Basic First Aid Supplies

When injuries or illnesses occur, it is often useful to have a first aid kit available in homes, schools, daycare centers, workplaces, public buildings, and in other settings where people gather. First aid kits include supplies that are appropriate for use by people who are not health care professionals when an injury is minor or until the injured or sick person can receive professional medical care.

Some supplies that provide basic nonprofessional care for pain, musculoskeletal injury, wound care, and certain medical emergencies are listed below, although this is not a comprehensive list. The first aid kit should be kept well stocked and should be checked every 3 to 6 months to replace any missing or expired items. It can be helpful to keep a checklist of supplies in a first aid kit and a first aid manual.

Basic medications and topical treatments may include:

• Acetaminophen and/or ibuprofen for pain, fever, or inflammationAcetaminophen and/or ibuprofen for pain, fever, or inflammation

• Antihistamine (such as diphenhydramine or cetirizine) for allergic reactionsAntihistamine (such as diphenhydramine or cetirizine) for allergic reactions

• Antibiotic ointment (such as bacitracin or neomycin)Antibiotic ointment (such as bacitracin or neomycin)

• Hydrocortisone cream for stings and itchy, inflamed rashes Hydrocortisone cream for stings and itchy, inflamed rashes

• Petroleum jelly

Wound or injury care supplies may include:

• Bottle of isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) or iodine, or pre-soaked disinfecting pads, wipes, or spray

• Cotton balls and cotton-tipped swabs

• Bandages in various sizes and shapes

• Gauze pads in various sizes to stop bleeding and cover wounds

• Adhesive tape

• Butterfly closures

• Tourniquets

• Eyewash (sterile)

• Cold pack (instant) or ice bag

• Compression (elastic) bandage for sprains and strains

• Warm pack (instant) or hot water bottle

Tools and instruments may include:

• Thermometer

• Scissors

• Tweezers

• Nail clippers

• Safety pins in different sizes

• Flashlight with extra batteries

Cleaning and personal protection supplies may include:

• Soap

• Hand sanitizer

• Gloves (latex or nitrile)

• Mask or other shield for use during cardiopulmonary resuscitation

• Face mask or shield

• Plastic bags for the disposal of used materials (for disposal of items contaminated with bodily fluids or medical sharps [such as needles or scalpels], consult a local health authority)

Some medications used in emergency situations can be given by people who are not health care professionals, if a health care professional is not available. These items may be appropriate for some kits, including:

• EpinephrineEpinephrine in a premeasured, single-dose, intramuscular injection device (for example, EpiPen) for life-threatening allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), such as after a bee sting or eating a food a person is allergic to

• NaloxoneNaloxone (Narcan) nasal spray or injection for overdose of opioid drugs and medications (for example, heroin, oxycodone [including Oxycontin], fentanyl)(for example, heroin, oxycodone [including Oxycontin], fentanyl)

Additionally, have the following readily available:

• Phone numbers and contact information for the family doctor and/or pediatrician, emergency services, and regional poison control center (1-800-222-1222 in the United States)

• List of medications (both prescription and over-the-counter) that each family member takes

• Medical history (in print or digital format) for each family member

• Documentation (if available) for family members, particularly older adults or people with severe illness, regarding end-of-life wishes (such as health care proxy, do not resuscitate order [documentation of whether a person wishes to receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation if their heart or lungs stop functioning])

Many people consider taking a first aid course (such as through the American Red Cross in the United States). See the American Red Cross website for more information.

Parents or caregivers often teach children about how to respond to medical emergencies in age-appropriate ways and know when to call 911 (in the United States) or the local emergency services.