Assemble Your Own First Aid Kit

The American Red Cross suggests that all families have a first aid kit so that they are equipped with proper supplies in case of an emergency. It is recommended that you keep a kit in your home and in your car so that you can be prepared no matter where you are.

A well-stocked first aid kit for a family of 4 includes the following:

  • 2 absorbent compress dressings (5 x 9 inches)
  • 25 adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)
  • 1 adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 inch)
  • 5 antibiotic ointment packets (approximately 1 gram)
  • 5 antiseptic wipe packets
  • 2 packets of aspirin (81 mg each)
  • 1 blanket (space blanket)
  • 1 breathing barrier (with one-way valve)
  • 1 instant cold compress
  • 2 pair of nonlatex gloves (size: large)
  • 2 hydrocortisone ointment packets (approximately 1 gram each)
  • Scissors
  • 1 roller bandage (3 inches wide)
  • 1 roller bandage (4 inches wide)
  • 5 sterile gauze pads (3 x 3 inches)
  • 5 sterile gauze pads (4 x 4 inches)
  • Oral thermometer (non-mercury/nonglass)
  • 2 triangular bandages
  • Tweezers
  • First aid instruction booklet
  • Any perscription medications taken by members of your family
  • Phone numbers of primary care physicians

The first aid kit should be replenished when something is used and should also be checked regularly to make sure that no items have expired.

Fully assembled first aid kits can also be purchased at drug stores and most department stores.

For more information on being prepared for an emergency, please visit http://www.redcross.org/prepare/location/home-family