What should I keep in my first aid kit?
It's important to have a well-stocked first aid kit in your home so you can deal with minor accidents and injuries. Your first aid kit should be kept in a cool, dry place out of the reach of children. Many people also keep a small first aid kit in their car for emergencies.
A basic first aid kit may contain:
Basic first aid manual or instruction booklet with your first aid kit.
FIRST AID KIT BY TOPIC OF INJURY
Basic Care
Antiseptic wipes (BZK-based wipes preferred; alcohol-based OK)
Antibacterial ointment (e.g., bacitracin)
Compound tincture of benzoin (bandage adhesive)
Assorted adhesive bandages (fabric preferred)
Butterfly bandages / adhesive wound-closure strips
Gauze pads (various sizes)
Nonstick sterile pads
Medical adhesive tape (10 yd. roll, min. 1" width)
Ibuprofen / other pain-relief medication
Insect sting / anti-itch treatment
Antihistamine to treat allergic reactions
Splinter (fine-point) tweezers
Safety pins
First-aid manual or information cards
Wraps, Splints and Wound Coverings
Elastic wrap
Triangular cravat bandage
Finger splint(s)
SAM splint(s)
Rolled gauze
Rolled, stretch-to-conform bandages
Hydrogel-based pads
First-aid cleansing pads with topical anesthetic
Hemostatic (blood-stopping) gauze
Liquid bandage
Additional Medications/Treatments
Prescription medications (e.g., antibiotics)
Sunburn relief gel or spray
Throat lozenges
Lubricating eye drops
Diarrhea medication
Antacid tablets
Oral rehydration salts
Glucose or other sugar (to treat hypoglycemia)
Injectable epinephrine (for severe allergic reactions)
Aspirin (primarily for response to a heart attack)
Tools and Supplies
Knife (or multi-tool with knife)
Paramedic shears (blunt-tip scissors)
Safety razor blade (or scalpel w/ #15 or #12 blade)
Cotton-tipped swabs
Standard oral thermometer
Irrigation syringe with 18-gauge catheter
Medical / surgical gloves (nitrile preferred; avoid latex)
CPR mask
Small notepad with waterproof pencil or pen
Medical waste bag (plus box for sharp items)
Waterproof container to hold supplies and meds
Emergency heat-reflecting blanket
Hand sanitizer