One of the biggest benefits in having a pre-made first aid kit lies in easy access. When your kid scrapes their knee, you immediately know where to get the peroxide, antibiotic cream, and bandages.
However, choosing a first aid kit isn’t so simple. A grocery store or pharmacy will likely have several options, but the clerk probably won’t know you well enough to recommend the perfect kit for your lifestyle. Consider your unique needs in a first aid kit, and then choose from one of our top recommendations.
No matter your needs, there is a first aid kit on the market that will serve you well. If you are a parent of a newborn, for example, you require a kit fitted to a young child’s needs. It would include items to treat croup, earaches, tummy aches, and teething symptoms. If you have pets, you want to opt for an entirely different first aid kit with products to remove ticks and treat sore paws.
Hikers and campers have different medical requirements. You spend your time in rugged terrain, which increases your risk for falls and sprains. You sometimes travel in groups, too, meaning you need to purchase a larger first aid kit. If you adventure alone, a smaller, lightweight kit could serve you best.
People who regularly commute to work or take road trips might also desire to purchase a car first aid kit that contains flares, jumper cables, water, and food. If you live in areas with snowy weather, you might add a blanket and other winter safety items to your kit.
When evaluating or making a first aid kit, focus on the essentials. Most kits contain them, but not always. Some people either opt to buy a different kit or complement their purchase with necessary items. The following list isn’t exhaustive, but it covers many of the basic products found in first aid kits.
- Splints or Wraps
- Gauze
- Medical Tape
- Bandages
- Rubbing Alcohol
- Antibiotic Cream
- Tweezers
- Aspirin
Each item in a first aid kit comes with guidelines for use. Read these to prevent allergic reactions and other maladies. Many first aid kits also come with an instruction book or recommend attending a first aid class.
Reading the book and attending the class are excellent ideas, but if you face an emergency before you do this, use the five tips below. They can help you take immediate action and keep everyone safe.
- Keep the kit in a central location. Keep your first aid kit in an easy-to-access and known location—for adults, not kids—within your home or vehicle.
- Examine the active ingredients. Some drugs react poorly with other medications or contain ingredients that could cause a rash. Make sure your products, such as aspirin, are safe for use.
- Look for indications of use. Every medication, ice pack, and other first aid item includes indications for use. Follow them to ensure a bandage doesn’t stick to a wound.
- Follow the directions. Kids under age twelve usually require smaller doses of medications. Read the directions carefully so you don’t over-medicate.
- Remember the expiration dates. Antibiotic cream and other first aid items come with expiration dates. Typically, they lose effectiveness after this date, so make sure you’re aware of when to replace these products.
The selection of first aid kits found here fit a variety of lifestyles, so you’re sure to find one—or pair a couple—that will help keep your family safe.
With the kits recommended and advice given here, you’ll be ready for any emergency. Scraped chins and sprained ankles have nothing on you thanks to your pre-made first aid kit.
