What Should Be in a First Aid Kit?

Bandages/Cloth Items

Your first stop should be the bandage aisle to purchase the following, which may help when a cut or gash occurs. All dressings should be sterile and are useful in stopping bleeding. Pack the following in your first-aid kit (as recommended by the American Red Cross): Two compress dressings 5 by 9 inches in size; 25 adhesive bandages (sizes vary); one roll of adhesive cloth tape; one blanket; one roller bandage that is 3 inches wide; one roller bandage that is 4 inches wide; five sterile gauze pads 3 by 3 inches wide; five sterile gauze pads 4 by 4 inches wide; and two triangular bandages.

Ointments and antiseptics are worthwhile for killing bacteria that could infect a wound as well as soothing a burn. The following should be included in your kit: Five antibiotic ointment packets; five antiseptic packets; two hydrocortisone ointment packets; and one instant cold compress.

The following items should round out your kit; included are items that can reduce fever and swelling as well as extract foreign objects from wounds. Purchase items, such as: two packets of aspirin; one breathing barrier; one instant cold compress; two pairs of nonlatex gloves; scissors; oral thermometer that does not contain mercury; two packets of anti-diarrheal medications; two packets of antacids; two packets of laxatives; and tweezers.

Last but not least, don't forget to purchase the kit itself: it should be large enough to fit all the items while also being easy. If you have young children in your household, you should store the kit in a place that is not easily in reach, as some of the items could be poisonous. KidsHealth.org recommends purchasing an art-carrying case or a plastic toolbox for the purpose of holding items. Pack a flashlight with replacement batteries as well and do not forget a first-aid instruction booklet to assist in any additional emergencies.

Once you have packed your kit, you should check it every six months in order to ensure medications are not out of date and batteries are still in working order.