In an emergency, a First Aid box is the most essential means for immediate response. It can help to prevent excessive blood loss from a cut or other injury. It can also reduce the severity of an injury. Moreover, having a First Aid box at an accessible place will prevent panic and reduce anxiety. But, do keep the supplies for first aid kit away from the reach of the children.
Now that you know about the importance of a first aid kit, you must not cut corners when it comes to supplies for first aid kits, whether it’s for home, camping, or hiking. You need to have the right supplies in your First Aid box to help you in an emergency.
That’s why we’ve put together this list of 24 must-have supplies for your first aid kit! Whether you need a first aid kit for your home or as part of your camping gear, make sure these supplies are at the top of your list!
Supplies for First Aid Kit – Checklist
When assembling a first aid kit for your camping outdoors, there are certain supplies that you just can’t do without. So, make sure to include the following items:
Antiseptic Wipes
Antiseptic wipes are one of the must-have supplies for your first aid kit. They can help clean and disinfect wounds, and they can also help kill any bacteria around the wound. Make sure to stock up on enough antiseptic wipes.
Band-Aids
No first aid kit is complete without a few bandages! Band-Aids are essential for minor cuts and scrapes, and they can help keep your wound clean and free of infection. Be sure to include a few bandages.
Gauze Pads
If you have a more serious wound, you’ll need some gauze pads. Gauze pads can help absorb blood and keep your wound clean. Thus, these are a must for your First Aid box.
Polysporin Antibiotic Cream
You should have in your first aid kit some polysporin antibiotic cream. This antibiotic ointment is a topical product that prevents the growth of bacteria in cuts. It contains bacitracin zinc and polymyxin B sulfate and is dermatologist-recommended. It works fast to help heal cuts and prevent infections.
Medical Tape
If you’re using gauze pads or bandages, you’ll need some medical tape to keep them in place. Medical tape can also be used to secure splints or dressings. Be sure to include medical tape!
Safety Pins
Safety pins can be used to secure bandages or dressings, and they can also be used to create a makeshift splint. Do not forget to include a few safety pins.
Sterile Gloves
Sterile gloves are a must-have for any first aid kit. They can help protect you from infection, and they can also help keep your hands clean.
Sterile Dressings
Sterile dressings are a critical part of any first aid kit. They protect the wound and promote blood clotting while preventing infection. You can also make improvised dressings by using a non-fluffy material like plastic wrap or non-woven cloth. Alternatively, a non-woven dressing pad is rolled onto the wound and secured with a stretchy bandage.
Adhesive Tape
The first aid kit should contain adhesive tape. This handy tape is useful for holding bandages, gauze, and other dressings in place. It comes in different types, including waterproof, cloth, and paper tape.
Scissors
Scissors can be used to cut bandages or gauze, and they can also be used to cut clothing if necessary. A pair of scissors comes in quite handy during emergencies.
Tweezers
Tweezers can be used to remove splinters or ticks, and they can also be used to grab small items. Be sure to include a pair of tweezers in the first aid kit!
Pain Relievers
Pain relievers are medications that are used to relieve pain. There are many different types of pain relievers, and they can be purchased over the counter or by prescription. Common over-the-counter pain relievers include acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and aspirin.
Anti-Diarrhea Medication
You can find anti-diarrhea medicine over the counter. It can help with diarrhea and reduce the risk of dehydration while also stopping vomiting and controlling fever. If you have diarrhea or a severe case of the condition, you should also include loperamide (Imodium) for quick relief.
Syrup of Ipecac
It is a common remedy for poisoning cases and can be extremely effective, especially when it comes to inducing vomiting. In some cases, however, you should seek medical advice before using Ipecac.
Charcoal Tablets
If you’re a hiker, you’ve probably heard of the benefits of charcoal tablets. It is a must-have camping item for poison control. Charcoal tablets are a great way to provide relief to several common injuries.
Thermometer
Among all the tools in a home first aid kit, a thermometer is a must-have. Thermometers can be digital, temporal artery, or both. However, it is best to avoid mercury thermometers, which can leak toxic mercury. Try to use a digital thermometer. It can read a person’s temperature in three different areas, the mouth, armpit, and rectum. Temporal artery thermometers are suitable for measuring a person’s temperature from the forehead.
Hydrocortisone Cream
For minor skin irritations, like insect bites and rashes, hydrocortisone cream is a must-have in your First Aid Kit. It is effective for treating the symptoms of poison ivy and poison oak, as well as itchy bug bites, skin irritation, minor rashes, and itching. A 0.9-gram tube contains enough to treat several minor skin problems. However, seek advice from a physician or healthcare professional before using the cream.
Calamine Lotion
This lotion has been around since the 1830s and is an excellent choice for treating chicken pox, sunburns, bug bites, and poison ivy. It contains zinc, which is sourced from Arkansas mines. When used properly, it can treat minor skin irritations, like itching and oozing. Calamine lotion should be applied to the affected area three to four times daily.
Adhesive Bandages
If you’re putting together a First Aid Kit, be sure to include some adhesive bandages. These tiny, flexible dressings are used to cover wounds and small cuts. Because they stick to a wound, they help to prevent friction, bacteria, etc. Thus, allowing it to heal faster. Adhesive bandages are available in many different sizes and shapes and several varieties.
Mask
Every First Aid Kit should contain a mask for protection. This will keep dust and other inhalants from coming into your contact as they can cause serious health problems. You can easily get them from a medical shop.
Alcohol-based Hand Sanitizer
Having an alcohol-based hand sanitizer in your home will help prevent infection and protect you from germs. Now, if you can’t access a sink while camping, alcohol-based hand sanitizer is an excellent alternative.
Antacid for Indigestion
If you’ve ever experienced heartburn, indigestion, or just a bad stomach, you’ve probably used antacid tablets. You can find them in a variety of forms, including liquid or tablet forms, and they can be purchased from trusted brands.
Aspirin
The most common drugs in a First Aid Kit are NSAIDs. Aspirin tablets, in particular, are useful in the event of an emergency. These medications are effective for treating muscle aches and inflammation, as well as helping to reduce fever and menstrual pain. Many brands are available in various packaging, including chewable tablets, liquids, and capsules.
Insect repellant
If you’re traveling to a place with many mosquitoes, consider packing an insect repellent kit in your First Aid Kit. You can use insect repellent, such as Deet spray, or you can make your own by combining lemon eucalyptus oil with water. This natural repellent works well and lasts up to six hours.
First Aid Box – Add All the Supplies to Treat Injuries
These 24 supplies are important because they will help you in an emergency. For example, the bandaids will help to stop the bleeding, the gauze will help to keep the wound clean, and the antibiotic ointment will help to prevent infection.
Moreover, carrying a first aid kit is always advised if you go camping, traveling, or hiking. Along with your first aid kit, you should also keep a basic first aid manual or instruction booklet, it comes in handy during tough situations. Also, do not forget to check the medicines regularly to ensure they are within the use-by dates.
Do remember that every individual’s First Aid need is different, so treat them accordingly. With these important tips and listed supplies, you are prepared to combat every possible emergency. Good Luck!