FAK hardware or you could have more in a 'home' FAK..

The Disclaimer for this section applies to this article.

I looked at the postings for the Survival Medicine going back several years, while there are some threads on FAKs, most do not discuss the additional items that (IMO) should be in a home first aid kit to provide expanded, extended or long term care for the family/group. I have previously posted a resource that examines extended FAKs for home use – (A DIY Disaster Kit) – the items covered in this thread (series) are listed there. This thread is to expand on that information.

Specifically, I am referring to the 'hardware' or devices useful for long term care – otoscopes, aneroid sphygmomanometers (BP Cuffs), stethoscopes and a UV or Cobalt Blue light for in use in conjunction with fluorescein (Ophthalmic orange dye) for eye examinations to determine if debris is present or damage has occurred. .

The first item is an Otoscope. (see images below)
This is a very useful device to observe the ear canal and eardrum to determine issues related to health – esp in small children. Some otoscopes have the ability to attach a tube (pneumatic device) to allow the care giver to 'huff and puff' - in an effort to see the amount of flex in an ear drum. I don't recommend these at all – this type otoscope should be considered a specialty device for use only by well-trained specialists.

The devices listed here have removable specula of more than one size. This is important. Ear canals very in size, so multiple choices are best.

Also – NEVER use the specula for/in both ears. It is very easy to transfer an infection that way. View one ear, then remove and clean the speculam (alcohol & Q-tips work well) – then examine the other ear. Use of disposable specula is indicated in a person with blood or other fluid leaking from the ear canal.

The use of an otoscope may be learned via study of printed materials and some caution in the beginning. There are also multiple, well done, videos on the use of an otoscope to be found on-line.
Here is but one example -


This YT shows the use of a pneumatic device. I actively discourage use of these for non-professionals, but is, otherwise, this is a good introduction to the use of an otoscope. .

The Otoscope presents other uses for the care giver as well: such as providing illuminated magnification for removal of foreign bodies (from splinters to mites) , examination of nasal passages, gross examination of the eye for debris and so on.

Otoscopes are sold in various grades and uses:

School OTOSCOPE Kit

Cost – around $100, depending on the vendor.

Listed items:

• Natural Hue LED Light source for an unmatched view into the ear.
• Otoscope head utilizes a Medical grade GLASS lens with a 5x magnification and is attached on a swivel mount
• Comes with three reusable speculas sized for pediatric, young adult, and adult use. Also a disposable specula adaptor which fits most standard disposable specula is provided
• Requires two C-Cell batteries (not included) any brand will work
• Handle utilizes a rheostat switch for gradual light

Worth noting
- Some LED lighted Otoscopes can have a noticeable blue tint when observing the eardrum, this may mask coloring at an early stage on an infection. Not good or bad, just something you should be aware of.
- Variable light source – something I like, not vital, but a very nice option
- Glass lens. The lens in an Otoscope is THE most important item in the device.
- Replaceable C batteries. These size batteries provide very long service. DO NOT store batteries in the device.
- Adapter allows use of disposable specula – very nice touch.
NOTE - this specific kit comes with a coaxial Ophthalmoscope head. This is a separate device and is covered later.

Dr Mom brand 'home use' Otoscope



Cost – around $40. This has a large glass lens and removable specula. Only comes with two sizes of specula. Does have full sized handle that uses C cells.

The Dr Mom brand also sells lower cost devices – for about $15. These use AA batteries, have a smaller, lower power plastic lens. These may be suitable for 'home use' and do come with a pamphlet with color images of good/bad eardrums…

I'll add more hardware items to this thread over time.