First-aid kits are a necessity and are essential for staying prepared if/when any minor injuries occur. Whether you’re creating a new first-aid kit or replenishing your supplies, here are the top 8 list of items we recommend having in your kits:
- Adhesive bandages: a bandage is a key item to help protect wounds and prevent infections. You should aim to have a collection of bandages in your kit in assorted shapes and sizes – from large knee scrapes to small paper cuts on your fingers, using an appropriate sized bandage can effectively provide coverage and protection.
- Antibiotic ointment: applying a topical antibiotic (such as Bacitracin or Neosporin) on minor cuts and wounds can help speed up the healing process and prevent infections. These ointments work by keeping wounds moist and keeping bacteria out. Apply a thin layer on your wound and be sure to follow with a sterile gauze or bandage on top.
- Gauze roll or pads: sterile gauze is a basic tool to stop bleeding and it prevents infection from occurring by allowing enough room for wounds to breathe without leaving too much air exposure. Trim the gauze to size or shape, cover the wound, and adhere the gauze in place with medical tape.
- Disposable gloves: having nitrile or latex gloves are great at keeping everything sterile. They prevent the spread of bodily fluids and ensure that you don’t accidentally introduce any bacteria or germs into wounds.
- Pain reliever medicine: medication such as aspirin or ibuprofen can come in handy to temporarily relieve all sorts of aches and pains. And painkillers containing acetaminophen, such as Tylenol, can help with reducing fevers.
- Aloe vera topical gel or cream: this is a great item to apply for burn relief – whether you’re sunburned or burned yourself in the kitchen with cooking oil. It promotes healing by reducing inflammation, promoting circulation, and preventing bacterial growth.
- Thermometer: this is essential for accurate body temperature readings and detecting high fevers.
- Medical or surgical tape: these are often used to secure items such as gauzes and splints into place. This type of tape differs from regular adhesive tape because they’re soft, are designed specifically to better adhere to skin, and don’t leave a sticky residue behind.
