First Aid Kit

Schedule an Appointment Find a Doctor Find a Location

This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician with any questions you have regarding a medical condition. Your provider will offer referrals or treatment plans based on your specific condition or diagnosis.

Everyone should have a well-stocked first aid kit at home, in the car, and at work. You may also want to stock a portable kit (a box or small bag) that can be taken to the site of an emergency.

It's important to check your kit regularly. Restock items that have been used, and replace items that are out-of-date.

The kit's contents will vary depending on the number of people it's designed to protect, as well as its intended use. Here's some advice on what to include in a first-aid kit:

Instruments

Bandages

Bulb syringe

Adhesive bandage

Scissors

Butterfly bandages

Thermometer (oral)

Elastic bandages

Tweezers

Hypoallergenic tape

Sling (triangular-shaped cloth)

Sterile cotton balls

Sterile eye patches

Sterile gauze pads (4"x4")

Stretchable gauze roll

Waterproof tape

Medicines

Other items

Acetaminophen

Alcohol (rubbing 70%), alcohol-based hand sanitizer

Antacid

Alcohol wipes

Antibiotic ointment

Blanket

Antidiarrheal medicine

Candles

Antihistamine

Chemical ice packs or ice bag

Aspirin

Chemical hot packs or hot water bottle

Antiseptic ointment

Cotton swabs

Calamine lotion

Disposable gloves (non-Latex if you or a loved one has a Latex allergy)

Decongestant

Face mask for CPR

Hydrocortisone cream

First-aid book

Ibuprofen

Flashlight

Sugar or glucose solution

Insect repellent

Insect sting swabs

Matches

Measuring spoons

Paper and pencil

Paper cups

Soap

Safety pins

Sunscreen

Tissues

Tongue blades

List of emergency phone numbers

You can also use these everyday items in an emergency:

  • Disposable or cloth diapers for compresses, bandages, or padding for use as splints

  • Dish towels for use as bandages or slings

  • Umbrella, rolled magazine, or layered newspaper for use as a splint

In addition, it's helpful to carry these items in your car:

  • A large blanket

  • Gallon-size bottle of water

  • Flashlight and extra batteries

If your child or other family member has special medical needs, be sure to carry extra medical supplies when you go on an outing or trip. Some of these items might include:

  • An allergy kit containing medicines to be used by people with severe allergies. Or a glucagon emergency kit to treat very low blood sugar if a person has diabetes.

  • Prescription medicines (make sure they're stored correctly and aren't expired), syringes, and special equipment or supplies.

Be sure any member of your family who has special needs wears a medical alert identification bracelet or necklace at all times. You can find these in most pharmacies or online.