There are a variety of pre-assembled first aid kits you can purchase or you can build your own first aid kit – the supplies needed in a first aid kit are the same, regardless. We’ve included a checklist so you know what needs to be in your first aid kit, along with other tips to ensure you’re prepared for common injuries or medical conditions as they arise.

Why is it important to have a first aid kit?

Do you really need a first aid kit or have the manufacturers of first aid kits just done a great job of convincing you the kits are a necessity? Well, if your child cuts himself at a neighbor’s house would you prefer your neighbor is able to reach for the first aid kit and have everything they need to help stop the bleeding at hand or would you prefer they run around muttering “I could have sworn I put the bandages around here somewhere”? Not sure about you, but I prefer they have the first aid kit readily accessible and fully stocked.

We hope that we don’t really have to convince you of the importance of a first aid kit. The American Red Cross recommends a first aid kit have the following basic first aid supplies:

• 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 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

Additionally, the Mayo Clinic recommends the following be added to customize your family’s first aid kit:

• Cell phone and recharger that uses the accessory plug in your car dash
• Emergency phone numbers, including contact information for your family doctor and pediatrician, local emergency services, emergency road service providers and the regional poison control center
• Medical consent forms for each family member
• Medical history forms for each family member
• Small, waterproof flashlight and extra batteries
• Candles and matches for cold climates
• Sunscreen
• Mylar emergency blanket
• First-aid instruction manual

Red Cross has a wide variety of Red Cross first aid kits already assembled and available to purchase. If you prefer to create your own first aid kit the basic supplies on the checklist should be kept in a sturdy bag or container (experts recommend it be clear so the contents are clearly visible), and depending on where your first aid kit will be used and kept you may also want to ensure it is waterproof. First aid bags are an option to consider – they’re specially designed to hold first aid and first responder kits.

For home first aid kits, most recommendations are to keep it in the kitchen (the majority of household accidents and injuries occur in the kitchen and bathroom). Keep first aid supplies where they are easy to reach, but out of reach to very young children. Once a child is old enough to understand first aid basics, make sure they’re familiar with the kit’s contents and where it’s kept. You’ll want to have at least two first aid kits – one to keep at home and one to keep in your vehicle. Also consider placing first aid kits in your camper, RV, etc. First aid kits can also be specialized for specific activities such as camping, sports, etc. Click here for more on the variety of first aid kits available.