There are a number of premade first aid kits available today, but many people choose to go the DIY route in order to create a kit that is customized to their individual needs. If you’re in the process of creating your own, use this checklist to ensure you’ve covered all the essentials.
Basic Supplies
The exact contents of your first aid kit may vary due to your specific circumstances, but there are a few items that should be a part of every kit.
- Bandages of various sizes and shapes
- Gauze dressings
- Disposable gloves (non-latex, if possible)
- CPR resuscitation mask
- Antibiotic ointment
- Antihistamine medication
- Tweezers
- Medical tape
Additional Supplies
It’s understandable that you’d want your first aid kit to be as comprehensive as possible, but sometimes that’s just not possible due to space limitations. The following items are beneficial to have but aren’t necessarily essential. Include them if you anticipate that you’ll need them and if there is room. Additionally, if you take any prescription medications, be sure to add them as well.
- Saline solution
- Eye pads
- Hand sanitizer
- Ibuprofen or a similar pain reliever
- Thermometer
- Cotton balls
- Syringe
- Butterfly sutures
- EpiPen (or an alternative epinephrine injector)
Non-Medical Supplies
First aid kits are primarily designed to treat injuries, but there are a few non-medical but essential items to include in case of an emergency.
- Important phone numbers
- Pen and paper
- Flashlight
- Batteries
- Knife
- Duct tape
- Thermal blanket.
First Aid Instructions
While something simple like applying a Band-Aid may not require instructions, some first aid procedures are a bit more complicated and sensitive, which means it’s a good idea to include instructions as well. The American Red Cross publishes an entire book of first aid information, but if you don’t have room for it, there are multiple websites online that allow you to download and print smaller booklets for free.
