First Aid Kits buying guide

Do you have any adventure tours lined up? Or maybe some upcoming travel plans with your family or friends? Well, travel can be fun, but what if you get dizzy or feel sick? You would need a handy first-aid kit to end your woes in a jiffy!

Preparedness is the key to living a safe and sound life. Having a first aid kit is always beneficial to help you with all the general medical supplies that will ease your life in the best way!

In this guide, you will get all the useful insights to every necessity that your first aid box must contain. The best part is that once you create such a kit, you can use it anytime and anywhere.

What are First Aid Kits?

First aid kits are the best tools, especially in cases of medical emergencies. These kits have the necessary equipment and supplies that can come in handy in times of need.

The supplies and equipment in the first aid kits can be managed and vary in types according to need. The basic kits usually have medicines and supplies for cuts, burns, fever, cold, thermometer, plaster, and other minor injuries.

Carrying a first aid kit is a must in case of traveling or adventure activities. If you are not sure about the importance of first aid kits or are confused about what to keep inside it, keep scrolling as this article has the answers for all these queries.

Why is it crucial to have a First Aid Kit?

Having a first aid kit is essential as these kits can act as a blessing in the hour of needs and emergencies.

Every home and transport must have first aid kits as they can not only help for minor injuries but can also be utilized for other accidents. Some more points that describe its importance are :

1. Quick Cure:

First aid kits can be used to make quick cures for health issues. They are the easiest and the best approach for minor injuries, such as little cuts or burns.

Furthermore, taking quick action is needed in cases of emergencies. And there is no better option to perform such a task other than using first aid kits.

2. Organized:

First aid kits are very well organized, and every valuable essential item is set in one place.

Because of this, you do not have to rush and search for the items in need, but rather just pick up the kit and find everything there.

3. No complication:

You have to face almost zero complications with the first aid kits because of their well-organized features.

Moreover, you can cure injuries without struggling on which equipment to get as the most suitable ones are available in the first aid kits with instructions.

Also, when a wound is treated on time, then it starts healing, and the risk of future complexities are reduced.

4. Portability:

First aid kits are very portable and can be easily carried around as they come in small or medium-sized handy boxes or bags.

So, you take your first aid kit anywhere you go and carry it even while traveling or working at the office.

5. An immediate cure for blood loss:

First aid kits can stop bleeding instantly and can save a person from minor or severe blood loss.

Sometimes, bandages do not help in different cases of severe injuries, but the first aid kits have more advanced equipment that can stop blood loss immediately.

6. No future infections or irritation

First aid kits are incredibly safe to use, and the supplies and equipment in this tool are excellent in their functioning and do not cause any further infections or irritation.

Instead, these kits stop the chances of such unfortunate issues to show up. Moreover, they can also prevent bug bites or scarring.

All The Occasions When You Must have a First Aid Kits

First aid kits are necessary for all occasions and events. Even if nothing is going around, it is still a must to have a first aid kit at your home, office, and vehicle.

However, there are occasions in which not carrying a first aid kit is like inviting danger. Some of these occasions are:

1. Adventure activities:

Adventure activities such as hiking, camping, backpacking, and even boating are entertaining and enjoyable but can turn problematic or worse if first aid kits are not carried.

The risk of getting hurt or injured during these high energy activities is more, and therefore it is vital to look after it with safety and avoid any mishap.

Bug bites, little bruises, burns, minor bleedings are common and have higher possibilities of happening while doing such activities, which is why you must carry first aid kits to cure them quickly.

Moreover, these activities, especially water adventures, can cause problems of dizziness or sea sicknesses, and the best solution for such unfortunate events is a first aid kit.

2. Travelling and transport

Always carry a first aid kit while traveling and make sure that there is a kit in your vehicle all the time, as these kits can be life-saving.

With the rush and traffic on roads, there is always a risk of accidents that can cause minor or fatal injuries. With the help of first aid kits, these injuries can be taken care of, or the bleeding can be stopped even in the cases of the fatal injuries before the ambulance arrives.

Moreover, there have been cases reported of people feeling uneasiness suddenly while driving, which leads to further consequences. First aid kits can be helpful in such problems of restlessness, and medicines can be taken at the right time to prevent future mishaps.

Carrying a first aid kit is also crucial when traveling in hilly areas as well. Danger doesn't inform a person before coming, so it is better to always be prepared and carry the survival kit.

3. Home and Offices

One must keep a first aid kit at their home and workplace as well. Home is probably the safest place on earth for a person, but things can go wrong in there as well.

