1.3 First Aid Kits

A solid First Aid kit is your best friend when emergencies strike. Whether you're treating a scraped knee or handling a bleeding wound, having the right supplies ready can save time—and lives.

There’s no such thing as a “universal” kit. Your ideal First Aid kit depends on where you are and who you're responsible for. A family hiking trip, a solo road trip, and a workplace setting will all call for different tools. That said, some basics belong in almost every kit:

Essential items in a general-purpose First Aid kit:

• Non-latex gloves (at least 2 pairs)
• Adhesive bandages in various sizes
• Sterile gauze pads and medical tape
• Antiseptic wipes or solution (like iodine or alcohol pads)
• Antibiotic ointment (e.g., Neosporin)
• Elastic bandage for sprains (e.g., Ace wrap)
• Tweezers and blunt-tip scissors
• Instant cold pack
• Thermal emergency blanket
• Burn cream or gel
• CPR face shield or pocket mask
• Digital thermometer
• Pain relievers (e.g., acetaminophen or ibuprofen)

Nice-to-haves: antihistamines (like Benadryl), glucose tablets, sting relief pads, and a small flashlight with extra batteries.

Don’t forget to check your kit every few months:

• Replace anything expired or used
• Keep it in a cool, dry, accessible place
• Make sure everyone in your household or team knows where it is

Pre-made kits are easy to buy, but customizing one to fit your specific lifestyle is even better. The goal? You should feel confident reaching for it when things go sideways.