How to Build a First Aid Kit: The Ultimate Guide!
Accidents and emergencies happen. Most, in fact, are entirely preventable. Others aren’t. Either way, when your health goes sideways, it pays to be ready with a first aid kit.
Chances are, you've already got access to a basic first aid kit in your home, vehicle, and study/work place. But what if you're trekking off the beaten path and take a bad tumble? Or get shot while out game hunting or on patrol?
Having a first aid kit handy during these situations/activities and others could very well mean the difference between life and death.
Along with off-the-shelf sets for which, it’s totally doable to make your own first aid kit.
Yet pop the phrase into your fave search engine and you’ll be greeted with tens of millions of results - - enough to send anyone into shock!
To save you grief, Bulletproof Zone’s here to the rescue with directions on building a first aid kit - - the pluses of doing so, what’s needed, as well as spelling out advised first aid gear for various situations/activities.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- What a First Aid Kit is Used For
- Why First Aid Kits are Important
- Which First Aid Kit to Choose
- How Much Building a First Aid Kit Costs
- How to Pack a First Aid Kit
- Where to Keep a First Aid Kit
- Why & How to Maintain a First Aid Kit
But to begin, let’s recap briefly...
WHAT A FIRST AID KIT IS USED FOR
Medical kits, as they’re otherwise known, feature a bunch of first aid supplies and equipment. Their function is to administer immediate treatment for a variety of injuries, illnesses, and health complaints.
More specifically, modern first aid kits come in a couple of distinct formats:
Traditional First Aid Kit
In most cases, regular med kits are used just for dealing with minor boo-boos and ailments. And without the need for emergency services.
They’re designed for use by those with little or no medical training/experience. Not to mention, good for any number of people and can handle multiple treatments.
Individual First Aid Kit [IFAK]
Sometimes dubbed a tactical first aid kit, emergency kit, trauma kit or, most graphically, a blow-out kit. They’re used largely to tend to far more serious and potentially fatal injuries. To patch up and stabilize the casualty until they can be hauled to hospital or EMS arrives on the scene.
Since they comprise specialized components, users should be properly qualified to know how and when to apply them.
Precisely as their name implies, IFAKs are meant to be used on a single person only.
WHY FIRST AID KITS ARE IMPORTANT
Beyond the obvious value of having all your medical paraphernalia in one place, here’s four rock-solid reasons first aid kits are indispensable:
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Fast and pre-emptive treatment - - provide instant relief, and reduce the odds of complications or severity of an injury.
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Take action when there’s no first response - - when medical assistance isn’t close, a first aid kit is the next best thing.
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Peace of mind – - thanks to being prepared, you’ve got the necessary first aid items to help yourself or others.
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Legal compliance and moral responsibility – - avoid liability if you’ve a business, while looking after your employee’s welfare.
WHICH FIRST AID KIT TO CHOOSE
Buying a ready-made first aid kit
Both conventional first aid kits and IFAKs can be snapped up pre-assembled.
Among the industry-leading brands are North American Rescue [NAR], My Medic, Combat Medical, and American Red Cross.
Pre-made kits are ideal for folks looking for a convenient first aid solution, and typically include an instruction booklet.
As a rule, though, they’re pricier. And while they usually cover most bases, the kit may contain stuff you might not use, or too much or too little of certain items.
Building your own first aid kit
The alternative, popular with survival experts and health professionals, is to ditch the approach of one-size-fits-all and instead go down the route of making a custom first aid kit.
Sure, it takes rather more time and effort. But DIYing first aid kit brings its own rewards:
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Complete freedom to pick whichever first aid products - - easier to keep track of items.
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Tailor the kit to the situation/activity for which it’s being built - - ensures only those items which are needed and will be used are gotten.
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Gain a much greater understanding of what’s in the kit - - a boon in the event of an accident or emergency. More so, if arming yourself with a first aid manual and read it front to back.
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Works out a bit cheaper normally – - better for those on a tight budget.
So to put together first aid kits, you’ll need two things: firstly, first aid items and secondly, something to hold them.
First Aid Kit Containers
Containers for first aid kits come in all manner of shapes, sizes, styles, and materials.
Whether specially made or makeshift, it’s got to be up to the job. Some overall tips:
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Sufficient capacity to fit all the first aid articles you might need.
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Sturdy enough so the contents don’t get damaged, broken or contaminated by dangerous bacteria, viruses, or other microorganisms.
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Multiple internal compartments for arranging items, and see-through, labeled, or color coded so what’s inside is quickly and easily identifiable.
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Clearly marked on the outside with the international first aid symbol, or whichever of the words ‘First Aid’ or ‘IFAK’.
Which to plump for is essentially a question of whether the kit will be sat somewhere versus being lugged about.
