One good option is a large, translucent, water-resistant, rigid or flexible plastic container with either a zipper closure or a latch-top lid. This makes the materials inside visible for easy identification. For a larger first aid kit with more items inside, a backpack or small duffel bag can suffice Lunchboxes are also another good option. Basically, if it is roomy, easily-accessible, portable, and at least somewhat water resistant, it can make a decent first aid kit container. It should be easy to transport as needed to the emergency, so a handle is ideal. You’ll also want to be able to separate items by type within the kit so you can find them easily. Labeled zip-close bags are a good option for a non-rigid container especially. For a lunchbox or other rigid container, look for smaller, clear plastic containers like those available for crafting supplies, or even disposable food storage containers with snap-on lids. Regardless of your container choice, clearly identify it — for instance, by writing “FIRST AID” with a permanent marker in multiple locations.
Establish a clearly-defined, consistent spot for your first aid kit, on a visible / accessible linen closet shelf, for instance, and inform everyone in your home of its location. Let small children know where the kit is located, but place it where they cannot access it.
For younger children who shouldn’t yet try to use the items in the kit, teach them where it is located, so they could show a visitor, relative, babysitter, etc. But place the kit in a location where small children can not access it, such as on a high shelf. For older children and adults, instruct them on when to retrieve the kit and how to use the various items in it. Use a first aid instruction booklet, like those available from the American Red Cross,[2] X Research source for guidance and place a booklet in the kit for reference.
You’ve probably heard that you should check / replace the batteries in your smoke detectors when Daylight Saving Time begins and ends in the Spring and Fall. This would also be a good opportunity to check the status of your first aid kit and restock it as needed.
Record amounts (10 small bandages, for example) and expiration dates (for medications or ointments) next to the listed items on the checklist you include in your kit. You want anyone who retrieves the kit to immediately know what it includes and does not include, and that items are ready-to-use.
Place all your bandages in a clear, zip-close bag clearly labeled in permanent marker. Include: 25 adhesive bandages of various sizes Five 3” x 3” and five 4” x 4” gauze pads A roll of cloth adhesive tape Two 5” x 9” sterile dressings One 3” wide and one 4” wide roller bandage (ace bandage) Two triangular bandages
Small, sharp scissors Tweezers Two pairs of non-latex gloves Non-mercury oral thermometer Cotton balls and swabs CPR breathing barrier mask Instant cold compress First aid instruction booklet Hand sanitizer Cleansing wipes (for external cleaning only) Zip-close plastic bags (to dispose of medical waste)
Eye protection Prepackaged space (warming) blanket Aluminum finger splint Duct tape Petroleum jelly Sewing needle Safety pins Turkey baster (for flushing out wounds)
Aloe vera gel Calamine lotion Anti-diarrheal medication Laxatives Antacids Antihistamines Pain relievers (aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen) Hydrocortisone cream Cough / cold medicine
Keep close track of prescription medication expiration dates. If anyone in your family has severe allergies and a prescription for an epi-pen, keep one in the home kit with instructions, so a visitor could provide assistance in an emergency. Even for home kits, keeping a small stock of personalized medical supplies — a bee sting kit, for example — can prove useful if your medicine cabinet supply happens to be depleted.
A travel kit should be similar to the home version, but to make it ready for the road, consider adding items such as: a flashlight with batteries; waterproof matches; a solar/crank charger for phones; sunscreen, insect repellant; a whistle; phone numbers for your physician, poison control, etc. ; and medical consent and history forms for each family member. [8] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Make your car kit accessible as well; don’t bury it in the spare tire well under your trunk floor. See also How To Pack a First Aid Kit for Your Car for more ideas.
A camping kit will be similar to a car kit, but be extra sure to have a good pair of scissors; waterproof matches; a space blanket; duct tape; a solar/crank phone charger; and a whistle. Include water purification tablets as well, to protect yourself should you need to drink from a body of water.
For help in maximizing your first aid kit while minimizing its size, see How to Make a Compact First Aid Kit. One commercially-available purse kit winnows down the contents to one ointment packet, three cleansing wipes, two gauze pads, and 10 bandages. Adding small amounts of your most commonly-used medications to a small zip-close bag would make for a solid first aid kit that should fit nicely in a purse, diaper bag, backpack, etc.
An allergy emergency kit is probably the most common example. Visit How to Create an Allergy Emergency Kit for more information. For such a kit, use a small, durable, water-resistant container, clearly marked with “ALLERGY EMERGENCY KIT” along with the person’s name. Work with your doctor to determine what medications should be included. Antihistamines (such as Benadryl), Prednisone, and/or epi-pens are the most likely inclusions. Include two or more doses of any medications, in case of a delay in medical intervention. On a durable, possibly laminated, piece of paper or notecard, clearly write/print out all instructions for how and when to use the medications. Also include the physician’s phone number and any important patient information (any additional allergies, for instance).
