Emergency conditions can occur anytime, anywhere, so preparation is very important for you and your family. Having a complete first aid kit at home is an easy but important step to prepare for an emergency. Of course, you can buy a ready-made first aid kit at the store, but you can also easily make your own at home. In addition, you can also customize the contents to suit your family's special needs.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Selecting, Placing, and Caring for a First Aid Kit
Step 1. Choose a good container
You can buy a first aid kit as well as its contents, or an empty first aid kit. However, usually, you already have a suitable container as a first aid kit at home.
- A good option is a large, transparent, water-resistant plastic container, both rigid and flexible, with a zippered or removable lid. Boxes like this allow the contents to be seen from the outside so that they can be easily identified.
- You can use a backpack or small gym bag as a larger first aid kit with more contents.
- Lunch boxes are also a great option. Basically, a container that is large enough, easy to reach and move, and waterproof is suitable as a first aid kit.
- These containers should be easy to carry around as needed in an emergency, so ideally they should have handles.
- You should also be able to separate various items according to their type in the box so they can be found easily. Labeled clip-on plastic bags are an excellent flexible container option. Look for smaller clear plastic containers like those used for storing craft supplies, or single-meal food containers with removable lids to complement lunch boxes or other rigid containers.
- Whatever container you choose, mark it clearly. For example, by writing "THE P3K BOX" with permanent markers in some parts.
Step 2. Place the first aid kit in a safe and easily accessible place
When your child cries because of a knee injury, the first aid kit that is stored far away in the back of the closet or lost because it is not returned to its original place after use will certainly make it difficult for you.
- Determine a clear and common place to put the first aid kit, such as on a visible shelf or easy-to-reach cupboard drawer, and share this location with everyone in the house.
- Let the children know where it is, but place it where it cannot be reached.
Step 3. Provide information about the first aid kit to the family
Make sure everyone who is old enough at home understands the function of the first aid kit and knows where it is and when to use it.
- Children who are too young should not be allowed to try to use objects in the first aid kit. Just tell them the location so they can show it to guests, relatives, caregivers, etc. However, place the first aid kit in a place that children cannot reach, such as on a high enough shelf.
- For older children and adults, let them know when they need to pick up the first aid kit and how to use the various contents. Use a first aid kit, such as the one provided by the American Red Cross, as a guide and place it in the box for reference.
Step 4. Update the first aid kit
No one wants to give you a first aid kit with worn-out bandages or expired painkillers. So, monitor the contents and expiration date of the contents of the first aid kit regularly.
In the US, smoke detector batteries should be replaced or checked in early Daylight Saving Time and late spring and fall. If you live in the US, you can also take this time to check the contents of your first aid kit and update it as needed
Step 5. Make a list of equipment to put in the first aid kit
Use the suggestions in Part 2 of this article to put in a first aid kit and record everything on a piece of paper that can be stored inside.
- Write down the quantity (for example 10 small bandages) and the expiration date (for medicines or ointments) next to the table of contents stored in the box.
- Everyone who picks up the box should immediately know what's in it and what's not in it, and what's ready for use.
Part 2 of 3: Filling the First Aid Box
Step 1. Put on various types of bandages
One of the most important pieces of equipment for treating minor cuts and scrapes is a variety of different types and sizes of bandages. A wide selection of bandages that can be used will make your first aid easier.
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Place all bandages in a clear clip bag with a clear permanent marker label on them. These bandages include:
- Twenty five wound plasters of various sizes
- Five pieces of gauze measuring 3” x 3” and 4” x 4”
- One roll of bandage
- Two 5” x 9” sterile gauze
- One 3” and 4” wide roll bandage (ace bandage)
- Two triangular bandages
Step 2. Load metal utensils
Be prepared to remove splinters, cut bandages, and provide other first aid without having to rummage through the drawers for tools. Also put all this equipment in a labeled plastic clip bag. Make sure to include:
- Sharp little scissors
- Clamp
- Two pairs of non-latex gloves
- Non-mercury oral thermometer
- Cotton balls and earplugs
- CPR protective mask
- Instant cold compress
- First aid manual
- hand sanitizer
- Wet wipes (for exterior cleaning only)
- Plastic bag clips (for disposing of medical waste)
Step 3. Consider including other equipment as well
If your box is large enough, consider putting less essential but useful tools in another labeled bag. This equipment includes:
- eye protection
- Warm blanket
- Aluminum finger splint
- duct tape
- Petroleum jelly
- Sewing needle
- Pin
- Small pipette (to rinse the wound)
Step 4. Prepare a separate place to store medicines
Separate medications from bandages and other equipment, and mark them clearly. Check the expiration date regularly. Your first aid kit should contain the following medicines in small packages:
- Aloe vera gel
- Calamine lotion
- antidiarrheal drugs
- laxative
- Antacid
- Antihistamines
- Pain relievers (aspirin, ibuprofen, and paracetamol)
- Hydrocortisone cream
- Cough/cold medicine
Step 5. Adjust the contents of the first aid kit with family medicines
Consider including a small amount of prescription medication for each family member, especially in a vehicle first aid kit or when traveling in containers labeled with individual instructions for use.
