Knowing what to include among your first aid kit items is a must! A first aid kit is essential to a family, a go-bag, a travel duffel, and an adventure backpack. Certainly, the best thing you can do for yourself, and your family is to be prepared. So, we’re sharing our best tips with you on what to carry in a first aid kit so you can be prepared for minor injury and illness on your own. There are two main categories of items you’ll need:

First Aid Kit Items: Bandage Materials

In particular, it’s best to have a variety of bandage options should an injury occur.

  • Nitrile gloves in order to ensure clean handling
  • Anti-septic wipes to disinfect a wound
  • Topical anti-biotic such as bacitracin for speedy recovery
  • Band-aids
  • Large-area bandages
  • Roll or sheets of gauze
  • 1 inch wide athletic tape
  • Small surgical scissors
  • Quick-act ice pack
  • Ace bandage
  • Tweezers
  • Tick remover

First Aid Kit Items: Medications

Without doubt, it’s best to have choice of pain relievers for different purposes. The elements won’t always be in your favor, but you can be prepared for them!

  • Ibuprofen in order to reduce inflammation (take with food!)
  • Acetaminophen for reducing fever and pain
  • Antacid – milk of magnesia is most effective
  • Fast-acting anti-allergy/antihistamine
  • Bee sting relief
  • Anti-itch cream
  • Electrolyte tabs
  • Sunscreen (yes, even in the winter)
  • Saline eye drops
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Epi-Pen (if needed)
  • Asthma inhaler (if needed)

If you’ve made it this far, consider yourself educated for taking on any sports game, walk in the park, scenic hike along the river, bike ride around town and more.

Generally, It’s best to keep your first aid kit in a bright and easy-to-identify sack or bag in an easy to reach place in your backpack or purse. In addition, let others in your family or group know where it is, and what is in it. Communicate any severe allergies and how to use an epi-pen in a time of need. As a matter of fact, many parents and healthcare professionals even carry an epi-pen for the sake of others. Most important, be sure to check the medications in your kit every 3 years, as some may expire.

*Please note: This is a simple essentials first aid kit that does not include treatment for serious trauma. Therefore, if there is a medical emergency outside your scope of handling, see our Urgent Care Center for non life-threatening conditions, or go to the emergency room for life-threatening conditions.

© Excel Urgent Care and Affiliates 2023