Where to get IV bags - normal saline or lactated ringers?
Lactated ringers and normal saline can be ordered from vet supply places the usually come in 500 ml and 1000 ml bags, and normal saline (not Ringer's Lactate . . . but there are rare, oddball exceptions to this) also comes in 250 ml bags.
Normal saline would probably be preferred over Ringer's Lactate because:
1) Ringer's may be incompatable with certain IV meds, while saline is generally compatable with everything.
2) Normal saline can be used to irrigate burns, eyes, wounds, and infections.
3) People are generally not allergic to normal saline, however Ringer's can trigger an allergic and/or hypersensitivity reaction . . . but keep in mind that this objection is weak, as reactions to Ringer's--when used properly--are very, very rare.
4) Normal saline can be used in a colonic.
5) Normal saline can irrigate a bladder, and it can be used for gastric lavage.
6) It can be used to flush emergency meds (like epinephrine 1:10,000) down an endotracheal tube.
So, I would keep normal saline around. It does go bad over time--perhaps from chemicals leeching from the synthetic materials that make up the bag, or possibly from bacteria that eventually penetrate the seals--so store in a cool, dry, dark place.
I doing research on wine coolers (for storage, not the drink) that maintain a steady 55°F.
I will have one that's solar powered, and I'll store all my medical stuff in that.
Also, anyone interested in a discussion of survival medicine needs to be buying a bedside commode and a few fold-up walkers from Goodwill and/or the Salvation Army thrift stores. These items can be found for less than $10.00 if you shop thrift stores near retirement communities (no shortage in Florida).
Also, if one can find a hand-crank antique hospital bed with side rails, then that would be a good idea as well if you have a spare bedroom.
Privacy screens can be made with a cord stretched across the room with sheets hanging from it.
