First Aid Kit Tools

A first aid kit is something everyone should have available in his or her car, especially when doing outdoor activities such as camping or hiking. Although you can purchase first aid kits already assembled, you can also create your own, based on your needs. But keep in mind, there are some key things that should be in every first aid kit.

First Aid Manual

• A first aid manual is important since it will detail how to care for specific wounds, sprains, insect bites, and allergy attacks. This is extremely beneficial for children or young adults who need to quickly care for an injury.

Swabs and Antibiotic Ointment

• Alcohol swabs are needed to sterilize equipment and wounds. These are thin and can easily be packed into a first aid kit. Antibiotic ointment is needed to treat wounds before they are bandaged. These help prevent infection. They can come in small, single packs.

Tweezers

• Tweezers have several uses, such as removing debris from a wound, removing a splinter or insect stinger, and helping wrap bandages around a wound. Safety pins are also beneficial to hold bandages together.

Bandages

• Bandages are one of the most necessary elements in a first aid kit, because they help protect any wound or injury. Get adhesive bandages in multiple sizes, particularly medium-sized. Elastic bandages are ideal for sprains or muscle injuries on ankles, knees, or wrists to help reduce swelling. Elastic bandages can be self-adhesive or have metal fasteners, although securing them with safety pins is beneficial.

Pads

• Pads such as gauze and cotton help cover a large wound, protect it, and can be fastened into a bandage. Pads are also beneficial for absorbing blood and cleaning wounds. Have an assortment of sizes in your first aid kit.

Pain Reliever

• Add a variety of pain relievers to your first aid kit, such as ibuprofen, muscle pain relievers, and joint relievers. These help alleviate pain from sore muscles, sprains, and wounds.

Cold Packs

• Cold packs are ideal to help prevent swelling and decrease pain. Instant, one-use cold packs become cold only when the seal is broken.

Light

• If you are out camping or need medical assistance in the dark, a light will be your savior. Imagine if you have no electricity and need to treat a wound. Pack a quality, hi-beam flashlight, or a portable LED lantern. Pack extra batteries as well. These lights can also be used as flares, if necessary.

Swiss Army Knife

• A Swiss army knife is one of the most handy tools to keep on hand. It has scissors, a small knife, and a corkscrew--these are just a few of the tools that can assist you in your first aid kit. Whether you need to cut gauze or pry something open, this tool will do the trick.