There are so many factors or daily activities that can cause troubles and injuries while you are at home. Something as basic and essential as cooking can too sometimes be the reason for injuries and burns.

In such scenarios, first aid kits are beneficial and can provide instant relief. Mishaps can happen even when you are working at your office. Therefore, it is better to be prepared rather than suffer in times of emergencies.

Remember, danger does not inform someone before coming, and therefore it is vital to have a first aid kit around you all the time.

Essential Items That Must be Present in a Standard First Aid Kit

Now that we have discussed the importance of first aid kits, it is about time that we see the details on what are the essential items that must be present in a standard first aid kit.

General Medical Items

1. Bandages –

The first important thing to have in a standard first aid kit is a bandage. Bandages help stop blood loss, and the large size bandages can also be used for minor fractures in the emergency. From general cases to emergencies, bandages are always helpful.

2. Pads –

Large cotton pads are very crucial in case of excessive bleeding and emergencies. Pads are available in different sizes for different types of wounds, and it is always better to keep all the important ones in your kit.

3. Ointments –

Ointments are another basic necessity that you must keep in a first aid box. Ointments are great with minor injuries and burns and can kill bacteria preventing infections.

4. Wipes –

Wipes are very useful in cleaning small cuts and preventing any infection. They can also be used to clean the area near a wound before applying anything else on it, such as bandages or ointments.

5. Cold Packs –

Cold Packs are a must to have inside a first aid kit as these packs can reduce swelling on injuries and help reduce pain, facilitating further recovery.

6. Closure stripes –

Closure stripes are also very helpful and are used for deeper cuts to stop the bleeding. These stripes are applied in such a manner that it brings the skin next to the wound and pulls them together to heal the wound.

7. Pain-killers –

Pain-killers are another critical item to keep in a first aid kit as they can come in use in any situation. Whether it is an internal injury or an external injury, pain-killers are excellent in providing relief from the intolerable pain.

8. Scissors –

Carrying a pair of scissors are also very important in terms of first aid kits as they help in cutting bandages and other equipment of a first aid kit.

9. Burn cream –

Keeping a burn relief cream in a first aid kit is an excellent choice and must be followed. Even the smallest burns are painful and can cause further inflammation and troubles, and to save yourself from all of that, you must keep a burn cream in the first aid kit.

10. Splints –

Splints are another item of necessity that must be present inside a first aid box. It helps to maintain stability in a broken or dislocated finger and restrict any dangerous or painful movement.

11. Tweezers –

Tweezers help pluck any dangerous elements out from a cut and therefore, must be present in a first aid kit.

12. Cotton Tip applicator –

It is essential to keep a cotton tip applicator in the first aid kit as they are needed to apply ointments and other necessary creams on a wound.

13. Gloves –

Carrying gloves in a first aid kit is a wise option as it prevents the risk of infections on both the wound and the person's hand treating the injury.

14. Adhesive tape and safety pins –

Adhesive tape and safety pins are very convenient in treating a wound by making the bandage or pads stay put and, thus, must be available in a first aid kit.

15. Sewing kit –

A medical sewing kit can be life-saving and treat wounds with deeper cuts and more bleeding, and so, they must be available in the first aid kits.

16. First aid Guide –

Keeping a first aid guide inside first aid kits is mandatory as it has the proper instructions and guidance on how to use the first aid kit with safety and precautions.

17. Sterile Eye Pads –

Another component that is a must inside s first aid box is the sterile eye pad. These are very helpful in treating minor eye injuries in cases of emergence.

18. Hand Sanitizer –

A hand sanitizer is a necessity to keep inside first aid kits as they help in preventing any infection that can be caused to the wound from the hands treating it.

19. CPR mask –

A CPR mask must be included in a first aid kit as it prevents the exchange of bodily fluids and germs and protects the rescuer from hazardous consequences.

20. Antiseptic Towelette –

In order to prevent any infection on the wound, it is crucial to apply an Antiseptic Towelette first before covering it with a bandage or pad.

21. Eyewash solution –

Eyewash solutions help cure irritation, redness, or itching in the eyes due to dust and therefore is another vital thing to be kept inside a first aid kit.

22. Burn Dressing –

Normal bandages cannot be applied on burns as it can initiate pain. This is why burn dressing is important to be kept inside a first aid kit as these are sterile and gel soaked and therefore do not cause pain but rather provide relief to it.

Medicines and Tablets:

1. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs):

These drugs include ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen, which are used to reduce pain and bring relief in cases of fever as well.