In a sheltered environment where space isn’t an issue, the container is much less a worry. Anything from an old shoe carton, Tupperware, fishing tackle box, heavy-duty Pelican case, even a multi-drawer cart on wheels.
For when on the go, the container should be small, lightweight, compact, and the housing protective. Ziplock bags, an empty Altoids tin, or a handy-sized first aid bag, for instance.
IFAK containers invariably come as a MOLLE pouch or holster for strapping on to a tactical vest, chest rig, plate carrier body armor, or combat or duty belt.
First Aid Kit Contents
Before anything else, there’s no standardized list of what should be in a first aid kit. Not least because of the virtually endless types of accidents and emergencies that can occur. Coupled with no end of choice of first aid merch up for grabs.
One article that belongs in all first aid kits, though, is health information. Most notably, copies of any prescription documents, emergency phone numbers, and medical consent and history forms.
Exactly which other items and in what amounts depends on several key factors:
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How many and what kind of people may need to dip into the first aid kit?
The more members in the group, the more supplies are called for. Not forgetting if any person has specific medical needs.
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How far from medical care will you be?
The more off-grid you are, the more comprehensive the first aid kit should be.
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Will everyone in the group be familiar and comfortable with using all of the items in the first aid kit?
If not, hop on a first aid course to become a certified first aider.
For trauma kits especially, military operators/law enforcement officers should sit in on training consistent with Tactical Combat Casualty Care [TCCC] guidelines. And civilians, those of Tactical Emergency Casualty Care [TECC].
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In what situation/activity will the first aid kit be used?
Figure out the health hazards you’re most likely to face, then match up with the corresponding first aid items.
To give you an idea in that respect, here’s a series of common situations/activities. And for each, an itemized checklist of suggested items and what they’re used to treat:
FIRST AID KIT FOR CAMPING/HIKING
When walking or bivouacking amid the great outdoors, you’re at the mercy of nature, the elements, and human error. Chancing a twisted ankle from a slip, a fractured limb from a fall, digestive troubles from food/water poisoning, grazes and gashes, bites and stings, sunburn and hypothermia.
Adventure medical kits will be suitable for remedying any such bodily harm.
Joining any personal medicines in your wilderness first aid kit should be:
PRESCRIPTION MEDS
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Epinephrine auto-injector such as an EpiPen.
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Dexamethasone or acetazolamide (Diamox) – - to treat severe Acute Mountain Sickness [AMS] when hiking/trekking above 2500 meters.
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Aqueous solution of activated charcoal – - to deal with poisoning by toxic mushrooms if foraging.
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Oral antibiotics like doxycycline or ampicillin - - to protect against bacterial infections.
OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDS
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Antidiarrhoeals - - slow down or stop loose motions caused by a tummy bug - - Imodium (loperamide).
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Oral rehydration electrolytes - - essential minerals (salts and sugars) to replace those lost from diarrhoea or vomiting.
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Antacid - - for relief from nausea, diarrhea, upset stomach, heartburn and indigestion - - Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate).
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Analgesics - - to treat temporary aches and pains - - Tylenol (acetaminophen) and Advil (ibuprofen).
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Anti-histamines - - relieve the symptoms of a mild allergy - - Benadryl (diphenhydramine) and Zyrtec (cetirizine).
BANDAGES & DRESSINGS
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Blister tape/cushions – pain relief and healing for foot blisters.
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Adhesive bandages (band-aids), assorted sizes and shapes - - to dress small cuts and scrapes.
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Butterfly bandages - - non-stitch sutures to hold the skin together on open wounds - - 3M Steri-Strips and My Medic Zzips.
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Non-adhesive elastic compression bandages - - to reduce swelling from a sprain or strain.
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Triangular/cravat bandages - - used as an arm sling, or as a pad to control bleeding.
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Gauze roll - - to wrap around a wound, or secure a gauze pad or non-stick dressings in hard-to-bandage areas.
WOUND CARE
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Aloe vera gel/cream - - soothes skin irritations such as everyday burns, cuts, scratches, rashes, insect bites and stings, even minor frostbite.
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Topical antibiotic ointment - - kills bacteria in minor skin injuries - - Neosporin (bacitracin).
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Antiseptic wipes - - for cleaning and disinfecting wounds.
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Benzoin tincture - - used on the skin around a wound so bandages/dressings and tape stick better.
PERSONAL PROTECTION DEVICES
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Hand sanitizer - - kills germs on the skin.
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CPR pocket mask - - contamination barrier for when performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
INSTRUMENTS & TOOLS
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Medical tape, and safety pins (assorted sizes) - - to secure bandages/dressings in place.
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Aluminum splint - - to immobilize a dislocated or broken limb.
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Tweezers - - to remove splinters, dirt, and debris from wounds.
