What To Pack In Your First Aid Kit

Emergencies, no matter the severity, can happen at any time, so it’s important to be as prepared as you can be.

Carrying a well-stock first aid kit with you can make a vital difference. It allows you to treat minor injuries and help stabilise serious ones until professional medical attention arrives onsite.

In this article, we will walk you through the must-have items in your first aid kit, additional items you may choose to include, as well as, how to maintain your first aid kit.

Table of Contents:

  • Essential First Aid Kit Items

  • Additional First Aid Kit Items

  • Maintaining Your First Aid Kit

Essential First Aid Kit Items

Listed below are the essential items recommended for a basic first aid kit. These include:

  • Adhesive bandages (multiple sizes)

  • Sterile gauze pads

  • Adhesive medical tape

  • Antiseptic wipes or solution

  • Hydrocolloid or blister pads

  • Band aids

  • Instant ice pack

  • Burn cream

  • Anti-itch cream

  • Tweezers

  • Scissors

Additional First Aid Kit Items

Depending on where or how you intend to use your first aid kit, you may choose to include the following items in addition:

  • Gloves

  • Oral rehydration salts

  • Pain relivers

  • Antihistamines

  • Flashlight and batteries

  • Small mirror

Maintaining Your First Aid Kit

When carrying a first aid kit, you want to ensure all products included are working at their full potential and can be found easily within the kit.

To maintain your first aid kit, you should:

  • Check expiration dates on all products every 6-12 months

  • Restock item(s) immediately after use

  • Store in waterproof and durable case, protecting products inside

  • Make sure others around you know where a first aid kit can be found

Having an up-to-date first aid kit can mean all the difference when an emergency arises.

Even if the emergency is minor, having a first aid kit can instil confidence and reduce panic in these types of situations.

Other Courses

 
Next
Next

Creating Safe Environments for Children and Young People