From kitchen mishaps like cuts and minor burns to outdoor hazards like scraped knees and bug bites, there are plenty of opportunities for injuries at home. Having a well-stocked first aid kit in case of accidents that require basic medical attention is important for preventing infections, as well as lessening the potential severity of an injury.
A first aid kit also contains all the necessary medical supplies in one easily accessible location, helping you to save time. What’s in your home first aid kit? Take a look at our guide to creating a suitable at-home kit for your family.
Here are the items the Red Cross recommends for a family of four:
- 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 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
It's important to note that if you need immediate medical assistance, do not hesitate to visit your nearest urgent care clinic for care. Learn more about when to go to urgent care, or how to choose between primary care, urgent care, and the ER.