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Scissors - - to cut clothes, bandages/dressings, or tape.
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Space blanket - - traps body heat in order to keep warm.
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Cotton swabs - - for applying medicines to the skin.
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Instant cold/ice packs - - to reduce swelling, pain, and tenderness of strains and sprains.
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Instant heat packs - - to reduce soreness and stiffness in muscles, and pain in joints.
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Bug spray - - to safeguard against biting insects.
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Sunscreen - - to protect the skin from damage by ultraviolet rays.
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Thermometer - - for measuring core body temperature.
FIRST AID KIT FOR HOME DEFENSE
Where your home’s been invaded by an armed intruder, there’s a risk of injury from being shot or stabbed. Leading to moderate/severe blood loss and/or a blocked airway.
Separate to your home first aid kit, a micro trauma kit will help manage such critical conditions. At a bare minimum, it should have:
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A Special Operations Forces Tourniquet [SOF-T] or a Combat Application Tourniquet [CAT] - - to stop severe hemorrhage from an arterial wound in an extremity.
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A permanent marker pen such as a Sharpie - - to record on the tourniquet the time it was applied.
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A pressure dressing like an Israeli or OLAES bandage - - for applying direct pressure to non-arterial wounds or heavy bleeding in places where a tourniquet can’t be used.
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Celox hemostatic granules - - a blood clotting agent applied to a wound when a tourniquet isn’t appropriate.
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A pair of throw-away non-latex examination gloves - - to help avoid cross-contamination between the caregiver and the casualty.
Optionally, if you want something more advanced, toss in:
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Hemostatic gauze like QuikClot Combat Gauze or Celox Rapid Gauze – - for packing into a wound to prevent bleeding out.
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Rolled gauze - - to cover a wound, or secure a gauze pad or non-stick dressings in hard-to-bandage areas.
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Medical tape, and safety pins (assorted sizes) - - to secure bandages/dressings in place.
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Trauma shears - - for cutting a victim’s clothes in order to get to their wound(s).
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A vented chest seal - - used to prevent tension pneumothorax (collapsed lung) from a ‘sucking chest wound’.
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Nasal Airway - - to clear any obstruction in the nasal passage so the casualty can breathe.
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CPR pocket mask - - contamination barrier for when performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
The line-up’s just as legit for dealing with the same traumatic conditions arising from accidents in and around the home. Above all, from using power tools or machinery for home improvements and repairs, or gardening/landscaping - - be it a puncture wound from a nail gun or power drill, or a laceration from a table saw or lawn trimmer.
FIRST AID KIT FOR DISASTER/EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
When planning for a major man-made or natural crisis, a survival first aid kit is vitally important.
It’s savvy to pack at least 72 hours, preferably a week’s, worth of first aid reserves - - ones that can sort out a broad spectrum of physical health concerns:
Along with any personal medications should be:
PRESCRIPTION MEDS
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Epinephrine auto-injector such as an EpiPen.
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Oral antibiotics like doxycycline or ampicillin - - to protect against bacterial infections.
OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDS
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Oral rehydration electrolytes - - essential minerals (salts and sugars) to replace those lost from diarrhoea or vomiting.
-
Antidiarrhoeals - - slow down or stop loose motions caused by a tummy bug - - Imodium (loperamide).
-
Antacid - - for relief from nausea, diarrhea, upset stomach, heartburn and indigestion - - Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate).
-
Analgesics - - to treat temporary aches and pains - - Tylenol (acetaminophen) and Advil (ibuprofen).
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Anti-histamines - - relieve the symptoms of a mild allergy - - Benadryl (diphenhydramine) and Zyrtec (cetirizine).
BANDAGES & DRESSINGS
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Adhesive bandages (band-aids), assorted sizes and shapes - - to dress small cuts and scrapes.
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Butterfly bandages - - non-stitch sutures to hold the skin together on open wounds - - 3M Steri-Strips and My Medic Zzips.
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Self-adhesive occlusive dressings - - used to seal off certain types of wounds from air, fluids and contaminants.
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Non-sticky elasticated compression bandages - - to reduce swelling from a sprain or strain.
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Triangular/cravat bandages - - used as an arm sling, or as a pad to control bleeding.
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Roller gauze - - to wrap around a wound, or secure a gauze pad or non-stick dressings in hard-to-bandage areas.
WOUND CARE
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Aloe vera gel/cream - - soothes skin irritations such as everyday burns, cuts, scratches, rashes, insect bites and stings, even minor frostbite.
-
Topical antibiotic ointment - - kills bacteria in minor skin injuries - - Neosporin (bacitracin).
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Antiseptic wipes - - for cleaning and disinfecting wounds.
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Benzoin tincture - - used on the skin around a wound so bandages/dressings and tape stick better.
