Most people dip in to first aid kits to treat minor cuts and scrapes, but a well-stocked first aid kit is capable of doing much more. In fact, depending on the emergency, your first aid kit could actually save a life. You can buy expensive pre-packaged first aid kits, but it's just as east to assemble a small kit at home. The type of supplies you include will depend on where and when you intend to use it and your particular health history. MayoClinic.com recommends a few universal items for all first aid kits.
Step 1
Choose a container that's small enough to meet your travel or storage needs but large enough to hold all your essential supplies. Use anything from a shoe box to an old backpack.
Step 2
Pack emergency doses of any medications that are vital to you or a family member's survival. For example, pack insulin for diabetics, an inhaler for asthmatics or an EpiPen for people who suffer from life-threatening allergic reactions.
Step 3
Round out your medication supply with over-the-counter allergy medications, pain relievers, antacids and anti-diarrhea medications. Add calamine lotion or anti-itch ointment for bug bites and rashes. Pack decongestants and cold medicines to ease symptoms that may arise while on a trip or outing.
Step 4
Add supplies for cuts, scrapes and burns such as bandages, gauze, cotton balls, antibiotic ointment, antiseptic wipes and medical tape, recommends the University of Maryland Medical Center. Include bandages and gauze in various sizes and shapes.
Step 5
Add tools you might need while administering first aid or treating minor sickness, such as tweezers, thermometers, ice packs, scissors, nail clippers, cotton balls, paper cups, disposable gloves, smelling salts and soap.
Step 6
Add items to make your family more comfortable, depending on the size of the kit you're creating, such as tissues, bug repellent, towels, candles, matches and extra blankets.
Step 7
Add splints, compression bandages and tourniquets to larger kits. Add a basic guidebook for performing first aid if you have room.
Step 8
Add emergency items, recommends MayoClinic.com, such as a flashlight, batteries, sunscreen and an extra cell phone charger.
Things You'll Need
- Container
- Various medical supplies
