What to Put In a First Aid Kit

First aid kits should be stocked and ready to go so if you haven’t got yourself one here’s a list of basic first aid kit contents:

• 2 absorbent compress dressings (5 x 9 inches)
• 25 adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)
• 1 adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 inch)
• 5 antibiotic ointment packets (approximately 1 gram)
• 5 antiseptic wipe packets
• 2 packets of aspirin (81 mg each)
• 1 blanket (space blanket)
• 1 breathing barrier (with one-way valve)
• 1 instant cold compress
• 2 pair of non-latex gloves (size: large)
• 2 hydrocortisone ointment packets (approximately 1 gram each)
• Scissors
• 1 roller bandage (3 inches wide)
• 1 roller bandage (4 inches wide)
• 5 sterile gauze pads (3 x 3 inches)
• 5 sterile gauze pads (4 x 4 inches)
• Oral thermometer (non-mercury/non-glass)
• 2 triangular bandages
• Tweezers
• First aid instruction booklet

Whether you prefer to make a homemade first aid kit or just buy a completely stocked first aid kit is all a matter of personal preference. Just know that it’s a good idea to tailor your first aid kit contents to the situation at hand.

Hiking or camping? You could go for a pocket size first aid kit for the trails and a wilderness first aid kit for the campsite. If you have a pool or boat a waterproof first aid kit would be a great choice. The Fourth of July may be behind us but it’s not the only day fireworks are lit, so you may want to consider a burn first aid kit.

Stay safe.

Source: redcross.org