @ 11:34 am

I am no expert, but there are at least three parts to this.
1. Which antibiotics are used for different conditions and the normal dosage, and
2. Where do you get these antibiotics before they are needed or before they become scarce, and
3. How are these antibiotics stored/ what is the shelf life?
To address Number 1, I made up a little laminated card Titled “Antibiotic Common Therapies”, then used a couple of references to list common infections, then list a couple of antibiotics that are used for each infection. Keep in mind that there are alternatives to each antibiotic therapy for those with specific allergies.
The common infections I listed are: Cellulitis, Sinusitis, Bronchitis, Pneumonia, Urnary Tract Infections, VD, Boils, Impetego,, Middle Ear Infections, Swimmers ear, Pinkeye, Diarrhea (Viral), Cold Sores, Animal Bites, and any others you specifically want to address, etc. If you want my list of antibiotics for each of these, let me know, but these can also be researched for yourself with any number of references.
To address number 2, you can get a supportive doctor, or order them online, use veterinary or fish antibiotics, or any number of other sources.
For number 3, Store the dry powders/ capsules/ pills in a cool dry place to enhance shelf life, and most antibiotics remain at least partially effective for a period of time after the expiration… which can also be researched. Liquids are generally much less shelf-lived.
The more you know and the more we research now, the better for later. Just my thoughts, add or subtract as you like.
By Jason, July 16, 2010 @ 12:42 pm

I’ve thought about this also and do stock and rotate out some antibiotics but, I also have looked at the natural antibiotics (not much available) and stressing proper hygiene in a grid-down situation. That show After Armageddon kind of ticked me off of numerous things that family did wrong yet survived but I’ve also been ‘into’ preparedness since Y2k. I know it was a show, but geez.
By Adlocum, July 16, 2010 @ 12:51 pm

Purchase through online pet medicine centers.
Read about what each type does and appropriate dose through the various medical blogs.
Remember that the drugs have a limited life time.
Finally, remember that frequent use causes bugs to become resistant and useless to us.
By Rourke, July 16, 2010 @ 12:53 pm

No doubt that the family in that show were the typical average family that never considered anything regarding “prepping”. I think the show did an excellant job of exactly what you said – showing how they were unprepared and did the wrong things – and were lucky as well.

My challenge as far as antibiotics are getting them in the first place. Possibly I can befriend a doctor that would be willing to perscribe them – considering they are not narcotics.

Thanks – Rourke
By Rourke, July 16, 2010 @ 12:55 pm

I have started looking into this – and seeing conflicting reports as to the safety of it. Something to do with the formulation of the drugs themsleves are different and can be harmfull to humans.

More research needed.

Rourke
By Rourke, July 16, 2010 @ 12:57 pm

Thanks – excellant comments here. I will send you an email to see fo you can send that list.

Time to look for a doctor to buddy up to.

Thanks – Rourke
By JeSter, July 16, 2010 @ 6:18 pm

Hey Rourke,

It is not uncommon for a Family Medicine Doc to prescribe CIPRO to people who are vacationing in Mexico or another Third World country. Ever thought of just asking your Family Doctor to write you a Rx in case you get a stomach bug? Tell him or her you’re taking a trip and don’t want it to be ruined.

I’m going to check my local drug store later today to see if there any off the shelf alternatives to the dressing I recommended. If so, I’ll let you know. Obviously these would only work for wounds or burns and not be helpful for ear infections, etc. However, these dressings would prevent infection and the need for antibiotics if used properly.

JeSter
By Justus, July 17, 2010 @ 12:10 pm

Soap and alcohol are 2 solutions to wound infections.
Both are easy manufacture after some practice.

Justus
By Roberta, July 19, 2010 @ 2:24 am

From my reference as a medical provider, I have several thoughts. One there is no one antibiotic that fits every need. An antibiotic for a skin staph infection is different than what is given for pneumonia. So there must be an understanding of what the specific antibiotics will be needed. Antibiotics in general have been so over-used that many bacteria are now resistant. Stock piling antibiotics if one is well informed and has a good understanding of their use can be a good thing. I think that immaculate skin care and wearing protective outer wear when encountering dangerous situations is important. Things like a small prick by a rose bush thorn can cause a severe fungal infection for instance. My fear is that we will unknowingly allow a very sick and contagious person amongst our loved ones. We need a way to triage, wait and watch a stranger before they are invited in. The key will be finding a medical provider who will support you in your efforts to prep for an unknown event where a specific antibiotic will be needed. I am personally planning for skin infections, urinary tract infections, pink eye, diverticulitis, sinus infections and dental issues. I enjoy your blog, nice.