Where is your first-aid kit?
Mine is in my bathroom, in my linen cupboard. This really seems like the most organized place for it to be. There is a mirror, sink, and place to sit and clean-up. I’ve recently read that a first-aid kit should be located elsewhere (I suppose, just so that it is not one more thing in the bathroom to organize/store), but I really don’t have anywhere else to put it that would make more sense. My first-aid kit is neatly in one red bag, which is very obvious, and can be moved to another room if necessary. I use a case similar to this one from Outbound.ca, which came with some first-aid supplies.
What’s in your kit?
There are many lists of things to include in a First-Aid kit, but many of those are overly complicated with too many items. Here is a simplified list of the essentials:
- Aloe Vera Gel for sunburns and other burns (I use Aveda’s Intensive Hydrating Masque because it is great for adding moisture to the face as a facial mask, but then also works well for sunburns and bug bites)
- A variety of bandages – different sizes for various wounds, including butterfly closure bandages, fabric bandages, and maybe even the fancy kind that are padded, and good for blisters
- Scissors
- Moleskin – for blisters, use the scissors for cutting the exact size you need
- Tea Tree Oil – for its antibacterial properties, more for healing a wound
- Antibiotic spray or ointment
- Roll and square pads of gauze – for cuts, but also good for 2nd degree burns
- Cotton fabric squares big enough to be able to fold in to triangles for a sling, or wrapping around a deeply cut or broken limb
You can find lovely first aid kits from the Red Cross store—but also check this cabinet out:
What else would/should you include in your first aid kit? A small book of first-aid tips might be a good idea.
April Decheine says
Stopping by from the DDD Lower your Alexa List! I also subscribed to your Newsletter 🙂
Lori B says
Thank you for this timely post! My husband and I were just discussing the need for this for our young baby. Does anyone have any ideas for good bandages for infants? Recently my hubby accidentally nicked the little guy's finger when clipping his nail. We wanted to put a bandaid on it but I was worried because he's all about sucking his fingers (he's only 4 mos old) and I didn't want him to accidentally suck the bandaid off and swallow it.
I printed your list and will put together a kit this weekend! But I'd love to hear suggestions about bandages for little lamb fingers. 🙂
tazimd says
thanks for your comment – I will have to look in to that but maybe some others have suggestions?
Matt says
Super glue. Seriously. Liquid stitches is nothing more than super glue. Make sure you wash the wound thoroughly and only apply it to capulary bleeding, not vaineous or arterial.
tazimd says
that's a great idea! HAdn't thought of that – it obviously won't come off in the baby's mouth, and is super (ha!) cheep, too.
tazimd says
thanks Ellen – You have some good suggestions. I should add some of those one-use cold compresses, too. I have a sore muscle balm, but it isn't in my first aid kit—but elsewhere in my bathroom and next to my bed (in my nightstand). I use Aveda's 'Active' oil – good for sore muscles/pain in joints.
I take a mini version of the first aid kit on camping trips and travel trips (mostly bandages and blister stuff though).
Matt says
A spot where a lot of people forget to stock a kit is in your car. I throw a small one in my glovebox with some gloves. The main thing you should worry about with a kit is stopping major bleeding. All that moleskin and ointment might be all well and good for small injuries, but when you have a compound fracture you need to know where your major bandages are. Also, bandages with Quikclot can save someone's life. Lastly, everyone should know where the kit is and it should be inspected at least once a year.
Matt says
Also, major kits should have scissors capable of cutting a belt and all clothes. Another thing to consider is eyewash solution. Stay safe.
prague stag weekends says
thanks for the nice post as all of us need the first aid and it could be act as the saving things of the life.