What should I be looking for in a First Aid Kit?

One of the items I plan on carrying around with me is an ultraportable first aid kit, in case (due to whatever emergency circumstances) I or others require it before emergency personnel can arrive on-site. What should I be looking for in one?

Here's a list of some stuff to have:

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 blanket (space blanket)
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


Also, remember that a First-Aid Kit evolves as necessary. You may need more of one thing than another, and it really depends on what sort of things you're going to happen-upon.

I also advise learning CPR, and studying all you can about First-Aid. The Red Cross has training programs you can go through to become certified.


Take a Class with the Red Cross

Thanks for the starting point and the link. I don't plan on having to use it, but just in case.

Yeah, better to have something and not need it, than need something and don't have it. Unless it's a bowling ball, and you're not going bowling.

don't give out any type of medication & get & let the victim know you have medical training b4 you touch anyone for legal reasons.

a WATCH is important,not as much in a first aid kit but will come in handy for pulse or time records cuz time records will be needed. (you really wanna be helpful? get those times right,every second counts!)

Also, be sure to ask the person if they want your help. Not if they want help, but if they want your help. If they are unable to say anything, then you can safely assume that they do. This is basic First-Aid knowledge, and can prevent legal trouble.

ShowStopper wrote:

Also, be sure to ask the person if they want your help. Not if they want help, but if they want your help. If they are unable to say anything, then you can safely assume that they do. This is basic First-Aid knowledge, and can prevent legal trouble.

YEP! VERY IMPORTANT!

You can find first aid kits that fit right onto a belt like this one.



It sticks out due to the coloring, but that's easily fixed. There are a lot of kits out there designed to attach to belts, generally they're geared towards hiking/camping.

First aid kits are just like Show Stopper said - they get added to the longer you have them. Just for kicks, I have a few kid bandaids in mine.