How to Buy First Aid Kits

Choosing a first aid kit is an important step in ensuring your safety and the safety of others. The most common use for a first aid kit is on a camping or hiking trip. You can also keep a kit in your home for cuts or other accidents. You may need to add items to a basic kit or choose a specialized kit if you or a family member has a health issue such as an allergy to bees.

Instructions

• 1

  Consider how the kit will be used. For most homes, a basic kit will work. For an outdoors adventure or trip, consider how many people are going, how long you'll be traveling and the possible dangers of the trip. A larger kit with more supplies is necessary for several people or longer trips, while certain hazards require special equipment.

• 2

  Check that the kit comes with a manual. Always read and follow the manual to ensure proper treatment of any cut or accident.

• 3

  Check for the basic first aid supplies. These include band-aids, gauze, tape, scissors, tweezers and antibiotic ointment.

• 4

  Check for the following items and add them if they are not included in your kit: sunscreen, hydrogen peroxide or other disinfectant, hydro-cortisone cream, a small mirror, and a knife or razor blade. Add your own prescription medications if necessary.

• 5

  Purchase a first aid kit with a bee sting kit and a venom pump if you will be in areas where bee stings or snakes bites may occur. Include an Epi-Pen if you have a severe allergy to bees. This should also be added to a home kit if a family member is allergic to bees.

• 6

  Find a kit that includes gloves and sanitary wipes. These help prevent infections.

• 7

  Choose a larger first aid kit that includes the following supplies, in addition to the basics, if you plan on a longer or more dangerous trip. Keep in mind that a larger kit will weigh more and may be harder to carry. The larger kit should include butterfly bandages, burn cream if you will be around fire, slings, splints, a thermometer, instant cold packs and a CPR mouthpiece.

• 8

  Add calamine lotion to stop itching from bug bites or poison ivy. Always carry an extra flashlight and batteries as well as a blanket. These can be crucial when treating someone in the cold or dark.

• 9

  Choose a kit in a waterproof pouch or container to protect it against the weather.