Tips

First Aid Kit Must Haves

“Everyone needs a first aid kit. Here are some recommendations on what to put in it, check out our list.”

Every home should have a first aid kit, and while you can purchase one from big box stores, making your own is often cheaper and more effective for your family.

Basic contents recommended by The Red Cross for a family of four:
  • 2 absorbent compress dressings (5 x 9 inches)
  •  25 adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)
  •  1 adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 inch)
  •  5 antibiotic ointment packets (approximately 1 gram)
  •  5 antiseptic wipe packets
  •  2 packets of aspirin (81 mg each)
  •  1 blanket (space blanket) [Available on the Red Cross Store]
  •  1 breathing barrier (with one-way valve)
  •  1 instant cold compress
  •  2 pair of nonlatex gloves (size: large)
  •  2 hydrocortisone ointment packets (approximately 1 gram each)
  •  Scissors
  •  1 roller bandage (3 inches wide)
  •  1 roller bandage (4 inches wide)
  •  5 sterile gauze pads (3 x 3 inches)
  •  5 sterile gauze pads (4 x 4 inches)
  •  Oral thermometer (non-mercury/non-glass). Include an infant/child thermometer if needed.
  •  2 triangular bandages
  •  Tweezers
  •  First aid instruction booklet [Available on the Red Cross Store]
Additional recommended items:
  • A spoon or oral syringe for administering medication.
  • Heating pad and ice pack
  • Small flashlight
  • Pain reliever
  • Nasal aspirator
  • Petroleum jelly
  • Antihistamine
  • Cotton swabs

You may also like