Having a well-stocked first aid kit in your house will allow you to respond quickly to a wide variety of emergencies.
Here are 27 essential items to include in your first aid kit.
27 items to include in your first aid kit
- Adhesive bandages (Band-Aid or similar brand) in assorted sizes for minor cuts, scrapes, and injuries
- Sterile gauze pads, nonstick (Adaptic-type, petrolatum) gauze, and adhesive tape
- Elastic (ACE) bandage for wrapping wrists, ankles, knees, and elbows
- Triangular bandage for wrapping injuries and making an arm sling
- Moleskin to apply on blisters or hotspots
- Eyeshields and pads
- Aluminum finger splints
- Thermometer to measure body temperature
- Tweezers to remove small splinters and ticks
- Small pair of scissors to cut gauze or fabric
- Syringe, medicine cup, or medicine spoon for giving specific doses of medicine
- Blue baby bulb or a soft plastic suction device to clear congestion
- Disposable ice bags for treating injuries caused by slipping, tripping or falling
- Face mask to reduce wound contamination risk
- Sterile cotton balls cotton-tipped swabs to clean wounds
- Hand sanitizer to sanitize your hands and reduce contamination
- Latex or non-latex gloves to reduce contamination
- Antiseptic solution or wipes, such as hydrogen peroxide, povidone-iodine, or chlorhexidine
- Antibiotic ointments such as bacitracin, polysporin, or mupirocin
- Sterile eyewash such as contact lens saline solution
- Calamine lotion for stings or poison ivy
- Hydrocortisone cream, ointment, or lotion for itching
- Cough and cold medications
- Laxatives for constipation
- Antidiarrheals for diarrhea
- Antihistamines for allergies
- Pain-relieving pills, sprays, and creams to treat cramps, sprains, swelling due to muscle pain, and minor injuries
What are different recommendations for a first aid kit?
According to the American Red Cross, essential items that should be included in a first aid kit include the following:
Basic first aid kit for a family of four
- 2 absorbent compress dressings (5 × 9 inches)
- 25 adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)
- 1 adhesive cloth tape (10 yards × 1 inch)
- 5 antibiotic ointment packets (approximately one 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 pairs of large, non-n-latex gloves
- 2 hydrocortisone ointment packets
- Scissors
- 1 roller bandage (3 inches wide)
- 1 roller bandage (4 inches wide)
- 5 sterile gauze pads (3 × 3 inches)
- 5 sterile gauze pads (4 × 4 inches)
- Oral thermometer (non-mercury/non-glass)
- 2 triangular bandages
- Tweezers
- First aid instruction booklet
- Flashlight or glow sticks
- Blister kit for hiking and camping
- Molefoam
- Moleskin
- 2nd skin
- Medical tape
For major wounds and fractures
- SAM-splint (moldable foam splint)
- Emergency Trauma Dressing (“Israeli” bandage or Ace wrap)
- CAT or SOFTT Tourniquet
- Wound packing gauze (Combat Gauze or Z-Pak dressing)
- “Stop the Bleed” booklet
Over-the-counter medications to consider (especially for travel)
- Ibuprofen (Advil), 20+
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol), 15+
- Aspirin, 15+
- Antihistamine, ×10
- Imodium/Loperamide, ×10
- Sudafed (or an equivalent), ×10
- Throat lozenges, 10+
- Bismuth tabs, ×20
- Oral rehydration, ×3
- Cranberry extract, ×10
- Dramamine, ×10
- Stool softener (laxative), ×15
What are some life-saving first aid skills?
First aid skills can be critical in certain scenarios and may include:
- Applying a tourniquet and controlling bleeding
- Performing hands-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
- Operating an automated external defibrillator
- Administering seizure first aid
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8 First Aid Kit Essentials for Scrapes, Cuts, Bug Bites, and More See SlideshowHealth Solutions From Our Sponsors
Medically Reviewed on 7/7/2022
References
Image Source: iStock image
https://www.emedicinehealth.com/first_aid_kits/article_em.htm
https://www.webmd.com/first-aid/features/tip-sheet-what-to-keep-in-your-first-aid-kit
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001958.htm
https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/anatomy-of-a-first-aid-kit.html
https://blogs.cdc.gov/publichealthmatters/2021/05/first-aid-kits/
https://www.emedicinehealth.com/first_aid_kits/article_em.htm
https://www.webmd.com/first-aid/features/tip-sheet-what-to-keep-in-your-first-aid-kit
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001958.htm
https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/anatomy-of-a-first-aid-kit.html
https://blogs.cdc.gov/publichealthmatters/2021/05/first-aid-kits/
Complete List
Top 27 Items in a First Aid Kit and Their Uses Related Articles
aluminum chloride topical
Aluminum chloride topical is a medication used as an antiperspirant to manage excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) and to control minor bleeding and/or growth of excessive new tissue (granulation tissue) in the wound healing process, after a nail or callus debridement. Common side effects of aluminum chloride topical include skin irritation, burning sensation, prickling sensation, transient stinging, and itching (pruritus). Consult your doctor if pregnant or breastfeeding.anamu
The leaves, stems, and roots of anamu have been traditionally taken as tea or tincture to treat infections, headaches, fever, and cold. It is topically applied for skin fungal infections and to heal cuts and wounds. Do not take anamu if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Avoid taking anamu if you have an increased tendency to bleed or bruise easily (bleeding diathesis), or if you are on blood thinning medications (anticoagulants). Use with caution if you have diabetes mellitus (type 2 diabetes). Side effects of anamu may include low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and low blood pressure (hypotension).bacitracin topical
Bacitracin topical is an antibiotic ointment applied locally to prevent infection in minor skin injuries including cuts, scrapes, and burns. Bacitracin ointment is also used to treat superficial infections in the eye surface and eyelids. Common side effects of bacitracin topical include rash, itching, pain, contact dermatitis, and hypersensitivity reaction (rare). Common side effects of bacitracin ophthalmic include eye irritation, pain, burning, stinging and itching, blurred vision, nausea, diarrhea, rectal itching, loss of appetite (anorexia), excessive sweating (diaphoresis), blood disorders, and hypersensitivity reaction.
