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Basic First-Aid Supplies

ID

VCE-409NP

Authors as Published

Michael Martin, Extension Specialist, VCE Emergency Response and Preparedness, 4-H General and Administration, Virginia Tech, Reviewed by Daniel L. Goerlich, Associate Director Economy, Community, and Food, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech

A red first aid kit and its contents.

A red first aid kit and its contents.
Photo credit iStock.com/Vitalii Petrushenko.

Introduction

Being Prepared helps families alleviate fears and reduce potential losses related to disasters. In the event of emergencies or disasters, injured people need to receive help within the first hour of the incident. Often family members and co-workers are the initial first responders. First-aid kits are a necessity for attending to victims and should be kept in homes, vehicles, schools and workplaces.

  • You may purchase first-aid kits or customize your own kits for families, schools and businesses. Some kits are designed for specific activities, such as hiking, camping or boating.
  • Make sure your kits have all the supplies you may need. Include personal items, such as medications and emergency phone numbers, or other items your health-care provider may suggest.
  • Make sure the flashlight batteries work. 
    • Check expiration dates and replace any used or out-of-date contents
    • Check kits regularly.

Basic First-Aid Kits may include these supplies, though variations can easily be made to meet the specific needs of families, schools and workplaces. Animal issues can impact public health and safety.

  • Adhesive tape
  • Aluminum finger splints
  • Antibiotic ointment
  • Antiseptic solution or towelettes
  • Bandages, including a roll of elastic wrap and assorted bandage strips
  • Instant cold packs
  • Cotton balls and cotton-tipped swabs
  • A box of disposable latex or synthetic gloves
  • Save-a-tooth storage device containing salt solution and a travel case
  • Scissors, tweezers and a needle
  • Soap or instant hand sanitizer
  • Sterile eyewash, such as a saline solution
  • Thermometer
  • Triangular bandage
  • Turkey baster or other bulb suction device for flushing out wounds
  • Activated charcoal (use only if instructed by Poison Control Center)
  • Anti-diarrhea medication
  • Over-the-counter oral antihistamine (i.e., Benadryl, others)
  • Aspirin and nonaspirin pain relievers (never give aspirin to children)
  • Calamine lotion
  • Over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream
  • Personal medications
  • Syringe, medicine cup or spoon
  • Sunscreen
  • Mylar emergency blanket
  • Disposable diapers
  • Personal hygiene items
  • Towels, sheets, linens, pillows
  • Scarf (sling)
  • Blankets

Information Sources:

www.eden.lsu.edu; 
www.fema.gov; 
www.ready.gov; 
www.redcross.org

Reviewed by Daniel L. Goerlich, Associate Director Economy, Community, and Food, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech

Virginia Cooperative Extension materials are available for public use, reprint, or citation without further permission, provided the use includes credit to the author and to Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech, and Virginia State University.

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Publication Date

May 8, 2020

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