First Aid Kits Buying Guide

Emergencies  can happen anywhere at any time, so be prepared for the worst by putting together a first aid kit for at home, in the car and even for vacation.   By making your own kits, you can tailor the supplies to your surroundings--hiking in cold weather may require special items, for instance--or to the medical conditions of your family members. 

Take a look at these tips and basic supplies  to help you get started.

Tips

• Categorize.  Assemble and label plastic resealable bags for separate categories of kit items.  Categories can include burn and blister kit, trauma, wound management, over-the-counter medications, prescription medications and topical medications.
• Containers are key.   Choose a container that is durable, easy to carry and easy to open.  Also make sure that it has enough space for everything you need--plastic tackle boxes  are ideal since offer a lot of space while still being lightweight.
• Check your kit regularly, and replace any supplies that have expired or are running low.
• Buy one if you're short on time.  You can purchase a first aid kit from your local American Red Cross, or your local drug store may carry them.
• Keep out of reach of children.  Store first-aid kits in places that are only accessible to adults to avoid potential child injuries and overdoses.

The Essentials

No matter what, there are some things that every first aid kit should contain.

Keeping Things Sterile Plastic Gloves  Soap  Eye Wash  Antibiotic Towlettes	Bandages Bandages  of different sizes and shapes Gauze Pads  Adhesive Tape  Eye Bandage  Triangular Bandage  Ace Bandage  Finger Splints	Over-The-Counter Meds Aspirin  or another oral pain reliever  Decongestant  Syrup of Ipecac  Expectorant  Antihistamine  Antacid  Laxative  Anti-diarrhoea	Topical Ointments Antibiotic cream  Antifungal cream  Burn cream  and/or aloe  Antiseptic solution  Hyrdocortisone cream  or Calamine lotion  for itching and poison ivy	Prescription Meds and Supplies Inhaler  Insulin  Heart Medicine  Blood pressure monitoring equipment  Glucose monitoring equipment  Syringes  Medicine Cups

Miscellaneous

Outdoor Survival Torch  Extra batteries  Blanket  Dried food  Canned goods  Can opener  Bottled water  Water purification tablets	Medical Accessories Mouthpiece for administering CPR  List of emergency phone numbers  Scissors  Tweezers  Tube of petroleum jelly  Thermometer  Sterile cotton balls  Safety pins	Extras Cell phone  List of emergency phone numbers First aid manual

Other Uses

 Many first-aid items can serve more than one purpose, depending on the situation and/or environment. 

• Adhesive tape and bandages can be used for all sorts of repairs.
• Petroleum jelly-based ointments can be used as a lubricant for faulty mechanical devices.
• Alcohol pads can be used as a fire-starting aid.

Related Guides

Emergency Road Kits	Travel Essentials	Outdoor Emergency Equipment	Smoke Alarms	Bridal Emergency Kits

External Links

• RedCross.org:  Lists items and the exact amounts needed for a first aid kit made for a family of four.
• MamasHealth.com:  A list of basics for a home-made first aid kit.
• EHow.com:  Details on how to make an outdoor first aid kit.
• KidsHealth.org:  Tips on how to store and maintain your first aid kit.
• Wikipedia.org:  All you need to know about first aid.