About First Aid Kits

Emergencies can occur at any time at home, on the road or at work. Most people have first aid kits ready just in case they need supplies. First aid kits often contain items for cuts and bruises as well as insect bites. Not all emergency kits are the same or have the same things inside them.

Home Made

People with children may have several first aid kits on hand. Some parents add band aids in different sizes, antiseptics and alcohol swabs. Others add white wrapping bandages and insect bite cream or ointment. Most adults prepare kits for their kids. The kits may be simple plastic Ziploc bags with band aids, phone numbers and other critical things children need to have when away from their parents.

Store Kits

Almost every retail store sells first aid kits. They come in all sizes and contain numerous emergency items for the home and work. Although every brand has different things in their kits, the most common items are:

• Adhesive and nonstick bandages


• Scissors


• Gauze


• Sterile dressings and pads cuts


• Alcohol cleansing pads


• Bacterial ointments or antiseptics wipes

Travel Kits

Travel kits, or car emergency kits, are ideal for driving or going out. They typically have everything regular first aid kits have but may be smaller in size.

First Aid Guides

Almost every kit has a first aid guide. The guide shows how to apply bandages, ointments and other treatments during emergencies. The guide may also instruct people on how to perform CPR, stop bleeding or call emergency services. It is important to read over the first aid guide found in kits just in case bad situations happen.