Contents of a Basic First Aid Kit for the Home and Family

Whether you purchase a ready made kit or make your own, the Red Cross recommends the items you should have for an all-purpose first aid kit for home use. You can also find kits that are designed for different activities, such as camping, boating, hiking, and other activities. The important issue is to make sure it has all the items you may need. Check your kit regularly for those things that have a “shelf life”. For instance, make sure the flashlight batteries work. Check all expiration dates and replace any items whose shelf life has passed. The Red Cross recommends that all first aid family first aid kits include:

• 2 absorbent compress dressings (5 x 9 inches)
• 25 adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)
• 1 adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 inch)
• 5 antibiotic ointment packets (approximately 1 gram)
• 5 antiseptic wipe packets
• 2 packets of aspirin (81 mg each)
• 1 blanket (space blanket)
• 1 breathing barrier (with one-way valve)
• 1 instant cold compress
• 2 pair of non-latex gloves (size: large)
• 2 hydrocortisone ointment packets (approximately 1 gram each)
• Scissors
• 1 roller bandage (3 inches wide)
• 1 roller bandage (4 inches wide)
• 5 sterile gauze pads (3 x 3 inches)
• 5 sterile gauze pads (4 x 4 inches)
• Oral thermometer (non-mercury/nonglass)
• 2 triangular bandages
• Tweezers
• First aid instruction booklet

Also include at least one good flashlight, a battery powered radio, and any specific medications members of your family might need in an emergency situation. This kit should serve as excellent protection under first aid necessary conditions.