A standard first aid kit should include the items needed to do basic first aid. Basic first aid is usually limited to cleaning wounds, affixing bandages and taking care of other small mishaps, like splinters and insect bites. More elaborate kits can be put together, but these can get bulky and may have more than you will actually ever use.
Precautionary Items
It's wise to have one or two pairs of gloves included in your kit. Find ones that do not contain latex. You can also find the mask-to-mouth breathers to be used when performing CPR. However, the American Heart Association has started a new program called Hands-Only CPR that phases out the rescue-breathing technique. Also put a few alcohol wipes in case you need to disinfect and remove any debris near an area before bandaging it. Hand sanitizer is also a must to keep your hands and arms free from germs.
Bandages
Include a variety of sizes and shapes of bandages. For larger cuts and wounds, larger gauze pads and a roll of adhesive surgical tape should be kept in stock. A pair of stub-nosed scissors are also needed in case you have to cut the tape or the gauze. A small roll of cloth in your first aid kit can be used to wrap around a loose bandage to keep it in place or to stabilize an injury until professional help arrives. Ace bandages can be used, or you can cut strips of cloth from linens or soft towels.
Ointments
Anti-itch cream (1 percent hydrocortisone) and triple antibiotic ointment can also be included. You can purchase small bottles of iodine and Bactine spray for help with bug bites and stings. If soap and water is available, this should be the first course of action, but in most situations you may not have access to an abundance of clean water. Iodine can be used when you are away from areas where no soap and water is available.
A small bottle of sunscreen (SPF 40 or higher) should be included also. Some people include EpiPens (autoinjectors of epinephrine) in their kits for people who are known to go into shock after bee stings. Aquagel pads are also handy for people who have minor burns.
Over-the-Counter Medications
Acetaminophen and aspirin should both be included. You can also add glucose tablets in case you come across someone who is having diabetic issues. Antihistamines are also beneficial in the spring, summer and fall when allergies are persistent.
First Aid Guide
Many first aid kits on the market today include a small guide on how to handle small problems. These little books usually have a place to write phone numbers down. Make sure it is kept within reach, or better yet, inside the first aid kit itself for quick and easy reference. Always keep emergency contact numbers for your family doctor, hospital of choice, next of kin and insurance groups written down for easy access. If you are traveling, do some research and obtain phone numbers for local hospital and emergency rooms.
Miscellaneous
Space blankets can be stored in very tight spaces and are used to keep patients warm who may be suffering from shock until professional help arrives. Tweezers are also a good idea in case you encounter splinters, pieces of glasses or other sharp objects embedded in the skin. An oral thermometer will help in determining a fever and how severe it is.
