One of my 2001 desk calendars is “365 Ways to Live to 100.” Today’s Way is:
Keep Three First-Aid Kits Handy: Most families don’t have even one first-aid kit. But to be really safe, you need one in your house, one in your workplace, and one in the car.
My GQ is, what should go into these kits, besides the obvious bandages and antiseptic? Is there a commercial first-aid kit that’s respected by emergency care professionals? Would the three kits be identical, or different? How much should you expect to spend on each kit?
Hello. I’m a Wilderness First Responder. Here is what I keep in my little kit that I carry all the time:
1 pr. latex gloves
2 pr. nitrile gloves
CPR mask
Tiny flashlight (very handy!)
Pencil and paper
Biohazard bag. (any baggie will do)
Tweezers
Tampon
Bandage scissors
Moleskin (for foot blisters)
Eyeglass repair kit
Asst. drugs: Benadryl, Advil, Pepto, Sudafed
Triple antibiotic ointment
Asst. band-aids
Asst. gauze pads
Roll of adherent gauze
Antiseptic wipes
Adhesive tape.
Temporary dental filling.
Leatherman tool
Lighter
Duct-tape.
Compass
Waterproof field guide.
I have used everything in my kit except for the CPR mask and the temporary dental filling.
I also have additional supplies at home and in the car, but this is the base of my kit. The most important thing for you to have is the latex gloves. I consider all of the things listed above necessary and/or damned handy, so I carry them everywhere.
A commercial kit should suit you fine for car and work. I have seen very good ones at the Costco for about $20. The J&J ones sold at drugstores are not extensive enough and do not contain any drugs. For home, I would recommend building a bigger kit with more supplies. I have a designated “first-aid shelf” in the linen closet where I keep my supplies. Mainly, though, I use my little kit because I am used to using it. You could get a third kit for home and supplement it with additional band-aids and things.
Actually, for work, your employer should provide the first-aid kit. Perhaps you should ask him/her where it is.
The one in your car should be different, for sure. The number one thing you want there is a digital phone.
You will need at least one blanket, preferably two. (and a “space blanket” as well, would be good) Keeping trauma victims warm is pretty important. Latex gloves, at least a pair, a dozen is better. (You might get help.) Tylenol, aspirin, Flashlight, batteries, matches, candles, tongue blades,
Does your car already have flares, duct tape, and rope? Add a two by four as long as your leg.
Water, a gallon, or even two would be reasonable. A whole bottle of good antiseptic. The traumas you can reasonably expect in a car, and in all the places to which the car will be closest will include much more serious injuries, and potentially dirtier ones too. That means more cleaning and bandaging material.
One more thing, change the stuff every year, at a minimum. Expiration dates really do matter. Even the water needs to be changed from time to time. The two by four is probably good for your lifetime.
Green Bean & Tris have given you fantastic info. I would only add a needle to go with the tweezers & scissors (not to sew someone up necessarily, but maybe for that determined splinter), perhaps a burn salve, heavy pain meds if they are accessible to you (T3, 800mg Motrin, but don’t do anything illegal), and some kind of nutrition bars for the car.
Excellent OP- hope it makes people think about being more prepared.