What Should I Keep in My First Aid Kit?

Accidents and injuries can happen unexpectedly, and whether it’s at home, during outdoor activities, at your place of work, or even in the car, having a well-stocked first aid kit can help you deal with minor injuries and provide immediate care until professional help arrives. However, knowing what to put in the different kinds of first aid kit can mean the difference between having exactly what you need and having a giant suitcase full of unnecessary items!

So, to help you build the ideal first aid kit for your application, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to what you should include. Read on to learn more and check out our recommendations for products that will allow you to create the perfect first aid kit in any setting.

The Importance of Having a First Aid Kit

A first aid kit is a practical and handy set of supplies that can make the difference during an emergency, giving you the essentials that you need to administer immediate care. Whether it's a minor cut, a sprain, or a more serious injury, having a well-prepared first aid kit ensures that you can take immediate action, potentially preventing the situation from getting worse. What’s more, in emergencies where professional medical help might take time to reach you, a first aid kit can act as a lifeline until assistance arrives.

However, a first aid kit can also be vital in addressing sudden illnesses or unexpected medical conditions. For instance, having the right medications readily available can make a real difference to individuals with conditions such as allergies or asthma—and in some settings, even those with heart conditions. Additionally, alongside taking a first aid course such as those offered by the Red Cross, a well-maintained first aid can provide you with a safety net, ensuring a sense of security and confidence in facing a medical emergency.

Basic First Aid Kit Vs. Comprehensive First Aid Kit

There are many types of first aid kit currently available to buy, ranging from the very basic to the comprehensive. Some are made specifically for the car, while others can be mounted on the wall to give homes and businesses immediate access to medical essentials. Both, however, will usually include a core set of items, including bandages, gauze pads, and adhesive tape, along with tools such as scissors and tweezers for basic care. Additionally, disposable gloves and antiseptic wipes are included to maintain hygiene, while items like elastic wraps and instant cold packs can address minor sprains and strains.

Of course, it’s also possible to build your own first aid kit that is tailored to your exact needs. For instance, those with allergies or asthma may include antihistamines and inhalers, while people working within construction or on large DIY jobs in the home, may include extra gauze and bandages in case of an accident. Alongside these items, you may also consider burn ointment and eyewash solution, or things such as snake bite kits for those living in and around snakes.

Either way, whatever your first aid kit looks like, it should be easily accessible to anyone who may need it, and the included supplies should be regularly checked and restocked to ensure nothing is missing. Finally, if you are building your own basic or comprehensive first aid kit, you can update its contents as your needs develop.

Essential Items for Every First Aid Kit

Here, we highlight the essential elements that every first aid kit from our selection should encompass, providing you with a solid foundation from which to customize your own first aid kit.

Basic First Aid Supplies

 

• Adhesive Bandages — Various sizes for covering small wounds and blisters.
• Sterile Gauze Pads — For larger wounds and to help stop bleeding.
• Medical Tape — Secures bandages and dressings in place.
• Scissors and Tweezers — For cutting tape, clothing, or removing splinters.
• Disposable Gloves — Protects against contamination during first aid procedures.
• Antiseptic Wipes or Solution — For cleaning wounds and preventing infection.
• Cotton Balls and Swabs — Cleaning and applying ointments.
• Instant Cold Packs — Reduces swelling and pain.
• Breathing Barrier Mask — Provides a barrier for rescue breathing/CPR.
• Medical Mask or Face Shield — Protects the caregiver.

 

Wound Care Items

 

• Antibiotic Ointment — Prevents infection in minor wounds.
• Sterile Eyewash Solution — For rinsing eyes in case of foreign particles.
• Burn Ointment or Gel — Provides relief for minor burns.
• Ace Bandage or Elastic Wraps — Supports sprains and strains.
• Triangular Bandages — Serves as a sling or for immobilizing injuries.
• Safety Pins — Secures bandages or helps create a makeshift sling.
• Saline — For wound cleaning as well as treating the eyes and nose.

