As I’ve stated on several other posts, preparedness especially includes medical issues, be them from falls, cuts, car accidents, violent attacks, insects/animals, or just carelessness. Given all the causes, it should be easy to see that there is no “one size fits all” for a first aid kit, or, at least, not one that doesn’t need an ambulance to drive it around. So here’s a breakdown of different first aid kits, and recommended first aid kit contents for each type.
These lists are based on research and conversations with medical professionals. These lists are not written in concrete, so please feel free to adjust to your personal needs. I have included an Amazon link for each item; each link is to a first aid piece that I believe is of sufficient quality as well as a good price, so the brands for some of them may not be familiar. For many of these items, I own (and often have used) the exact item for the link, and believe it to be a quality first aid item.
This article was becoming so large, that I have split this up into multiple posts. Keep an eye out for the next post with more first aid kit contents.
Individual First Aid Kit (IFAK):
The individual first aid kit is part of your EDC (everyday carry) for minor bumps and scrapes. You should be able to fit this into a small resealable plastic bag in your wallet, pocket, or purse. The purpose is to get you through a minor need until you can get to your vehicle, home, or office first aid kit.
- Adhesive bandages, multiple sizes – Start with four (4) or five (5) of the standard 3/4″ x 3″ or 1″ x 3″ versions (or a mix of both), and add two (2) smaller and one (1) or two (2) larger just in case. Replenish as needed.
- Antiseptic wipes – The first step of applying first aid is always cleaning, so you should have three (3) or four (4) of these available.
- Antibacterial ointment – Small, single-use tear-away “envelopes” are best for this.
- Ibuprofen – For aches and pains caused by strain as well as fevers. You can buy the individually wrapped ones or buy a bottle and put three (3) or four (4) into a small bag or aluminum foil and roll it up.
I reviewed the Lifeline 30-Piece First Aid Kit in an earlier review. Without the case, this kit is a good start for an IFAK. With the case, it’s a bit large, but does provide more space to expand. If you can spare the size, use the carabiner to clip to your belt loop.
Office First Aid Kit Contents:
Just as it sounds, this first aid kit is one you should have in your office or workplace. It’s geared toward pains and wounds that you might get in an office environment. It’s also loaded with single-use items, as I find that it gets shared around as people need help. It assumes you have a source of water and soap for any needed cleaning, as well as the ability to call for professional help if the need exceeds the preparation.
- Adhesive bandages, multiple sizes – A dozen or so of the standard 3/4″ x 3″ and 1″ x 3″ versions, but several smaller and several larger just in case. Replenish as needed.
- Antiseptic wipes – The first step of applying first aid is always cleaning, so you should have several of these available.
- Antibacterial ointment – Small, single-use tear-away “envelopes” are best for this.
- Ibuprofen – “Vitamin I” as I’ve heard it called, it works well for aches and pains caused by strain or just plain stress as well as fevers.
- Loperamide HCl – The generic name for Imodium®, it helps with digestive issues from that dodgy lunch diner you ate at. I buy them in a boxed form for individually packaged pills rather than a bottle to aid in sharing.
- Loratadine 10mg – The generic name for Claritin®, helps with allergies as a second-generation antihistamine. Other antihistamines are also suitable replacements.
- Antacid chewables – Small bottle is great for relief after spicy lunches or that all-hands meeting.
- Saline/multipurpose solution – When you or someone else has issues with their contact lenses, these come in handy. Often you get a lens case with the solution, so keep that in the kit as well.
The earlier-reviewed Lifeline 30-Piece First Aid Kit can easily be modified to meet this list with the exception of the saline solution.
Shop Environment Add-on:
If you work in a fabrication shop (machining tools or welders), you should add these items as noted.
- Butterfly bandages – For larger cuts. A selection of multiple sizes (like the link) provides versatility.
- Gauze – For cleanup of wounds. Both 4″ x 4″ gauze pads as well as several rolled gauze, either 2″ wide or 3″ wide, which are good to help hold non-stick or gauze pads in place.
- Non-stick pads – For dressing large wounds, sizes based on what kind of cuts can happen. 3″ x 4″ non-stick pads are a good size choice.
- Medical paper tape/plastic tape – For keeping pads and gauze in place.
Car First Aid Kit Contents:
I see the car first aid kit as being the most versatile and most useful for several reasons. Car accidents can be life-threatening and therefore this kit must be able to handle more critical wounds. If you have children, this kit also is the one that will be nearby at youth sporting events. Additionally, the car first aid kit acts as a secondary kit for the office and home, as typically your car is not that far from either. If you are at the office or home and need additional supplies, you car first aid kit can act as a supply. Just remember to restock after use! Here is my list of first aid kit contents for the car.
- Adhesive bandages, multiple sizes – A dozen or so of the standard 3/4″ x 3″ and 1″ x 3″ versions, and several smaller and several larger just in case. Replenish as needed.
- Butterfly bandages – For larger cuts, both smaller and larger versions.
- Gauze – For cleanup of wounds, at least six (6) of the 4″ x 4″ gauze and some 2″ wide or 3″ wide rolled gauze as well.
- Non-stick pads – For dressing wounds, at least four (4) of the 2″ x 3″ size and five (5) of the 3″ x 4″ size pads.
- Trauma pad – For dressing much larger wounds, one (1) or two (2) of the 5″ x 9″ versions.
- Medical tape – To hold the gauze and pads in place. Also useful to tape broken fingers and toes to splints. Paper, cloth, or breathable plastic are all good choices.
- Wound wash – A bottle of antiseptic liquid that can be squirted over wounds to clean them out.
- Antiseptic wipes – The first step of applying first aid is always cleaning, so you should have several of these available.
- Antibacterial ointment – Small, single-use tear-away “envelopes” are best for this.
- Hydrocortisone ointment – Single-use or a small tube.
- Tweezers – For removing splinters and small debris from wounds.
Add Ibuprofen, Loperamide, or other medications as you see fit.
Youth Sports Extension:
If you have kids in sports, consider adding the following first aid kit contents:
- Instant ice pack – Small, chemical based packs get cold fast, but older ones may not be as functional. Cheap ones have bad reviews, so sticking with a brand name here is a good choice.
- Finger splints – Reusable splints are fairly inexpensive and won’t expire over time.
- Elastic ankle brace – Make sure to get one sized for children as well as adults.
- Elastic (“ACE”) Bandage – Good for support and making a split for strained joints and broken bones.
Car Kit Extension:
I keep a couple additional items in my car first aid kit that extend beyond first aid. This is an easy kit to expand since you’re not carrying it. So here are my additional first aid kit contents to be kept in ones’ car.
- Emergency blanket – In addition for survival situations, it helps treat for shock.
- Snaplights – Good quality chemical lights will provide emergency light and can be used as a substitute for road flares in a pinch. Non-heat generating, safe to hand-hold. You can wave them to get attention from passing cars. Get good quality yellow lights like Cyalume 6″ Snaplights.
- Whistle – Useful for rescue operations or just plain getting someone’s attention. I prefer a metal whistle versus plastic for durability.
More To Come!
In the next part, I cover boats (which present a different dynamic that cars) and your home. Following parts will cover a First Aid kit for use in the field, including add-ons for firearms.
Are there things you keep in your first aid kits that you think others should know about? Feel free to comment below!
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