A list of essentials for emergencies and dangerous travels

If you are going on a difficult journey, conquering Everest or just want to protect yourself in any situation, it is especially important to think about creating your “alarm suitcase”. We gather everything you need with Andrey Prokudin, head of medical support of the Moscow – Vladivostok Red Bull Trans-Siberian Extreme cycling race.

An “emergency suitcase” is a basic set of things for survival in extreme situations until the arrival of rescuers or safe evacuation from the emergency zone, be it an earthquake, flood or fire. A properly equipped “emergency suitcase” can provide an autonomous existence if there is no water, food and a roof over your head nearby.

Source: Russian EMERCOM website

What should you always have with you?

Food. Dry food and rations, sublimates and various food supplements. Everything should be caloric, nutritious, and most importantly – compact and with a long shelf life. Spoon, plate, mug – all iron.

A flask or water bottle. Also take care of travel filters or tablets for disinfecting liquids (the first option is more universal). If possible, it is worth thinking about a small cauldron or other cooking utensils.

Documents and money. Ideally, you should have copies of passports, driver’s licenses and other important documents. These can be laminated to avoid accidental damage. Don’t forget to bring cash and bank cards. You should always have funds with you and preferably in different formats.

Extreme Survival Kit. This will include a huge variety of all sorts of gadgets and gadgets.

• Knife. It can be a multitool with a set of simple tools or hiking or combined with a spoon and fork.
• Matches, preferably waterproof.
• Means for making a fire.
• Sealed bags.
• Rope.
• Flashlight. A cell phone may not be enough, it is better to have a headlamp or a pocket flashlight.
• Spare batteries for devices, power bank and charging wires.
• Spare set of underwear.
• A small sewing kit.
• Soap.

To this list you can add a set of warm things and a rescue blanket (a blanket made of foil film, necessary for protection from moisture, heat and cold in emergencies. – Editor’s note).

Aids to Navigation. These are also an important part of the “suitcase”. 99% of the time you will need to get to help or civilization.

• Compass.
• A map of the area.
• A watch.
• Notepad and pencil.
• A signal light or whistle.

First aid kit. Collecting medicines very often causes difficulties and experienced travelers. It is better to collect it for a specific case. Go to the mountains or go to a neighboring region with an excursion – different things. It is also important to take into account whether the group members have diseases and whether there will be children with you.

In general, the principles of collecting a first aid kit are quite simple. Here are the bare minimum necessary.

• Vitamins and medications to be taken on a schedule.
• Painkillers and antipyretics.
• Remedies for diarrhea and intestinal infection.
• Allergy medications.
• Band-aids.
• Bandages and cotton balls.
• Hydrogen peroxide.
• Iodine or green tea.

What should be the “suitcase” itself?

There is no single opinion and standard. For some it can really be a suitcase, and for others – a backpack. It is good if the “container” will have water resistance and durability, so as not to damage the contents during transportation. And then it’s up to you.