Everyone should have a well-stocked first aid kit available at home and for travel. Chances are that it will come in handy at some point, whether to treat minor injuries or serious wounds.

While ready-made kits can be purchased from chain stores and outdoor retailers, they tend to be expensive. You may also need specific equipment or medication. Activities such as hiking, camping and boating have unique requirements in this regard. In any case, make sure to cover the following guidelines:

• Include personal items such as emergency contact details
• Check the kit regularly and replace used products
• Take note of expiration dates where applicable
• Familiarise yourself with how the accessories are used

When are First Aid Kits Used?

Here are some common uses for first aid kits:

1. Burns
2. Cuts
3. Splinters
4. Abrasions
5. Stings
6. Strains

Travel kits are handy for alleviating fevers, coughs, sore throats and nasal congestion. They can also contain items for treating skin and gastrointestinal problems, as well as mild pain and allergies. Modern cars are usually equipped with a basic first aid kit, but it’s a good idea to double-check and ensure that all of the necessary contents are present.

Basic First Aid Kits

You can buy most basic items at a well-stocked pharmacy. Ask a staff member for help on choosing the right products. There are also online options. Websites such as rapid-rescue.com.au offer a wide variety of medical supplies and will ship them to your door. These are the supplies that make up a basic first aid kit:

• Adhesive tape
• Plasters in varying shapes and sizes
• Gauze dressings
• Sterile eye dressings
• Triangular bandages
• Crêpe rolled bandages
• Tweezers and scissors
• Disposable medical gloves
• Alcohol-free cleansing wipes
• Safety pins
• Skin rash cream (hydrocortisone or calendula)
• Digital thermometer
• Cream or spray for insect bites and stings
• Painkillers (paracetamol or ibuprofen)
• Antihistamine cream or tablets
• Cough medicine
• Pocket mask for CPR
• Distilled water for wound cleaning

You may also want to throw in a basic first aid kit manual or instruction booklet. This is particularly important for families. Similarly, parents should make sure that the kit is out of reach for young children and pets as some equipment can cause injuries when misused.

Building Your Kit

Since there are a lot of different supplies to include, it’s a good idea to try and keep your first aid kit small and simple. Aim for multi-purpose products that save space. Storing wound equipment in one bag and medications in another will help to keep things organised. Here are a few more storage tips:

• Ensure that your container is drop-proof and water-resistant
• Nylon bags and makeup cases are viable budget options
• Resealable sandwich bags can be used to group and compartmentalise supplies
• Travel kits should contain enough medication for the length of your trip and some extra in case of delays

Consider including a list of family member’s medical history, medications and doctors’ contact details. You can also include relevant insurance information.

Conclusion

Make sure to account for the specific needs of your family members when putting together your first aid kit. Rest-assured that your efforts will pay off.