72 hour First Aid Kit
Like with food, there are various levels of first-aid kits that you can include in your 72-hr kit. Start with the most basic (Band-Aids, gauze, antiseptic solution, and antibiotic ointment). Continue to add to it as your budget allows. Remember that something, even if it is the most basic, is always better than nothing.
Things to consider for First-Aid Kits:
- Remember to include any personal prescription medicines that you take regularly or are necessary (ie. Epi pens).
- Consider any personal meds that might need refrigeration (ie. insulin)
- Clearly mark your 1st-Aid kit. You could put it in a red bag or put a large red cross on your container.
- Try to make sure it is in a waterproof container. Ziploc bags are an inexpensive solution.
- Be sure to rotate any medicines/creams/lotions.
Possible Items to Include
Five different First-Aid Kit lists were compiled to make this list. Items are listed in order of how often they showed up. Start with the items most frequently listed, which would create a basic first-aid kit. As your budget allows you could add things towards the end of the list that would help make your first-aid kit more comprehensive.
- Antiseptic Solution/Wipes (Hydrogen Peroxide)
- Band-Aids. (Include various sizes and types: (ie. butterfly, knee, fingertip, knuckle))
- Antibiotic Cream (Neosporin)
- Gauze pads/roll (various sizes)
- Adhesive Tape
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- Non-prescription pain killers (Tylenol/Advil/Aspirin)
- Anti-diarrhea medicine
- Latex Gloves
- Antacid
- ACE wrap
- First Aid Instructions
- Triangle Bandage
- Laxative
- Thermometer
- Sunscreen
- Personal Medications
- Alcohol Wipes
- Cold Pack/Instant Ice
- Safety Pins
- Tongue Depressors
- Vaseline
- Burn Ointment
- Calamine Lotion
- Moleskin
- Emergency Blanket
- Needles
- Mouthpiece for CPR
- Eyewash Solution
- Activated Charcoal
- Anti-Itch Cream (Hydrocortisone cream)
The following items were only listed on one of the lists but are worth considering to create a more comprehensive First-Aid kit as your budget allows.
- Allergy Medicine (ie. Benadryl)
- Ammonia Capsules
- Baby Wipes
- Baking Soda
- Cotton Balls/Q-Tips
- Duct Tape
- Emergency Numbers
- Eye Drops
- Hand Sanitizer
- Hand Warmer
- Hot Pack
- Insect Repellent
- Insect Sting Pads
- Iodine Prep pads
- Knife
- Lip Balm
- Lotion
- Medical History
- Moistened Towelettes
- Plastic Bags
- Soap
- Splints (small/large)
