Safety First: What Goes in a Basic First Aid Kit?

Do you have a good, solid, basic first aid kit in your home or car? You never know when you’re going to have a scrape or a cut (or worse) so it’s a good idea to keep some first aid supplies on hand for emergencies.

But what are the things in a basic first aid kit? You only have a finite amount of space, so how do you determine what’s important enough to pack?

We have a few ideas so you can put together a quick and easy (but thorough) first aid kid that can handle all basic needs. While this might not suffice for a long backpacking trip or a dangerous adventure, it’s perfect for keeping around the home or taking on hikes and road trips.

Keep reading to learn more.

Bandages

The most obvious things that need to go into your first aid kit are bandages. There are plenty of types of bandages so you should pick up a variety.

The first ones you need are standard adhesive bandages. Buy them in a variety pack of different sizes to make sure that you have one for every occasion. 

This is also when you should purchase gauze and cloth bandages, as well as something to stick them to your body. Use adhesive for the gauze, and if your cloth bandage wrap doesn’t have built-in adhesive, consider getting a metal attachment for it.  

Various Wipes

While wipes aren’t great for the environment, they’re the perfect addition to a first aid kit because you’ll be working on the fly. 

You’re going to want to consider every type of wound. Get a pack of antiseptic wipes and a pack of alcohol wipes to make sure wounds stay clean. Also, consider a standard set of wet wipes to quickly clean hands. 

Antibiotic Ointment

When you hurt yourself out on the road, it’s a good idea to have some antibiotic ointment. It keeps bacteria out of your wounds so it’s great to use under a bandage. 

If you’re using the kit at home where there isn’t a huge risk of infection, it can still prevent scars. 

A First Aid Manual 

Do you know how to take care of someone in the event of a first aid emergency? Whether the emergency is big or small, it’s a good idea to get a first aid manual so you know you’re doing things right.

You can buy a first aid manual from anywhere that you buy first aid supplies online. 

A Flashlight

While a flashlight isn’t a healing tool, it’s an essential part of any first aid kit, especially if you’re bringing it on the road with you.

When it comes to dealing with injuries, a flashlight can help you administer care when it’s dark outside. Keeping one in your first aid kit also ensures that you’ll have one whenever you need it outside of a first aid emergency. 

Do You Have a Basic First Aid Kit?

There are so many more things that you should have in a basic first aid kit, but these ones will get you started. Remember, you want to have everything that you need to treat mild to moderate wounds in a portable kit. Stay safe out there!

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