What should all be in a first aid kit

Have a question for CDC? Comments listed below are posted by individuals not associated with CDC, unless otherwise stated. These comments do not represent the official views of CDC, and CDC does not guarantee that any information posted by individuals on this site is correct, and disclaims any liability for any loss or damage resulting from reliance on any such information. Read more about our comment policy ».

This is a very useful list — It would be even more useful if there was a print-friendly version to download and share with family and friends. As a nurse, I like to believe that I would be able to treat minor cuts and wounds with the first aid kit that I have in my home, but due to not replacing key items, I was unable to do so and had to utilize makeshift materials until I was able to drive to a nearby pharmacy. The article mentions replacing any supplies that are used or expired and that is one tip I would caution to listen to.

I believe that it is always better to have a fully prepared and ready first aid kit in case of any home emergency. The personalization of the first aid kit and adding your home address are also great ideas. The article mentions that family, coworkers, friends, and public bystanders are often the first on a scene during a medical emergency and that is even more reason that everyone should have basic first aid knowledge.

In addition to the great tips mentioned, I would also advise ensuring that everyone in the household knows the location of the first-aid kit, how to use the contents within it, and when to call emergency services. As a registered nurse, I found this blog to have very useful information regarding what an at-home emergency kit should be equipped with. Emergencies happen all the time and more often than not, it is family or friends who are witness to accident or injuries in the home.

What impressed me the most about this blog was the customizing of the emergency at-home kit. This is particularly useful if someone in the home suffers from a chronic disease such as diabetes. It is good to have sugary snacks, or even an orange juice box in the kit. My daughter has epilepsy and in our emergency kit at home, I have dissolvable clonazepam prescribed by her neurologist and extra doses of her current antiepileptic medication. I absolutely agree that everyone should consider taking a CPR class.

We always hope we never encounter an emergency with our loved ones at home, however, we should all take the time to be as prepared as possible in order to facilitate a positive outcome in the event of such emergency. Your email address will not be published. Public Health Matters Blog. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Syndicate.

Customize your kit Think about the healthcare needs of your family when putting together a first-aid kit. For example: If you have a family member with a severe allergy, include antihistamine medicine and an epinephrine injector. If you have elderly family members with fragile skin, including a roll of paper tape can be useful for protecting delicate skin.

A well-stocked first aid kit is a handy thing to have. To be prepared for emergencies: Keep a first aid kit in your home and in your car. Carry a first aid kit with you or know where you can find one. Find out the location of first aid kits where you work. Whether you buy a first aid kit or put one together, make sure it has all the items you may need: Include any personal items such as medications and emergency phone numbers or other items your health-care provider may suggest.

Check the kit regularly. Check expiration dates and replace any used or out-of-date contents. Consider keeping aspirin in your first-aid kit, as well. Aspirin may be life-saving in an adult with chest pain. If you or someone else has new or unexplained chest pain or may be having a heart attack, call for emergency medical help immediately.

Then chew a regular-strength aspirin. However, don't take aspirin if you are allergic to aspirin, have bleeding problems or take another blood-thinning medication, or if your doctor previously told you not to do so. Check your first-aid kits regularly to be sure the flashlight batteries work and to replace supplies that have expired or been used up.

Consider taking a first-aid course through the American Red Cross. Contact your local chapter for information on classes. Prepare children for medical emergencies in age-appropriate ways.

The American Red Cross offers a number of helpful resources, including classes designed to help children understand and use first-aid techniques. There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Sign up for free, and stay up-to-date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID, plus expert advice on managing your health.

Error Email field is required. Error Include a valid email address. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information and to understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your e-mail and website usage information with other information we have about you.

If we combine this information with your PHI, we will treat all of that information as PHI, and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of e-mail communications at any time by clicking on the Unsubscribe link in the e-mail.