- Keep a close eye on the expiration dates of prescription drugs.
- If a member of your family has a severe allergy and has a prescription for an epinephrine shot, keep one in the home first aid kit so your guests can provide emergency assistance.
- Even for a home first aid kit, stocking up on a few special medicines, such as bee sting medicine, can be useful when your medicine box happens to run out.
Part 3 of 3: Making a First Aid Kit for Vehicles or Traveling
Step 1. Always have a first aid kit in the car
You should always have a first aid kit at home, as well as in your car. Some cars are equipped with a first aid kit, but the contents must be checked and added to complete.
- A travel first aid kit should be similar to a home first aid kit, but to be ready for travel, consider adding: battery flashlight, waterproof lighter, solar or mechanical phone charger, sunscreen, insect repellent, whistle, doctor's phone number, poisoning emergency telephone numbers, etc., as well as medical consent forms for each family member.
- Put your car's first aid kit so it's easy to reach, don't put it under a pile of spare tires under the car.
- Also read the article How to Make a Car First Aid Kit to find out more.
Step 2. Prepare a first aid kit for camping if you will be spending time outdoors
Read the article How to Make a First Aid Kit for Camping and find out more.
- A camping first aid kit should be similar to a car first aid kit, but be sure to include sharp scissors, a waterproof lighter, a wide towel, duct tape, a solar or mechanical charger, and a whistle.
- Include a water purifying tablet as well, to protect yourself when you have to consume raw water.
Step 3. Make a small first aid bag
Setting up a small first aid bag with more complete contents in less quantity so that it is easy to carry around at all times is a good option.
- To find out how to make the most of a smaller first aid kit, read How to Make a Small First Aid Kit.
- One option is a small first aid bag containing 1 ointment package, 3 cleaning wipes, 2 gauze, and 10 bandages. Put some of your most frequently used medicines in a small clip pocket to complete the first aid kit in handbags, diaper bags, backpacks, etc.
Step 4. Prepare special equipment as needed
If there are members of your family who have certain health needs, prepare a first aid kit for traveling with clear labels containing the intended use according to their needs.
- Emergency allergy relief kits are perhaps the most common example. Visit How to Prepare an Emergency Allergy Kit to find out more.
- For such equipment, use a small, durable, water-resistant container labeled "EMERGENCY ALLERGY HELP" with the patient's name.
- Talk to your doctor to determine which medications should be included. Antihistamines (such as Benadryl), prednisone, and/or epinephrine injections are options that may have to be included.
- Include two or more doses of the medicine in case medical help arrives too late.
- In a piece of thick and laminated paper, or cardboard, write or print clearly a guide on how and when to use the drug. Include the doctor's phone number and important information about the patient (eg if there are other allergies).
Tips
- Check the contents and expiration date of the product in the first aid kit semiannually and replace it as needed.
- If a family member is pregnant, include any vitamins or supplements she used in her first aid kit during her pregnancy.
- You can save someone's life by learning about CPR and first aid. Both training can be provided by the local red cross or other organizations. Equipment and medicines will not help if you do not know how and when to use them.
- You can also start with a store-bought first aid kit and add the contents to a larger container (if necessary).
Warning
- Pay attention to the equipment and drugs you use, and don't run out of them! This means you should check the contents of the first aid kit and the expiration date to make sure they can be used in an emergency.
- Make sure everyone who might use the contents of the first aid kit does not have an allergy to any of its components.
- Wash tongs, scissors, and thermometer after each use. Sterilize the tongs and scissors with fire for a few seconds or with alcohol to increase their safety.
- Do not use any product that contains natural rubber latex. This material will break down over time and cause allergies in some people.
