How to Build a Complete First Aid Kit
A well-stocked first aid kit is one of the most important items in your emergency preparedness supplies. According to the American Red Cross, every household should have at least one comprehensive first aid kit, ideally with additional kits in vehicles and at workplaces.
The right first aid kit depends on your household size, activities, and specific medical needs. This calculator helps you build a customized list that covers your situation.
First Aid Kit Categories
Wound Care
- Adhesive bandages: Various sizes from small strips to large patches
- Sterile gauze: Pads (2x2, 4x4) and rolls for larger wounds
- Medical tape: Paper and cloth types for different skin sensitivities
- Elastic bandages: For sprains, strains, and compression
- Butterfly closures: For closing cuts without stitches
- Non-stick pads: For burns and wounds that shouldn't stick
Cleaning & Antiseptic
- Antiseptic wipes: Alcohol or benzalkonium chloride based
- Antibiotic ointment: Neosporin or generic triple antibiotic
- Hydrogen peroxide: For wound cleaning (though saline is gentler)
- Saline solution: For wound irrigation and eye washing
- Hand sanitizer: For when soap and water unavailable
Tools & Equipment
- Scissors: Medical shears that can cut through clothing
- Tweezers: Fine-point for splinter removal
- Thermometer: Digital preferred (oral or forehead)
- Instant cold packs: For sprains and swelling
- CPR face shield: For safe rescue breathing
- Disposable gloves: Nitrile preferred (latex-free)
- Flashlight: Small penlight for examination
Medications
- Pain relievers: Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, aspirin
- Antihistamines: Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) for allergies
- Antidiarrheal: Loperamide (Imodium)
- Antacids: For stomach upset
- Hydrocortisone cream: For rashes and itching
- Burn gel: For minor burns
Kit Levels Explained
Basic Kit (~$30-50)
Covers minor injuries: small cuts, scrapes, splinters, headaches. Good for small households or as a supplementary kit. Contains essential bandages, antiseptic, and basic medications.
Standard Kit (~$50-100)
Comprehensive home and auto kit. Handles most common injuries and illnesses. Includes everything in basic plus more quantities, additional wound care, and expanded medications.
Comprehensive Kit (~$100-200)
Extended emergency preparedness. Designed for situations where medical help may be delayed. Includes trauma supplies, more medications, and equipment for serious injuries.
Wilderness Kit (~$150-300)
For remote locations far from medical care. Adds items for environmental injuries (hypothermia, heat illness), improvised care, and extended treatment. Often includes prescription items obtained through a physician.
Storage and Maintenance
- Location: Store in cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Everyone in household should know where it is.
- Container: Use waterproof container with clear organization. Label sections or use pouches.
- Accessibility: Don't lock it away—quick access in emergencies is critical.
- Inspection: Check every 3-6 months for expired items and depleted supplies.
- Rotation: Use and replace items regularly so nothing sits too long.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the most common missing item in first aid kits?
Medications and their maintenance. People often forget to include OTC meds, or they expire without being replaced. Adhesive bandages in larger sizes (knuckle, fingertip, large patch) are also commonly missing—small strips alone aren't enough for many real injuries.
Should I include prescription medications?
Your first aid kit should include current prescription medications for household members, ideally a 7-30 day emergency supply. Talk to your doctor about getting extra supplies for emergencies. For wilderness kits, physicians can prescribe emergency antibiotics and other items.
Do I need different kits for home vs. car vs. hiking?
Ideally, yes. A home kit can be larger and more comprehensive. Car kits should be compact but complete, able to handle roadside emergencies. Hiking/outdoor kits need additional items for environmental emergencies and weight considerations. Start with one good kit, then build others as budget allows.
Is first aid training necessary?
Highly recommended. Supplies are only useful if you know how to use them properly. The American Red Cross, American Heart Association, and many local organizations offer first aid and CPR courses. Many can be completed in a single day. This knowledge is as important as the supplies themselves.