A well-prepared first aid kit should contain a wide variety of medical supplies according to the needs of the individual. The contents should be able to treat a wide variety of injuries and illnesses. In addition, it's good to have extra items on hand in case a need arises. But when it comes to the basics, here are 10 items that are absolutely necessary for a basic first aid kit.

What is First Aid & Why is it Important?

First aid is the provision of medical care for an injury or any other immediate emergency. This is often done in an emergency situation where medical attention is not available nearby. Knowing a few simple steps in first aid and having a first aid kit available can be the difference between a minor injury and a tragedy. While first aid knowledge and supplies may not entirely address the problem, this can mitigate the situation until proper medical treatment is available.

10 Essential Items to Include in Your First Aid Kit

Hand & Eye Protection

If you have to help someone who is bleeding, disposable gloves and eye protection help prevent bodily fluids and blood from getting on your hands and in your eyes. Wearing this protective equipment also prevents you from infecting their open wound while tending to it. There are several types of gloves that can be used such as nitrile, latex, or rubber gloves.

CPR Pocket Mask

A CPR pocket mask is used to give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to patients that need respiratory aid. This mask prevents the potential transmission of pathogens from the attendant to the patient which can be just as dangerous to both individuals. Its clear appearance makes it easier for the attendant to see if the patient is receiving the oxygen well.

Tourniquet

For patients that are excessively bleeding, tourniquets can help control the bleeding by reducing the blood flow to the wound. A tourniquet consists of two elements: a cloth or belt buckle, used to wrap around a limb, and a stick that helps increase the pressure. This keeps patients with severe wounds from bleeding out before medical help is available.

Roller Gauze

Roller gauze functions both as tape and a bandage to your gauze dressings. Some wounds, although smaller, might still need a bandage to stop the bleeding, and roller gauze can both keep your gauze dressing in place and apply pressure.

Medical Tape

Medical tape is used to keep gauze pads and splints in place. Although regular tape can also work just as well, medical tape is gentler on the skin when removed. It can also serve as a bandage when roller gauze or a bandage isn’t available. Medical tape is usually made out of a paper-like material, which also makes it easier to cut in situations where you don’t have access to scissors.

4x4 Gauze Pads

In contrast to roller gauze, a gauze pad, regardless of its size, is directly applied to the wound after cleaning and applying ointments. It can also be used to absorb blood in more severe cases. Purchasing bigger gauze pads can be helpful too since they can be cut up to treat several wounds. Ultimately, gauze pads can also function as a bandage for bigger wounds.

Two Triangular Bandages

Triangular bandages are versatile and function in multiple ways. This kind of bandage is made out of a strong type of cloth cut at a right angle. It can be used as a large dressing, tourniquet, ace bandage, or sling. Adding two triangular bandages to your first aid kit allows you to treat multiple injuries that may require different treatments.

SAM Splint

A structural aluminum malleable (SAM) splint is a lightweight, compact splint that can be rolled up to fit in a first aid kit. When it’s folded up in a certain way, it becomes rigid enough to provide support for limb, neck, or spinal injuries. Given it’s malleable form, it can be cut up for smaller injuries too.

Trauma Shears

Trauma shears are a type of scissors used to cut away clothing in emergency situations. Trauma shears have a unique blunt tip, so they can be used quickly and safely without accidentally cutting the patient. In first aid kits, these can be used to cut gauzes and medical tape as well.

Final Thoughts

The importance of a first aid kit cannot be understated. A first aid kit is an important tool that should be in every household. The kit can serve as an invaluable resource that can help you, your family, and your friends in the event of an emergency. Additionally, knowing how to perform first aid not only helps when a person is injured but it’s also the most important knowledge you can have when trying to save a life in an emergency situation. To learn more about what you’ll need for your first aid kit, talk to the team at SOS Survival Products.

What are the 10 Most Important Items in a First Aid Kit?