April 2024

Having a first aid kit prepared ensures you have everything you need to treat a minor illness or injury. It also gives you a grab-and-go collection of needed items for day trips, vacations, and even evacuations due to natural disasters.

Here are a few key items every first aid kit should have:

Bandages. A collection of different sizes of bandages is a must-have in every first aid kit. Add in some gauze, surgical tape, and a pair of scissors so you can handle larger or oddly shaped wounds.

OTC medicines. This should include anti-inflammatory pain relievers (like ibuprofen or naproxen sodium), acetaminophen, laxatives, antidiarrheals, and antihistamines.

Antiseptic wipes. You can use these to clean wounds on the go if you don’t have access to soap and water.

Antibacterial ointment. This is helpful to apply to wounds, especially if you’re outdoors or otherwise lack access to soap and water for thorough cleaning.

Tweezers. This will allow you to remove splinters and ticks.

Disposable gloves and plastic bags. Disposable non-latex gloves come in handy if you have to bandage up someone else. Plastic bags provide a safe way to dispose of gloves, wipes, and any other material that’s contaminated with blood. It is also the best way to isolate ticks.

Thermometer. A temporal artery thermometer, which takes your temperature from your forehead, is a great choice for a first aid kit. Just make sure your first aid kit has an extra set of batteries and a handful of individually wrapped alcohol wipes for wiping the sensor after use.