Kits & Supplies
Stocking a Home First Aid Kit, and Knowing When to Call for Help
A well-organized kit and a little training go a long way. What to stock, how to keep it current, and where to learn the skills behind the supplies.
A first aid kit is one of the most practical things a household can own. It turns minor scrapes and kitchen cuts into a quick fix, and it gives you supplies to work with while help is on the way for something more serious. The kit is only part of the picture, though. The other part is knowing the basics, and knowing when to call for professional help.
This guide covers what to keep in a home kit, how to organize and maintain it, and how to build the skills that make it useful. It is general information, not medical advice. For specific health questions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Start with the essentials
The American Red Cross and other first aid organizations publish suggested kit contents. A well-stocked home kit commonly includes:
- Adhesive bandages in several sizes
- Sterile gauze pads and a roll of gauze
- Adhesive cloth tape
- An elastic bandage wrap
- A triangular bandage
- Disposable non-latex gloves
- Scissors and tweezers
- Instant cold packs
- Antiseptic wipes
- Antibiotic ointment packets
- A digital thermometer
- A CPR breathing barrier, such as a face shield
- An emergency blanket
- A first aid guide or instruction booklet
Many households also keep over-the-counter items they already use, such as a pain reliever or an allergy medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist which are appropriate for each family member, especially children, and keep them in their original labeled packaging.
Add personal and household items
The most useful kit reflects the people who will rely on it. Consider adding:
- A written list of each person's medications, doses, allergies and medical conditions
- A few days of essential prescription medications, if your doctor or pharmacist advises it
- Spare glasses or contact lens supplies
- Any supplies your doctor has prescribed for a specific condition
- Emergency phone numbers, including your doctor, pharmacy and the national Poison Help line, 1-800-222-1222
- A few pet first aid basics and your veterinarian's number, if you have animals
Organize it so anyone can use it
In an urgent moment, nobody wants to dig through a jumble of loose packets. A little organization helps:
- Use a sturdy, clearly marked container that closes securely. A divided storage box or a zippered bag with compartments works well.
- Group items by purpose in clear zip bags: cuts and scrapes, sprains, burns, tools and medications.
- Put the instruction booklet on top so it is the first thing anyone sees.
- Store it where adults can reach it quickly but young children cannot, such as a high kitchen cabinet or a hall closet shelf.
- Tell everyone where it is, including babysitters and visiting relatives.
Build kits for different places
One home kit is a good start. Many families also keep:
- A compact kit in each car
- A small pouch inside the 72-hour emergency kit
- A travel-size kit for day trips, youth sports and camping
Smaller kits do not need everything. Focus on bandages, gauze, tape, gloves, wipes and a cold pack, plus any personal medications.
Keep it current
Supplies get used and quietly expire. Check your kit every six months, perhaps on the same day you review your emergency kit or test your smoke alarms.
- Replace anything that has been used since the last check.
- Check expiration dates on medications, ointments and wipes.
- Make sure cold packs, gloves and the thermometer are still in good shape.
- Update personal medication lists and phone numbers.
Learn the skills behind the kit
Supplies are only as useful as the person using them. A first aid and CPR class teaches you how to stay calm, check that a scene is safe, help someone who is bleeding, recognize the signs of a medical emergency and perform CPR. Classes are widely offered through the American Red Cross, the American Heart Association, community colleges, hospitals and many local fire departments. Many take just a few hours, and some combine online lessons with a short in-person session.
Encourage teenagers and other adults in your home to take a class as well. The more people in the household who know the basics, the better.
Know when to call for help
A home kit is designed for minor injuries and for basic care until help arrives. It is not a substitute for professional care. Call 911 right away for any situation that may be life-threatening, including trouble breathing, chest pain, severe bleeding, signs of a stroke, a serious head injury, or someone who will not respond. If you are unsure whether something is an emergency, call anyway. Dispatchers are trained to help you decide and can guide you until responders arrive.
For a possible poisoning, call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222, which connects you to your local poison center. If the person is not breathing, is unconscious or is having a seizure, call 911 instead.
Keep a card with the kit
Tape a small card inside the lid with your home address, the nearest urgent care and hospital, and your key phone numbers. In a stressful moment, even a familiar address can be hard to recall, and a visitor or babysitter may not know it at all.
This article offers general preparedness information and is not professional advice. Always follow the instructions of local officials during an emergency. Spotted an error? Email support@preparedamerican.net. Read our editorial standards.
