The 3 Levels of First Aid Kits (Part 1)
In this episode Lisa and I talk about 3 different levels of first aid kits, beginner kits, intermediate kits and advanced first aid supplies. Keep in mind if you are at the point of having an advanced first you should probably take a CMT class or a first aid class to be able to use the first aid equipment before you spend the money on it.
Lisa had me make a PDF of the notes below for everyone to print off, you can download that here.
Important: this article is not medical advice, If you have any specific questions about any medical matter you should consult your doctor or other professional healthcare provider. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice, or discontinue medical treatment because of information on this website.
1. Simple First Aid Kit
(Good Starting point great for cars, or a travel kit in a car as well)
* Band Aids* Alcohol swabs* 4×4 gauze (in sterile 2 piece packs) (12)* Rubbing alcohol (16oz)* Vet wrap (2 rolls) (Coban)* Cling gauze (3”)* Ace waps (3”, and 6”)* Silvasorb Gel* A pair of bandage scissors* 1 roll of tape (medical)* 1 box of nitrile gloves (ladies medium, men, large or ex large)* Tongue Depressors (Make great splints for fingers!)* Hand Sanitizer* Instant cold packs* Duct Tape* A bandana* A container to store everything in
2. Intermediate First Aid Kit
(This is a build-up on the basic kit) You can find out more information on this website.
And We also wrote a post about what some of these supplies are. You can read that article here.
Increase the count of all the items for your simple kit, starting by increasing each item by at least 1-2
* 2 x 2 sterile gauze pads* Non sterile 4 x 4 gauze (200 per bag)* Kerlix gauze* Hypafix adhesive tape* CPR Mask* Mepilex foam pads (4×4) (box of 5)* Mepitel pads (2)* Xeroform gauze* Adaptic dressing* Aquacel AG dressing* Israeli Bandage Battle Dressing (trauma dressing)* Long q-tips* Betadine sticks (q-tips)* Chlora-prep sticks* ABD pads (2)* Surgical masks (5)* Headlamp, or flash light* Tourniquet* Suture removal kit* Chucks Pads (blue pads that are very absorbent)* Butterflies, or steri-strips in different sizes* Mastisol (for keeping steri strips in place.-or Benzoin)* Ammonia Innhalants* Saline Solution (even contact solution-just plain saline)* Witch Hazel* Apple Cider Vinegar* Diaper Rash Ointment
And every day medicines, such as:
* Tylenol* Aspirin* Ibuprofen* Hydrocortisone Cream* Benadryl, both liquid and pill form* Antacid (Tums-Calcium Carbonate)* Anti-diarrheal* Vicks Vapor Rub* Epsom Salt
A Larger container will be needed for this kit, and if you have compartments that you can keep things separated and easily visible it will make it even better.
3. Advanced First Aid Kit
You will need to keep adding items to your kit from the simple kit and the intermediate size kit, plus these are some extra items to have. They may be some expensive additions, but will be worth it in case you need to use them. But before you spend a lot of money on the more advanced stuff, maybe consider taking an EMT class, and learning about trauma, and injuries where these items will be useful.