|  | Public Health Safety | First Aid

Types of First Aid Kits

Having first aid kit close at hand can help you to manage situations when someone gets hurt whether it is a mild or major injury. This is especially true if you have or work with children, are around any kind of sporting activity, or are in an a situation where you are far from a hospital or medical personnel. There are different kinds of kits from very basic to more complex, and which one you get depends on your individual situation.

  1. Standard First Aid Kit

    • The most basic first aid kit should contain the following items. They may come in a small metal or plastic box or just be loose items in a bag you carry with you. You should have several sizes of adhesive bandages, triangle bandages and gauze with metal clips and/or tape, small scissors, alcohol wipes, ice pack, tweezers and exam gloves to protect yourself. You may also want to include a CPR face shield.

    Sports or Health Club Kits

    • If you work in a health club, camp or are around sporting activities, you may need more in your kit. You should have all of the above items plus some additional materials. This includes sting relief medication, antibiotic ointment, aspirin and non-aspirin medication, first aid guide, eye pads, burn relief pads and electrolyte tablets.

    Outdoor Kits

    • If you are outdoors and far away from buildings, you may also want to include a whistle you can use to alert others you need help. A GPS device or compass can help you if you become lost. This can be helpful for activities such as hiking or kayaking.

    Medical Kits

    • If you work around pools, in health clubs or situations where clients may be at risk for heart attack, stroke or have other medical conditions, you need additional supplies in your kit. Along with all of the above, you may also want to include CPR face shields for both adults and children, and an AED (automatic external defibrillator) with both child and adult pads.

    Other Options

    • Depending on your activities and situation, you can purchase other items that are suited to your environment. You may also want to purchase an emergency blanket or oxygen supplies (see Resources).

First Aid - Related Articles