• Ibuprofen: Ibuprofen is used to bring comfort to muscle pains and body aches, and also to reduce fever. It is one of the best of its kind and is suitable for people of every age.
• Aspirin: Aspirin is another medicine used for curing fever and uneasiness. However, Aspirin is not recommended for kids and can cause bleeding problems as it thins the blood.
• Naproxen: Naproxen is a great choice for pain relievers, and its effect can last up to 12 hours. However, some people may feel problems with it as it is a little hard on the stomach.

2. Acetaminophen:

Acetaminophen is useful in reducing pain and fever, but it does not affect inflammation. This drug is not suitable for the liver, so in case you have a weak liver, then do not go for Acetaminophen.

3. Benzocaine or Lidocaine:

Benzocaine or Lidocaine are anesthetics that are applied directly on the skin surface or mucus membranes like inside the mouth. These drugs do not last long and can reduce pain but not inflammation or fever.

4. Diphenhydramine:

This drug helps reduce allergies and pain/fever caused by allergies, but it can cause drowsiness and make anyone sleepy.

5. Loratadine:

Loratadine is an allergy medication drug that does not cause drowsiness, but it can cause tiredness or dry mouth and throat.

6. Diphenhydramine:

Diphenhydramine is one of the best allergy medications that must be inside your first aid kit. It can cause a little drowsiness and is not for children under six years of age.

7. Dimenhydrinate:

This medicinal drug is used for curing motion sickness and must be kept inside your first aid kit. It can cause very little drowsiness and is safe for children as well.

8. Meclizine:

Meclizine is another medicinal drug for motion sickness and can cure motion sickness, which is not caused by any medical issues, but by traveling and can cure traveler's diarrhea.

9. Loperamide:

Loperamide is a used anti-diarrhea medicinal drug that must be included in your first aid kit.

Note: Always avoid using combination drugs as they have more than one active ingredient and can harm your health and have dangerous side effects.

It is essential not to keep a medicinal drug that claims to work for two or more symptoms and problems inside a first aid kit.

Other Valuable Items:

Other than the essential items mentioned above, there are some more things that you can keep inside a first aid kit to make it a perfect survival kit under any circumstances. These items of survival are:

1. Compass:

Having a compass inside a first aid kit improves the chances of survival, even in the most challenging situations.

There is a possibility of your mobile phone's battery dying while you are camping or traveling. In those times, a compass is a perfect way to save yourself from any additional trouble and keep yourself safe from the dangers of getting lost.

2. An extra piece of clothing:

There can be a time wherein you may have to cover a big wound for which bandages and pads are not enough.

In such a scenario, especially if you are away from home, a piece of clothing can be really helpful in stopping the bleeding and preventing blood loss.

A piece of clothing can be helpful for swellings as well by keeping the ice pack in place.

3. Poncho/blanket:

There are chances, especially when you are doing some adventure activity and are somewhere in the woods or hills, that you will need a poncho or a blanket to keep yourself safe and warm.

These emergency blankets can turn out to be lifesavers in cases of heavy rainfall and sudden storms.

4. Glow Sticks:

In case you are on an adventure, and you get lost and injured, then with the help of the glow stick, the rescuers can quickly locate and find you.

FAQs

1. How can I create my custom First Aid Kit?

You just need an empty box or pouch and all the vital medical items mentioned above. Along with this, all the basic medicine that you may need in case of emergency should be added to the list. If you want to add any other relevant stuff, you can surely add them as well.

2. Why do you need a First Aid kit at home?

Emergencies can happen anytime and anywhere, even in the comfort of your home. Thus, it is essential to keep your first aid ready to handle such emergencies without any hassle efficiently.

3. Is an extra pair of clothing a necessary part of the first aid kit?

Everyone carries a unique first aid kit with all the relevant requirements catering to their particular needs. Therefore, it all depends upon your own personal preference to add it or not. But we do recommend adding an additional clothing item in case you need it anyway.

4. Do you need to create a separate first aid kit for each trip?

No, it is not necessary to create a different kit for every travel journey. You can customize your already-made first-aid kit and use it comfortably for different travels. For example, add specific medication if you are traveling by air to help you with any nausea, headache, or dizziness you might have.

In The Nutshell

Now that you are aware of all the vital elements that your first-aid kit should comprise of, it is time to become a self-prepared person by keeping all the important items in your personal kit.

So, just create your own checklist of all the items that you want to include in it. We are sure that this guide will act as your one-stop solution to know everything about first-aid kits.