What to keep in a first aid kit

Teach: What to keep in a first aid kit

What to say

A useful first aid kit covers cuts, burns, sprains and bleeding: bandages from small strips to large pads, gauze and tape, a roller bandage and an elastic wrap, gloves, trauma shears and tweezers, burn gel dressings, a cold pack and a foil blanket. Tape a card inside the lid with emergency numbers. Keep one at home and one in the car, and restock after every use.

What to show, in order

1. Pick a bright, rigid box or bag that closes well and is easy to spot.
2. Pack adhesive strips in mixed sizes, large sterile pads, gauze squares and a roll of medical tape.
3. Add a roller bandage, an elastic wrap for sprains and two triangular bandages for slings.
4. Add nitrile gloves, blunt-tip trauma shears, fine tweezers and antiseptic wipes.
5. Add burn gel dressings, an instant cold pack and a foil emergency blanket.
6. Tape a card inside the lid with your local emergency number, 911 in the US, poison control, 1-800-222-1222, and a nearby urgent care.
7. Keep one kit in the kitchen and a second in the car trunk.
8. Restock after every use and check dates every spring and fall.
9. Take a certified class in first aid and CPR so the kit gets used well.

When to stop and call a professional

• A wound is deep, gaping, will not stop bleeding with firm pressure, or was caused by an animal bite: get urgent care, or call your local emergency number, 911 in the US.
• Take a certified class in first aid and CPR: this page is a refresher, not training or certification.

The check question

Ask: Where should the emergency numbers card go? Answer: Taped inside the kit's lid

From EveryManSkills. General information, not professional advice.