Burns
Burn types are based on their severity: first-degree burns, second-degree burns, and third-degree burns. First-degree burns are similar to a painful sunburn. The damage is more severe with second-degree burns, leading to blistering and more intense pain. The skin turns white and loses sensation with third-degree burns. Burn treatment depends upon the burn location, total burn area, and intensity of the burn.cadexomer iodine
Cadexomer iodine is a topical antiseptic medication used to treat and prevent infection in minor burns, cuts, and scrapes, and to clean wet ulcers and wounds and protect them from infection. Cadexomer iodine is available over the counter (OTC) as a gel or ointment. Common side effects of cadexomer iodine include application site reactions, eczema, hypersensitivity reaction, and increased thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level. Do not take if pregnant or breastfeeding.echinacea
Echinacea is a group of flowering wild plants belonging to the daisy family (Asteraceae/Compositae), commonly called coneflowers. Extracts from echinacea have been traditionally used to treat various ailments including the common cold, skin disorders, wounds, and respiratory and other infections. Do not use echinacea if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Common side effects of echinacea include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, unpleasant taste, sore throat, fever, dizziness, altered fertility, severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), redness (erythema), itching (pruritus), and widespread rash (exanthema).
First Aid: Why You Need a First Aid Kit and CPR
First aid is providing medical assistance to someone a sick or injured person. The type of first aid depends on their condition. Preparedness is key to first aid, like having basic medical emergency kits in your home, car, boat, or RV. Many minor injuries may require first aid, including cuts, puncture wounds, sprains, strains, and nosebleeds. Examples of more critical first aid emergencies include heart attacks, strokes, seizures, and heatstroke.
What Is the First Aid for Seizures?
Some seizures are caused by brain diseases, tumors, genetic conditions, or other illnesses or disorders that can be diagnosed (symptomatic seizures). When the cause for the seizures is unknown, they are referred to as idiopathic or cryptogenic seizures. If a person has a seizure, loosen the clothing around his/her neck and remove sharp objects around the person to prevent injury. After the seizure, lay the person on his/her side to maintain an open airway. If the seizure lasts more than five minutes or if the person cannot be awakened after the seizure, call 911. Learn common seizure triggers, including foods or medications, hormones, stress, lack of sleep, dehydration, or sensitivity to light.
First Aid: Bandaging Injuries and Wounds From Head to Toe
Bandaging a wound like a burn, cut, or scrape requires different techniques depending on which part of the body was hurt. Ace bandages, liquid bandages, bandage wraps, waterproof bandages, elastic bandages, and other types are available to cover and protect your wound from dirt and water.
First Aid: Wound Care for Cuts and Scrapes
Wound care treatment at home involves performing cuts and scrapes first aid including cleaning the injury and applying antibiotic ointment and a bandage. Use wound care products like adhesive bandages, hypoallergenic bandages, sprays, tape, and gauze. If cuts and scrapes don’t heal, see your doctor.
8 First Aid Kit Essentials for Scrapes, Cuts, Bug Bites, and More
Are you always prepared for a first aid crisis? See which basic first aid items to pack to treat minor scrapes, cuts, and stings when you're on the go.
First Aid Quiz: Care for Wounds, Scrapes, Cuts, and Burns
Wound care for cuts and scrapes includes treatment to clean and bandage the injury. Should you use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, ointment, or butter on a wound? Should you pull a bandage off fast or air out a wound? Take this quiz to test your medical knowledge.
Heat Exhaustion (First Aid Tips)
Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement fluids. Warning signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting, and fainting.A person suffering from heat exhaustion should stop the activity are doing, move to a cooler environment, and rehydrate with liquids, for example, water or sports drinks. Complications of heat exhaustion are dehydration, muscle weakness, nausea, and vomiting. Heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke (a medical emergency) if not treated.
menthol/zinc oxide topical
Menthol/zinc oxide topical is a combination medication used for the temporary relief of pain and itching associated with diaper rash, fecal, and urinary incontinence, feeding tube, wound drainage, and minor cuts, scrapes, and burns. Common side effects of menthol/zinc oxide topical include local irritation and local hypersensitivity reaction.silver sulfadiazine
Silver sulfadiazine is a broad spectrum antimicrobial medication topically applied on burn wounds to prevent infection. Common side effects of silver sulfadiazine include rash, itching, pain, burning, skin discoloration, photosensitivity, red, raised lesions (erythema multiforme), skin tissue death (necrosis), Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrosis, exfoliative dermatitis, liver inflammation (hepatitis), and others. Consult your doctor if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Trauma/First Aid Quiz
What should be in your first-aid kit? Take this quiz to understand trauma and learn the truth about how to administer first aid.
What First Aid Can Be Done if a Bone Is Fractured?
A bone fracture requires immediate medical attention; however, here is how to manage a fracture and ease the affected person until help arrives.zinc oxide topical
Zinc oxide topical is an OTC diaper rash ointment used to prevent and treat minor abrasions, burns, chafing, diaper rash, insect bites, and minor skin irritation. There are no significant side effects associated with using topical zinc oxide diaper rash cream products. Minor skin sensitivity or irritation has been reported in some individuals. Zinc oxide is considered generally safe to use if pregnant or breastfeeding.