Emergency First-Aid Kit Essentials

First-Aid Kit for the Home

Keep a watertight box containing:

• * Alcohol-free antiseptic wipes
  * Alcohol gel
  * Latex-free disposable gloves
  * Adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
  * Sterile dressings in assorted sizes
  * Sterile eye pad
  * Triangular bandages
  * Safety pins in assorted sizes
  * Crepe roller bandages of different widths
  * Elastic bandage
  * Combined sterile dressing and bandage
  * Adhesive tape
  * Scissors
  * Tweezers
  * Digital thermometer

First-Aid Kit for the Car

It is possible to purchase a first-aid kit that is designed to be kept in a car. A kit from the Red Cross contains:

• * Adhesive bandages
• * Triangular bandages
• * Dressing pads
• * Gauze swabs
• * Sterile dressings
• * Adhesive tape
• * Disposable gloves
• * Antiseptic wipes
• * Safety pins
• * Disposable face shield
• * Scissors
• * Tweezers
• * Mylar blanket
• * Note pad and pencil
• * Flashlight
• * Clinical waste bag

Photo: Rido/ShutterStock

First-Aid Kit for Outdoor Activities

When camping or hiking, consider purchasing a pouch travel kit that can easily be carried. The Red Cross travel first-aid kit contains:

• * Adhesive bandages
• * Bandages
• * Dressings
• * Disposable gloves
• * Sterile dressings
• * Wipes
• * Safety pins

Useful medication for first-aid kits

Go beyond the basics by adding these medications to your first-aid kit.

• * Ibuprofen
• * Antiseptic cream
• * Rehydration salts
• * Anti-diarrhea medicine
• * Antihistamine tablets or syrup
• * Insect repellent
• * Antihistamine cream

How well do you remember your first-aid training? Brush up on your emergency-response skills with our First-Aid Quiz!