Building a first aid kit for your home: A comprehensive guide
Create an at-home first aid kit so you're ready for any emergency.
In the face of emergencies, having a well-stocked first aid kit at home can mean the difference between a minor mishap and a major disaster.
Whether it's a scraped knee from a backyard adventure or a sudden illness, being prepared is paramount.
The American Red Cross underscores the importance of having a first aid kit readily available in your home, car and workplace. This guide, informed by expert recommendations, will walk you through everything you need to create a comprehensive first aid kit that ensures you're ready for any emergency.
Meet our expert
Nici Singletary, M.D., FACEP, co-chair of the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council and a professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine at the University of Virginia, says a well-stocked first aid kit should be a staple in every home.
"Whether you purchase a first aid kit that is already assembled or create your own, essential items include an Emergency First Aid Guide to reference in case you don't know or can't remember what to do; non-latex, preferably nitrile gloves to prevent body fluid contact; assorted sizes of self-adhesive bandages; sterile gauze and adhesive tape to cover and protect open wounds; triple antibiotic ointment to help prevent infection; and a breathing barrier to prevent disease transmission while giving rescue breaths," she told "Good Morning America."
Singletary also advises checking the expiration dates on items once or twice a year and replacing them as needed. "You'll want to replenish your kit after using any items," she said. "If items like bandages and gauze sponges are expired and you don't have anything else clean to use, the expired bandages and dressings could be used – they will at least be clean, just not sterile, and would be better to use on a bleeding wound than something like a dirty T-shirt, etc."
For families with young children
Special considerations should be made for families with young children.
Singletary suggests personalizing your kit based on your family's medical needs.
"The most common injuries in children are due to falls, being hit by an object, bites and stings, cuts and scrapes, burns and poisonings," she said. "Instant cold packs are essential, as well as child-friendly dressings and bandages, over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream or antihistamine for children, and something for pain specific for children (Tylenol, ibuprofen). Sting-free antiseptic is also a plus for kids."
A thermometer can also help parents check if their child or infant has a fever, so keep one handy.
Placement and accessibility
Store your first aid kits in accessible locations but out of reach of young children. Ensure that older children, family members and caregivers know where your kits are stored. Having a kit in the kitchen, garage, basement, or work area, as well as in your vehicles, is practical and comes in handy during various activities.
First aid kit essentials
Creating a first aid kit may seem straightforward, but ensuring it is complete and well-organized requires careful consideration. For people with potentially life-threatening conditions like dangerous allergies or Type 1 diabetes, it is important to keep a spare EpiPen or glucose gel in the first aid kit as well.
Below is a list of essential items recommended by the American Red Cross and Singletary.
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Band-Aid Brand Tru-Stay Sheer Strips Adhesive Bandages
These are crucial for covering minor cuts, blisters and abrasions to prevent infection and protect the wound.
- $3.77
- $5.21
- Amazon
Globe Triple Antibiotic Ointment Single Packet, 144 count
Apply these to minor cuts and scrapes to prevent infection and promote healing.
- $11.23
- $11.87
- Amazon
Medi-First Antiseptic Wipes
Use these to clean cuts, scrapes and burns, reducing the risk of infection.
- $9.96
- $11.99
- Amazon
First Aid Only Hydrocortisone Cream Packets, 12 count
Use these for cuts, scrapes and burns, reducing the risk of infection.
- $2.49
- $2.99
- Amazon
Sterile Gauze Pads
These pads are essential for dressing larger wounds and absorbing excess fluids.
- $18.99
- Amazon
Nexcare Durable Cloth Tape
Use this to secure gauze pads and bandages in place, ensuring they stay put while healing.
- $18.99
- Amazon
Elastic Bandage
This bandage is great for wrapping sprains and strains and securing splints. It provides support and reduces swelling.
- $9.99
- $15.99
- Amazon
Instant Cold Compress
These compresses are useful for immediate relief of pain and swelling from sprains, strains or bruises.
- $9.99
- Amazon
Tweezers
Essential for removing splinters, ticks or other foreign objects from the skin.
- $7.95
- Amazon
First Aid Bandage Scissors
A pair of sharp scissors can be used to cut tape, bandages or clothing away from an injury site.
- $4.15
- $5.12
- Amazon
Boncare Thermometer
A thermometer is useful for monitoring fevers and understanding if medical attention is needed.
- $7.49
- $9.99
- Amazon
Disposable Gloves (Non-Latex)
Protect yourself and the injured person by using gloves to prevent contamination and the spread of infection.
- $8.05
- $10.99
- Amazon
Ever Ready First Aid CPR Mask
This mask ensures safe and hygienic administration of CPR in emergencies.
- $9.95
- Amazon
Primacare Foil Mylar Thermal Blanket
A thermal blanket is useful for maintaining body heat in cases of shock or exposure to cold.
- $8.99
- Amazon
Low-Dose (81mg) Chewable Aspirin
Low-dose aspirin is essential for treating chest pain, potentially reducing the risk of a heart attack.
- $5.97
- $6.28
- Amazon
Additional tips
Singletary also recommends that everyone, including grandparents and caregivers, take first aid and CPR training. "A variety of online, in-person, and blended offerings are available at redcross.org," she said.
With these essentials in place, you can ensure your household is well-equipped to handle most emergencies, providing a safer and more secure environment for everyone.
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