Building a First Aid Kit
A pre-made kit from Boots is fine for the car, but building your own means you know exactly what's in it and how to use every item. Build one for home, one for the car, one for outdoor trips.
The best first aid kit is the one you actually carry. A small, well-stocked kit you have with you beats a comprehensive one you left at home.
Nitrile gloves are essential — protect yourself before treating others. Blood-borne diseases are a real risk.
Check and restock your kit every 6 months. Items expire, get used, or deteriorate.
Add any personal medication (EpiPen, inhaler, antihistamines) to the kit if relevant to your household.
Choose your container: ziplock bag (ultra-light), small dry bag (waterproof), or hard case (car/home)
BASICS: Nitrile gloves x 4 pairs, assorted plasters, sterile gauze pads, conforming bandage x 2
BLEEDING: Large wound dressings x 2, triangular bandage (sling), medical tape, safety pins
BURNS: Cling film, burn gel sachets, non-adhesive dressings
TOOLS: Tough-cut scissors (for cutting clothing), tweezers, safety pins, foil blanket
EXTRAS: Paracetamol, ibuprofen, antihistamine tablets, antiseptic wipes, eye wash pods
OUTDOOR KIT: Add tick remover, blister plasters (Compeed), insect bite cream, rehydration sachets
Label the kit clearly. Add an emergency contacts card inside. Check and restock every 6 months
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