The Anatomy of a First Aid Kit
First aid kits come in many shapes and sizes. Your local drug store may sell them or you can also make your own. Some kits are designed for specific activities, such as hiking, camping or boating.
Whether you buy a first aid kit or put one together, make sure it has all the items you may need.
IMPORTANT:
- Include any personal items such as medications and emergency phone numbers or other items your health-care provider may suggest.
- Check the kit regularly.
- Make sure the flashlight batteries work.
- Check expiration dates and replace any used or out-of-date contents.
Important: To get the most out of this first aid course please do not skip ahead. Everything in this course is designed to walk you through the learning process. From understanding your responsibilities and limitations, to what supplies you need and how to use them.
Basic First Aid Kit
According to the Red Cross it is recommends that a home first aid kit for a family of four include the following...
Basic 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 blanket (space blanket)
- 1 breathing barrier (with one-way valve)
- 1 instant cold compress
- 2 pair of nonlatex (Nitrile) gloves (size: large)
- 2 hydrocortisone ointment packets (approximately 1 gram each)
- Scissors & Tweezers
- 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
- First aid instruction booklet
Using Bandages & Dressings
Video Information:
Video Lesson: Bandages & Dressings
Video Time: 8:36
This is the first video explaining what all these different first aid supplies are for
First Aid: Important Supplies
Video Information:
Video Lesson: Important First Aid Supplies
Video Time: 12:41
In this video we explain some of the miscellaneous but still important first aid supplies.
Personal Protective Equipment (P.P.E.)
Video Information:
Video Lesson: Personal Protective Equipment
Video Time: 8:39
This video goes over how to put on, and take off your personal protective equipment.
Get Started...
In the next lesson we will go over some of the over the counter medications to have and a little bit about antibiotics.
Course Home
Click the button to return to the main course page with the list of all the modules in the first aid course.
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The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. The purpose of this website is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.