Outdoor Life Prepare for Anything Survival Manual (67 page)

REFLECTIVE SIGNAL

If your beer can isn’t shiny on the outside, cut the thing in half to expose the metallic interior. It’s not going to be as shiny as a signal mirror, but it can still reflect light to signal for help. You can also hang it up and let it twist in the wind.

Let’s start out by saying that this kind of playing doctor is a very bad idea. You should not be diagnosing yourself or others without proper training, and you should certainly not be messing around with drugs. However, it can be helpful to know how versatile some prescription meds are, if only so that you can discuss options with any medical professionals you encounter in the post-event landscape. A surprising number of drugs have multiple approved uses and/or are used “off label” in ways that are effective but not FDA-approved. Here’s a small sampling.

MEDICATION

If you have a prescription that you need in order to survive, that’s your number-one concern. But it’s also wise to keep a stock of the following versatile and essential over-the-counter remedies.

IBUPROFEN
(Motrin, Advil) This incredibly versatile anti-inflammatory can be used not just for headaches and cramps but for earaches, sore throats, sinus pain, stiff neck, muscle strains, arthritis (including gout), and back pain. It is also effective at reducing fever and is generally safe for kids.

ACETAMINOPHEN
(Tylenol) Useful for the same conditions as ibuprofen, though generally less effective. High doses can cause liver damage, so be careful.

LOPERAMIDE
(Immodium) The best medicine for diarrhea, which can be deadly in a survival situation.

PSEUDOEPHEDRINE
(Sudafed) An anticongestant, this drug is used to treat respiratory infections, allergies, chemical irritation, and mild asthma or bronchitis.

DIPHENHYDRAMINE
(Benadryl) Mainly used for sniffles caused by allergies or respiratory infections, it can also treat rashes (including poison oak or ivy), hives, and nausea. It also makes many people very drowsy and can be used as a safe sleep aid.

MECLIZINE
(Dramamine) Relieves nausea, vomiting, motion sickness, and vertigo, and may work on anxiety. Can also be a safe sleep aid.

RANITIDINE
(Zantac) Mainly used to treat heartburn, ulcers, and other stomach issues, it can also relieve hives.

HYDROCORTISONE CREAM
The strongest steroid cream available without a prescription can treat painful or itchy rashes such as eczema, poison ivy, diaper rash, and minor genital irritations.

CLOTRIMAZOLE
(Gyne-Lotrimin) This antifungal can treat athlete’s foot, ringworm, and diaper rashes.

You shouldn’t take illegal drugs for lots of reasons, including that they’re, well, illegal. And not very good for you. That said, if you’re truly desperate and happen upon someone’s stash, many illicit substances have surprisingly licit uses (after all, many of them started out as medicine long ago).

MDMA
Used in treating PTSD and for other therapeutic purposes, this “party drug” is being investigated as a treatment for Parkinson’s.

COCAINE
A potent topical anaesthetic, cocaine was once used in surgery and dentistry. It can also be used to slow or stop bleeding. Coca leaves are often chewed to treat nausea and altitude sickness.

MARIJUANA
The kingpin of medicinal drugs, weed is legal in many places for medical use and has been approved for treating nausea, insomnia, chronic pain, anxiety, and epilepsy.

LSD
Both LSD and mushrooms in
very low doses
have proven effective in treating debilitating cluster headaches and other severe pain. Once again:
Very. Low. Doses.
Otherwise, you’ll likely have a very interesting view of the End Times.

HEROIN
The original opiate painkiller, it’s more effective than morphine, Vicodin, or OxyContin. Also more likely to kill you, of course.

AMPHETAMINES
Useful in treating some severe allergic reactions, as well as narcolepsy and ADD. Studies show some evidence of efficacy in helping stroke victims recover.