 

Medications and Pain Relief

• Pain Relievers (Paracetamol or Ibuprofen) — For headaches, pain, or fever.
• Antihistamines — Treats allergic reactions, allergies, and insect bites or stings.
• Aspirin — Helps during a suspected heart attack.
• Epinephrine Auto-Injector (if prescribed) — For severe allergic reactions.
• Hydrocortisone — For redness, itching, swelling, or other discomfort caused by skin conditions.

 
How to Customize Your First Aid Kit for Different Use

Whether you buy a basic first aid kit and plan to upgrade it, or you build your own from scratch, there’s a variety of ways you can customise and tailor it to your needs and different applications. Below, we look at how you can do this in different settings.

First Aid Kit for Home

We noticed that our customers prefer having basic first aid kits in their homes. These kits are thoughtfully designed to encompass all the essentials for handling minor incidents, including the items listed above. However, we suggest considering a few additional items for a more comprehensive approach. For instance, having a thermometer on hand is always beneficial when suspecting a family member may be running a fever. A torch and spare batteries can also prove invaluable during power outages.

First Aid Kit for Travel

When it comes to travel, our portable first aid kit is designed to be compact enough for your suitcase, backpack, or car glove box. We recommend including all the items from our basic first aid kit list, and some clients find value in adding motion sickness medication, anti-diarrheal medication, and water purification tablets.

First Aid Kit for Outdoor Activities

We understand that outdoor activities come with increased risks, and our first aid kits cater to those needs. Extra wound care items, elastic bandages, and wraps for sprains and joint injuries are essential additions.However, in Australia, snake and spider bite kits are essential items when spending time outside. For activities like hiking or camping, it's important to include moleskin or blister pads for foot care, splints for potential sprains or breaks, and an emergency whistle for alerting rescuers in remote areas.

How to Maintain Your First Aid Kit

As someone who deals in medical supplies, we understand the utmost importance of maintaining and restocking your first aid kit. The effectiveness of care can be compromised by out-of-date or damaged items, and it's crucial to replace used items while keeping an eye on expiration dates. Let's delve deeper into how you can ensure your first aid kit is always ready for action.

Regular Check-Ups

Regular check-ups when your first aid kit has not been in use is an important part of regular maintenance. This means periodically inspecting all supplies to identify any items that may have expired or become damaged over time. This ensures that the contents of your kit remain reliable and safe for use. It's crucial to promptly replace any supplies that have been utilized, ensuring that the kit is always fully equipped.

Check the Expiry Dates of Medicines

Regularly assess all medicines within the kit to confirm they have not passed their use-by date. If any medications are nearing expiration, it's important that you replace them promptly to guarantee their potency and effectiveness in case of an emergency.

Replenishing Supplies

Ensure that consumables like bandages and gauze are well-stocked, guaranteeing an ample supply for potential emergencies. In addition, you should also use this time to check and update medical information or emergency phone numbers and contact details for you and your family. This ensures that your kit remains current and tailored to any specific medical needs that may have arisen since your last check.

How Much Does a First Aid Kit Cost?

The cost of a first aid kit can vary based on the type and quality of supplies included. Our basic kits range from $9.45 to around $100, while our comprehensive kits extend to around $300. Quality should always take precedence over cost to ensure that your family, friends, and colleagues have access to the best medical supplies.

Where to Buy First Aid Supplies?

If you're in the market for full first aid kits or any of the items we've listed above, you can find everything you need on the Medshop website. Explore our comprehensive range of first aid supplies, including band-aids, wound dressings, dressing pads, roller bandages, and more. For further information, don't hesitate to reach out to our team today.

 

Author: Steven John Cumper, B.App.SC. (Osteo.), M.Ost., is a businessman with a strong foundation in biomedical science and osteopathic medicine, who founded and led Medshop to international success, culminating in its acquisition by the Bunzl Group in September 2021, where he continues to serve as Managing Director (Medshop Group).