First Aid Kits: What to Have and What to Know

First aid items should ideally be kept in easy-to-remember places near to where minor accidents are likely to occur:

•  At home.  First aid supplies can help with the bumps and scrapes of daily family life, whether stored in a kitchen cupboard or bathroom closet. Just remember to keep medications or sharp scissors away from young children

•  In the car.  Safely storing a kit in your vehicle’s trunk or under a seat may come in handy when you’re on the road. Just make sure there aren’t any products or medicines that could melt or be affected by the heat

•  On the move.  Carrying a smaller kit in your bag could save you time instead of finding a pharmacy if you or a loved one needs minor treatment while out and about

•  At work.  You should make a note of your nearest kit in case of an emergency, and/or share this information if you are in charge of the first aid arrangements at your workplace

Top Tips

• Always keep first aid kits out of children’s reach

• Ensure your box is neatly organized, with items in the right sections, so they are easy to find when you need them

• Store the most commonly used items near the top for easier access

Your DIY first aid kit can include as many or as few items as you like. But it’s generally a good idea to make sure it can handle the following minor injuries and health complaints.

Caring for Wounds

Whether removing a fragment of glass with tweezers, preventing bleeding with gauze, or treating a minor burn, your first aid kit items could help stop minor wounds from becoming more serious.

BAND-AID^® Brand SKIN-FLEX^® Adhesive Flexible Wound Covers are among your best wound care options, while NEOSPORIN^® - the number-one doctor recommended brand of topical antibiotic in the US – is excellent at helping to prevent infection.

Soothing Stings and Allergies

Hydrocortisone cream and antihistamines can help banish any spring or summertime blues, with protection against insect stings and allergies like hay fever.

Relief From Pain

Over-the-counter pain relief tablets, cold packs and heartburn treatments can get you back on track when a headache, swelling or muscle spasm hits.

It’s important to remember that creating a first aid kit list is just the beginning. Maintaining and managing your kit is vital to ensure you’re fully prepared for emergencies.

Keep Your First Aid Kit Fully Stocked

Top off your box regularly to avoid running short of key items. Adhesive bandages, gauze pads and other wound care products might be in high demand if you have an especially active family! Explore the full list of BAND-AID^® Brand wound care products today.

Check Expiration Dates

Always replace any items that have gone past their expiration dates. Out-of-date products can lead to side-effects and reduced performance.

Take a First Aid Course

Think about signing up for a formal course if you’re unsure how to apply any first aid kit items. Classes could teach you things like how to dress a wound correctly.

Is it cheaper to build your own first aid kit?

Creating a DIY first aid kit may turn out to be more expensive than a pre-packed box, because you’ll need to buy each item separately. However, it does allow you to cater to your household’s specific needs.

Do first aid kits expire?

Many of the items in your first aid kit are likely to expire. Wound care products and medications often have an expiration date, after which they can prove ineffective or problematic. It’s always wise to check that all your items are still in date⁴.

Where is the best place to store the first aid kit in your house?

It’s generally wise to store your kit in a dry, cool area of your house that’s out of reach of children. This could be an overhead kitchen cupboard, for example, or a medicine cabinet in your bathroom.