What Should Be in a Home First Aid Kit?

By Michelle Brubaker | June 30, 2017

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From a minor ailment to a more serious injury, a first aid kit is a must in every home (vehicles too!). It can help reduce the risk of infection or the severity of an injury. First aid kits typically include a variety of supplies that will help treat cuts, scrapes and injuries, including sprains and burns. You can easily buy a prepared kit online or prepare your own. Learn what common supplies should be in a first aid kit and tips to keep your family safe both in your home and on the road.

Full List of Recommended Supplies by the American Red Cross

Basic First Aid Kit for Family of Four

2 absorbent compress dressings (5 x 9 inches)
25 adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)
1 adhesive clothe 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 large, non-latex gloves
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/non-glass)
2 triangular bandages
Tweezers
First aid instruction booklet
Flashlight or glow sticks

Blister kit for hiking and camping

Molefoam
Moleskin
2nd skin
Medical tape

For major wounds and fractures

SAM-splint: moldable foam splint
Emergency Trauma Dressing (ETD or ‘Israeli’ bandage or Ace wrap)
CAT or SOFTT Tourniquet
Wound packing gauze (Combat Gauze or Z-Pak dressing)
“Stop the Bleed” booklet

OTC medications to consider – especially for travel

Ibuprofen (Advil), 20+
Acetaminophen (Tylenol), 15+
Aspirin, 15+
Anti-histamine, x10
Immodium/Loperamide, x10
Sudafed (or an equivalent), x10
Throat lozenges, 10+
Bismuth tabs, x20
Oral rehydration, x3
Cranberry extract, x10
Dramamine, x10
Stool softener (laxative), x15

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