Building a First Aid Kit

A well stocked first aid kit is essential for every household. Whether for daily accidents or emergency situations, having the right supplies on hand allows you to provide immediate care when needed.

Pre made first aid kits provide a starting point but often lack depth in key areas. Building or supplementing your own kit ensures you have adequate supplies for your specific needs and household size.

This guide covers building comprehensive first aid kits for different purposes and locations.

Basic Supplies

Every first aid kit should include these foundational items:

Wound Care

Adhesive bandages in multiple sizes. Sterile gauze pads (2x2 and 4x4 inch). Rolled gauze bandages. Medical tape. Butterfly closures or wound closure strips. Elastic bandages for sprains. Non stick pads for burns and large wounds.

Antiseptics and Treatments

Antiseptic wipes or solution. Antibiotic ointment. Hydrocortisone cream. Burn gel or aloe vera. Hydrogen peroxide for wound cleaning.

Tools

Medical scissors. Tweezers. Safety pins. Disposable gloves. CPR mask or face shield. Instant cold packs. Thermometer.

Medications

Pain relievers (acetaminophen, ibuprofen). Antihistamine for allergic reactions. Anti diarrheal medication. Antacids. Personal prescription medications.

Home First Aid Kit

Your main home kit should be comprehensive since space is not limited:

Quantities: Multiple of each basic item. Enough for treating multiple people or multiple incidents.

Additions: SAM splint or improvised splinting materials. Eye wash solution. Larger bandages and dressings. Oral rehydration salts. More extensive medication supply.

Storage: Keep in accessible location known to all family members. Protect from extreme temperatures and moisture. Check and rotate supplies every 6 months.

Car First Aid Kit

Vehicle kits face temperature extremes and space limits:

Focus on: Trauma supplies for accidents. Bleeding control. Stabilization until help arrives.

Temperature concerns: Some medications degrade in heat. Rotate more frequently. Consider insulated container.

Additions: Emergency blanket. Reflective vest. Flashlight. Seat belt cutter and window breaker. Basic tools.

Bug Out Bag First Aid

Portable kits balance comprehensive supplies with weight and space:

Prioritize: Bleeding control, wound care, pain management, personal medications. Items with multiple uses.

Skip or minimize: Bulky items with limited use. Heavy liquids when lighter alternatives exist.

Compact choices: Travel size medications. Compressed gauze. Multi use items.

Specialized Additions

Trauma Supplies

For serious bleeding: tourniquet (properly trained use only), hemostatic gauze, Israeli bandage or pressure dressing, chest seal for puncture wounds. These require training to use effectively.

Medications Beyond Basics

EpiPen if anyone has severe allergies (prescription required). Glucose tablets for diabetics. Prescription medications for 30+ days. Consider discussing antibiotic prescriptions with your doctor for emergencies.

Specialty Items

Items for specific household members: pediatric medications, elderly care items, medical device supplies.

Kit Maintenance

Regular Checks

Every 6 months: check expiration dates, replace used items, verify completeness, update for changing family needs.

After Use

Immediately replace any items used. Do not wait for scheduled check.

Knowledge Update

Supplies alone do not help without knowledge. Take first aid courses. Review procedures periodically. Ensure multiple family members know kit location and basic use.

Quick Reference Checklist

• Adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)
• Sterile gauze pads (2x2 and 4x4)
• Rolled gauze bandages
• Medical tape
• Elastic bandages
• Antiseptic wipes
• Antibiotic ointment
• Pain relievers (multiple types)
• Antihistamine
• Medical scissors and tweezers
• Disposable gloves
• Instant cold packs
• Thermometer
• CPR mask
• First aid manual