The Proper First Aid Kit

Obviously, every home should have one, pandemic or not. But in looking around the web, I’ve examined a number of commercially available first aid kits, and I’m not impressed. If all you want a pretty box with some band-aids, Neosporin, and some gauze pads to handle cuts and scrapes, I suppose they are adequate. But in no way would I consider them suitable for a real emergency. And for the prices they are asking, you’d be better off building your own.

To that end, I’ve put together my recommendations for a minimum first aid kit. This is based on the items I used most often as a paramedic that do not require advanced training. Obviously, there are more items that could be added. Think of this as a starting point. And a first aid kit is not the same as your med-kit. This is the bag you grab when someone is injured or suddenly ill, and will use in the first 15 minutes of an emergency.

If there is interest, I’ll put together suggestions for a more complete medical kit later.

First, you need a carrying case. Tackle boxes work well for this, as do soft canvas bags with pockets. This carrying case should be light and durable, and large enough to organize and hold all of the items you need. Water resistance is a plus.

As far as the contents, I recommend:

Latex Gloves: These needn’t be sterile. They are for your protection. A bag of 50 is about $4. Keep 4 to 6 in the kit at all times.

N95 Masks: I keep 3 or 4 tucked away in my kit. One for me, the rest for possibly infectious patients.

Sterile Gauze Pads: 4x4’s are the most useful size. You will use these more than any other item. Have plenty of them on hand.

Kling roller bandage: 2nd most useful item. Have several rolls of 2 inch and 3 inch.

Cravat or Triangular Bandage: Buy one or you can make your own out of an old bed sheet.

Large Trauma Dressing: For when a 4x4 won’t do.

Paper Tape: Better than adhesive tape. Replace every year or two, as heat degrades them.

Ace Bandage: 2 inch and 4 inch.

Band aid Assortment: Not really needed in an emergency, but nice to have.

Alcohol wipes: Very handy

Hand Sanitizer: Small squeeze bottle. About 50 cents.

Thermometer: Inexpensive digital ones can be bought for about $4.

Stethoscope: Cheap ones are about $15.

BP Cuff: The battery operated digital ones are good enough. Manual ones are better, but do require a bit of practice to do it right.

Note Pad/Pen: Keep track of vitals

Bandage shears: Not just for cutting bandages. Can be used to cut away clothing.

Penlight flashlight: See in the dark, and check pupil reactions.

Ambu-bag/Airways: A bit expensive, but I won’t leave home without one. Sure beats doing mouth-to-mouth. About $50.

Cervical Collar: Foam collar stores easily and can be purchased for under $10.

Cold Packs: Not essential, but nice to have

Sterile eyewash: Generally in a squeeze bottle. Non-sterile is better than none at all.

Aspirin: To administer in the event of a suspected heart attack.

Tweezers: Nice to have, not required.

As stated, this is just a start. There are some items, like wire splints, that are nice to have, but you can do just about as well with a rolled up magazine/newspaper and some kling bandage. An emetic, such as syrup of Ipecac can be handy, but when used with the wrong type of poisoning (ie. Corrosives or petroleum products) can do more harm than good.

A pouch or two of a sports drink, like Gatorade, is a nice addition. Great for heat exhaustion, dehydration.

Someone, I’m sure, will point out the lack of a first aid manual. Frankly, you need to know how to handle emergencies before they occur. You won’t have time to look up something in a first aid manual while your patient is bleeding out or turning into a smurf. If it makes you feel better, though, add one.

Having a first aid kit is important, but if you haven’t taken a first-aid course, and don’t have a CPR certification, you are kidding yourself about your ability to handle an emergency. Contact you local Red Cross chapter or CERT program and see if they offer classes. CPR instructors are usually also available thru your local fire department.