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First Aid Kits

The kit for the house

Full household kit The big one that stays in one known place. Labelled compartments matter more than the piece count when somebody else has to find something in a hurry. 238 piecesLabelledMOLLE Surviveware Comprehensive, 238 pieces See on Amazon Family kit Labelled pockets and a dedicated bandage panel, so somebody who did not pack it can still find things. Waterproof shell, carried on a shoulder strap. 430 piecesWaterproofLabelled THRIAID 430-piece first aid kit See on Amazon Second kit for the car Two kits in one, so the small one leaves with you and the larger one stays in the boot. The kit you do not have with you is the kit that treats nobody. 200 piecesCar and homeBonus mini kit Swiss Safe 2-in-1, 200 pieces See on Amazon Wall cabinet A locking steel cabinet with three shelves, screwed to a wall where everybody in the house can find it without having to ask where the kit is kept. 1000 piecesWall mountedOSHA Class A VEVOR first aid cabinet, 1000 pieces See on Amazon

The kit you actually carry

Pocket kit Pocket kit Hard shell, glove-box sized. Small enough that it is still there in a year, which is the only test a kit you carry has to pass to be worth carrying. 120 piecesHard caseGlove box Swiss Safe Mini, 120 pieces See on Amazon Bleeding control pouch A tourniquet, hemostatic granules and a pressure bandage in a MOLLE pouch that straps to the outside of a pack. For a wound that empties somebody in minutes. SOF tourniquetCeloxMOLLE MediTac Tactical Trauma IFAK See on Amazon Everyday kit Full-size Band-Aid, Neosporin, Tylenol and Benadryl in a hard case, for cuts, burns, bites and rashes. The reason a kit gets opened nine times out of ten. 140 piecesHard caseFull-size items Johnson & Johnson All-Purpose, 140 pieces See on Amazon Watertight kit A waterproof inner bag inside a water-resistant outer, so the gauze is still dry when nothing else is. Enough for three people for three days in the open. 3 people3 daysWaterproof Adventure Medical Ultralight/Watertight .7 See on Amazon

What to consider

  • Digital thermometerDetects fever early. A basic indicator for many conditions.
  • Pulse oximeterMonitors blood oxygen. Critical for respiratory illness.
  • Blood pressure cuff (manual)If anyone in the household has hypertension. Learn to use it.
  • Tweezers (pointed tip)Splinter and tick removal.
  • Medical gloves (nitrile, 10+ pairs)Protects both you and the patient. Nitrile is latex-free.
  • CPR pocket maskBarrier device for rescue breathing. Small, flat, fits in any kit.
  • Suture kit or wound closure stripsFor deeper cuts that need closure. Steri-Strips are easier for non-medical users.
  • Irrigation syringeFor flushing wounds with pressure. 20-60ml size.
  • FFP3 or N95 respiratorsRated masks, not surgical ones. Smoke, dust, and airborne contamination.
  • Hand disinfectant and antiseptic gelThe first thing to run out and the cheapest infection control there is.

  • Tourniquet (CAT or SOFT-T)Stops life-threatening limb bleeding. The single most critical trauma item.
  • Pressure bandage (Israeli bandage)Applies direct pressure to wounds. Self-contained dressing and wrap.
  • Hemostatic gauze (QuikClot)Promotes clotting in deep wounds. Pack into the wound, apply pressure.
  • Chest seal (vented)For penetrating chest wounds. Prevents air from entering the chest cavity.
  • Trauma shearsCut clothing to access wounds. Blunt tips prevent further injury.
  • SAM splintMoldable aluminum splint for fractures and sprains. Lightweight, versatile.
  • Elastic bandage (ACE wrap)Compression for sprains, securing splints, and reducing swelling.
  • Emergency thermal blanketShock and blood loss both drop core temperature. Treating that is part of treating the wound.

  • Adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)For minor cuts and scrapes. Include butterfly closures for deeper cuts.
  • Sterile gauze pads (4x4 and 2x2)Primary wound dressing. Stock at least 20.
  • Gauze rollsFor wrapping wounds and securing dressings. Both 2-inch and 4-inch widths.
  • Medical tapeHolds dressings in place. Cloth tape sticks better than paper in wet conditions.
  • Antiseptic wipes or solutionBetadine or chlorhexidine. For cleaning wounds before dressing.
  • Antibiotic ointmentPrevents infection in minor wounds. Triple antibiotic (Neosporin or equivalent).
  • Sterile saline (wound irrigation)Flushing debris from wounds. Small squeeze bottles are ideal.
  • Non-adherent dressingsCome off a burn or a graze without taking the healing surface with them.
  • Triangular bandageSling, pressure pad, tie, or a way to immobilise an arm against the chest.

  • Daily medications (30-90 day supply)Whatever your household members take daily. Rotate stock by using oldest first.
  • EpiPen (if anyone has severe allergies)Check expiration dates quarterly. Carry two if prescribed.
  • Inhaler (if anyone has asthma)Keep a spare in the kit. Check expiration.
  • Insulin and supplies (if diabetic)Insulin requires temperature management. Include glucose tablets and a glucometer.
  • Blood pressure medicationIf applicable. Missing doses in a crisis can be dangerous.
  • Antibiotics (if available by prescription)Discuss with your doctor. Some will prescribe a small emergency supply.
  • Birth control and reproductive healthA crisis is the worst time for an unplanned pregnancy. Include what you need.

  • Pain relievers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen)Both types. Ibuprofen for inflammation, acetaminophen for fever.
  • Antihistamines (diphenhydramine)Allergic reactions, insect stings, sleep aid in emergencies.
  • Anti-diarrheal (loperamide)Dehydration from diarrhea is a serious risk in survival situations.
  • Antacid tabletsStomach issues are common under stress. Tums or equivalent.
  • Oral rehydration saltsReplaces electrolytes lost to vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive sweating.
  • Anti-nausea medicationDramamine or equivalent. Motion sickness and stress-related nausea.
  • Hydrocortisone creamRashes, insect bites, allergic skin reactions.
  • Cough and cold remedyThe commonest thing that makes a crowded shelter unbearable for everyone in it.

  • Children's medications (weight-dosed)Pediatric ibuprofen, acetaminophen, antihistamine. Dosing by weight, not age.
  • Dental emergency kitTemporary filling material, clove oil for pain, dental wax.
  • Eye wash and spare glassesFlush debris, treat irritation. Spare corrective lenses if applicable.
  • Menstrual suppliesPads, tampons, or cup. Stock for at least two cycles.
  • Burn care (silver sulfadiazine, burn gel)For thermal and chemical burns. Cool, cover, and manage pain.
  • Snakebite / sting kitRegion-dependent. Know your local venomous species.
  • First aid reference card or bookLaminated quick-reference card at minimum. Full manual if space allows.
  • Spare batteries for assistive devicesHearing aids, glucose sensors and pumps. In the exact sizes, checked for date.
  • Potassium iodide (only when authorities instruct)Issued by the state in some countries for radiological events. Take only when the authorities instruct it, never pre-emptively.

Paranoid Action Plan

Print it, fill it in, and keep copies somewhere everyone can reach.

  1. 01Cover
  2. 02Emergency Action Plan
  3. 03Documents and Financial Checklist
  4. 04Evacuation Bag Checklist
  5. 05First Aid Kit Checklist
  6. 06Emergency Food Supply Checklist
  7. 07Growing and Preserving Checklist
$9once, for all 7 See the Action Plan

Read further

The Survival Doctor's Complete Handbook

The Survival Doctor's Complete Handbook

James Hubbard MD

Practical first aid and health guidance for when medical help isn't coming. Written in plain English by an actual doctor.

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