First aid kit
Information
You should make sure that you and your family are prepared to treat common symptoms, injuries, and emergencies. By planning ahead, you can create a well-stocked home first aid kit. Keep all of your supplies in one location so you know exactly where they are when you need them.
The following items are basic supplies. You can get most of them at a pharmacy or supermarket.
Bandages and dressings:
- Adhesive bandages (Band-Aid or similar brand); assorted sizes
- Aluminum finger splints
- Elastic (ACE) bandage for wrapping wrist, ankle, knee, and elbow injuries
- Eye shield, pads, and bandages
- Latex or non-latex gloves to reduce contamination risk
- Sterile gauze pads, non-stick (Adaptic-type, petrolatum or other) gauze and adhesive tape
- Triangular bandage for wrapping injuries and making an arm sling
Home health equipment:
- Blue baby bulb or turkey baster suction device
- Disposable, instant ice bags
- Face mask to reduce wound contamination risk
- First-aid manual
- Hand sanitizer
- Latex or non-latex gloves to reduce contamination risk
- Save-A-Tooth storage device in case a tooth is broken or knocked out; contains a travel case and salt solution
- Sterile cotton balls
- Sterile cotton-tipped swabs
- Syringe, medicine cup, or medicine spoon for giving specific doses of medicine
- Thermometer
- Tweezers, to remove ticks and small splinters
Medicine for cuts and injuries:
- Antiseptic solution or wipes, such as hydrogen peroxide, povidone-iodine, or chlorhexidine
- Antibiotic ointment, such as bacitracin, polysporin, or mupirocin
- Sterile eyewash, such as contact lens saline solution
- Calamine lotion for stings or poison ivy
- Hydrocortisone cream, ointment, or lotion for itching
Be sure to check your kit regularly. Replace any supplies that are getting low or have expired.
Other supplies may be included in a first aid kit. This depends on the area in which you plan to spend time.
References
American Academy of Family Physicians website. What do I need in my first aid kit? familydoctor.org/what-do-i-need-in-my-first-aid-kit/. Updated June 7, 2017. Accessed February 24, 2023.
American College of Emergency Physicians website. First aid kit. www.emergencyphysicians.org/article/health--safety-tips/first-aid-kit. Accessed February 24, 2023.
Auerbach PS. First-aid kits. In: Auerbach PS, ed. Medicine for the Outdoors: The Essential Guide to First-Aid and Medical Emergencies. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:415-420.
Review Date:1/2/2023
Reviewed By:Jesse Borke, MD, CPE, FAAEM, FACEP, Attending Physician at Kaiser Permanente, Orange County, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
The Agency for Health Care Administration (Agency) and this website do not claim the information on, or referred to by, this site is error free. This site may include links to websites of other government agencies or private groups. Our Agency and this website do not control such sites and are not responsible for their content. Reference to or links to any other group, product, service, or information does not mean our Agency or this website approves of that group, product, service, or information.
Additionally, while health information provided through this website may be a valuable resource for the public, it is not designed to offer medical advice. Talk with your doctor about medical care questions you may have.
Health Outcome Data
No data available for this condition/procedure.
