How to Assemble First-Aid Kits and How To Use the Items

A first-aid kit is one of the most simple, yet essential, tools for the car, workplace and home. You can buy a first-aid kit, especially if the kit is approved by a body like the Red Cross, or you can assemble your own first-aid kit. The supplies for a kit are available at most pharmacies and are low in cost. You need to learn how to use the various items included in your first-aid kit. Some of these items are self-explanatory if you read the directions, while other aspects of first aid require training.

Things You'll Need

• Box or bag to hold the kit
• Sterile bandages
• Safety pins
• Soap or cleanser
• Latex gloves
• Sunscreen
• Gauze pads
• Triangular bandages
• Rolled bandages
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Needle
• Moist towelettes
• Antiseptic
• Thermometer
• Tongue depressors
• Petroleum jelly
• Non-prescription painkillers, antacids and anti-diarrheal medications
• First aid manual

Show More

Instructions

Steps to Assemble and Use a First-Aid Kit

• 1

  Check Red Cross-approved lists of first-aid items and purchase those items for your kit.

• 2

  Get a container for your first-aid kit. The container should be large enough to hold your items, sturdy and water-resistant. Plastic boxes and nylon bags are excellent for this purpose.

• 3

  Read the instruction labels for each item in the first-aid kit. For most simple items, such as painkillers and bandages, this will give you the knowledge needed for correct use.

• 4

  Fill your first aid-kit with all of the necessary items. Place frequently used items, such as Band-Aids, sunscreen and non-prescription painkillers, near the top for easy access.

• 5

  Store your first-aid kit in a safe and easy-to-reach location.

• 6

  Read your first-aid manual for the basics of first-aid care and safety.

• 7

  Sign up for a first-aid training class. Such classes give you a solid grounding in first-aid procedures and will go over the skills needed to use the items in your first-aid kit.