First aid kit

Posted on 28 February 2008

Every household should have a well-stocked first aid kit. Keep one in your home and one in your car. Store the kit in an accessible place, but out of reach of small children. You can purchase one from organisations such as St John’s ambulance or buy the items separately from a pharmacy. Make sure that you know how to use the items and what they are for. Each time that you use the kit, replace any used items promptly.

What should a home first aid kit contain?

There are several different kits available, each with slightly different contents and quantities. However, most good home first aid kits will contain the following items:

• 3 x roller bandages (50mm)
• 3 x roller bandages (75mm)
• 2 x triangular bandages
• Gauze dressing
• 2 x small wound dressings
• 2 x medium wound dressings
• 2 x large wound dressings
• 1 roll adhesive tape (1m x 2.5cm)
• Roll of cottonwool for padding
• 1 pair bandage scissors
• Safety pins
• 1 eyebath
• Tweezers or forceps
• 1 x burn dressing e.g. Burnshield
• 1 tube antiseptic ointment
• 1 pair disposable gloves
• 1 mouthpiece for administering CPR
• 1 packet assorted plasters
• Calamine lotion for soothing skin irritations, sunburn and stings
• Thermometer
• Rehydration fluid such as Sorel or Rehidrat
• Measuring spoons

Last update: July 2009

The information provided in this article was correct at the time of publishing. At Mediclinic we endeavour to provide our patients and readers with accurate and reliable information, which is why we continually review and update our content. However, due to the dynamic nature of clinical information and medicine, some information may from time to time become outdated prior to revision.