Few things are as important to have in the house as an emergency first aid kit. It’s the kind of thing you never expect to use, but the reality is that accidents happen to everyone and there will be times that a first aid kit will be needed. While you can certainly go out and purchase a pre-made kit, it may not have the items that you need, in the quantities that you require. Instead, it can make more sense to make your own first aid kit, including all the top essentials.

So, let’s take a look at the must-have items that you’ll want to pick up for your DIY home first aid kit that is suitable for a family of four (two adults and two kids).

Bandages and Dressings

The core items of any home first aid kit are a good supply of adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes, and compress dressings. Experts suggest you should have at least 25 bandages on hand and at least two absorbent compress dressings. Make sure to also pick up surgical/medical tape to use with the dressings. These are typically the supplies that run out the fastest, as these tend to be the most-used items.

If you want to take it a little further, you can also pick up a roller bandage and gauze roll bandage. It just gives you more options should you need to dress a wound.

Aspirin

While you may be thinking that aspirin is just a pain reliever, in reality it can end up being a life-saving product. For anyone that suffers from chest pain that is unexplained or new, taking one regular strength aspirin (chewing it) can end up saving their life.

Antibiotic Ointment

Here’s another handy item to have on-hand as it has all kinds of practical uses. Antibiotic ointment in a tube or individual packets can help to prevent infection, speed up healing, and help with pain. Be sure to also have antiseptic wipes to clean the wound first before applying the ointment. These wipes can typically be bought in individual packets, and it is recommended to have at least five in your kit.

Oral Thermometer

Here’s an item you probably already have in your house, but just in case you don’t, a thermometer is a necessity for any household.

Instant Cold Compress

Another must-have is an instant cold compress.These are cold compresses that you don’t have to store in a fridge or freezer ahead of time. This makes them extremely handy in an emergency situation.

Miscellaneous Items

Then you have other items such as non-latex gloves, tweezers, sterile gauze pads that don’t stick, hydrocortisone, an emergency blanket, a breathing barrier that has a one-way valve, and an emergency first aid guide to talk you through basic first aid.

Keep Up with Replenishing Supplies

The final tip is to make sure you check the kit on a regular basis and replenish anything that has expired or that is running low. To make stocking up even easier, you can order items on Pharmacy Online and have it delivered straight to your door. There is no need to head out to the store and seek out each item. These essentials will ensure you’re ready for any emergency.