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Hemostatic agent - - gauze, pads, or granules applied to a wound to stop catastrophic bleeding.
PERSONAL PROTECTION DEVICES
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Hand sanitizer - - kills germs on the skin.
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CPR pocket mask - - contamination barrier for when performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
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A pair of disposable non-latex exam gloves - - to prevent cross-contamination between the caregiver and the casualty.
INSTRUMENTS & TOOLS
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Surgical tape, and safety pins - - to secure bandages/dressings in place.
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Aluminum splint - - to immobilize a dislocated or broken limb.
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Tweezers - - to remove splinters, dirt, and debris from wounds.
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Scissors/shears - - to cut clothes, bandages/dressings, or tape.
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Emergency blanket - - traps body heat in order to keep warm.
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Stretch Wrap And Tuck [SWAT] tourniquet - - to help arrest uncontrolled blood loss, or as a pressure dressing or elastic bandage.
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A permanent marker pen like a Sharpie - - to note down on the tourniquet the time it was applied.
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Cotton swabs - - for applying medicines to the skin.
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Instant cold/ice packs - - to reduce swelling, pain, and tenderness of strains and sprains.
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Instant heat packs - - to reduce soreness and stiffness in muscles, and pain in joints.
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Insect repellent - - to safeguard against biting insects.
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Sunscreen - - to protect the skin from damage by ultraviolet rays.
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Thermometer - - for measuring core body temperature.
FIRST AID KIT FOR TACTICAL SCENARIOS
Tactical situations involving a loaded weapon, knife/spike or explosives carry the threat of wounding by a bullet, stab/slash or blast fragment. Resulting in modest/massive haemorrhage and/or obstructed airway.
Used occupationally or recreationally, a pro grade IFAK will work to address penetrating trauma injuries. The basics being:
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Either or both of a Special Operations Forces Tactical Tourniquet Wide [SOFTT-W] or/and Combat Application Tourniquet Gen 7 [CAT-7] - - to stop severe hemorrhage from an arterial wound in an extremity.
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A Sharpie permanent marker - - to write on the tourniquet the time it was applied.
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Hemostatic gauze like QuikClot Combat Gauze or Celox Rapid Gauze - - for packing into a wound to prevent bleeding out.
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Field dressing such as an OLAES or Israeli pressure bandage - - for applying direct pressure to non-arterial wounds or heavy bleeding in places where a tourniquet can’t be used.
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Couple of vented chest seals - - used to prevent tension pneumothorax (collapsed lung) from a ‘sucking chest wound’.
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Nasopharyngeal Airway [NPA] and water-soluble lube - - for clearing any blockage in the nasal passage so the casualty can breathe.
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Safety glasses, and no less than two pairs of disposable nitrile surgical gloves - - to help stop cross-contamination between the caregiver and the casualty.
Extras might include:
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Trauma shears - - for cutting a victim’s clothes to get to their wound(s).
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Rolled gauze - - to wrap around a wound, or secure a gauze pad or non-stick dressings in hard-to-bandage areas.
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Combat duct tape - - to secure bandages/dressings in place.
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CPR face shield - - contamination barrier for when performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
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Needle Chest Decompression [NCD] catheter - - used to treat a tension pneumothorax.
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Water-Jel burn dressing or burn blanket - - for use with third to sixth degree thermal burns.
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Cravat/triangular bandages - - used as an arm sling, or as a pad to control bleeding.
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Splinting material - - to immobilize a dislocated or broken limb.
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Oral antibiotics such as moxifloxacin or levofloxacin - - to protect against bacterial infections.
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Analgesics - - to treat pain - - Tylenol (acetaminophen) and Mobic (meloxicam).
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Mylar blanket - - traps body heat in order to keep warm.
HOW MUCH BUILDING A FIRST AID KIT COSTS
Given the enormity of possible containers and contents, the economics of piecing together personalized first aid kits varies wildly.
In general, trauma kits are more expensive to craft than ordinary first aid kits due to their specialized nature.
As a very rough guide, making a decent first aid kit will run anywhere from 30 bucks to 10 times that. A trauma kit, $75 to a few hundred dollars. And a top-notch combo kit, as much as a grand and a half upwards.
Just don’t skimp on quality. Remember: a first aid kit is a potentially life-saving asset - - you really don’t want an item letting you down when it’s needed most.
HOW TO PACK A FIRST AID KIT
Simply dumping first aid contents into a container makes it more time- and energy-consuming to find what you need, when you need it - - no matter if you’re just feeling rotten or, when every minute counts, in a life-threatening emergency.
Put differently, the advantages of an efficiently organized first aid kit are three-fold:
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Speedy retrieval of items.
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More items can be accommodated in the space available.
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Items can be changed around or switched out with no bother.
To pull off, you’ll need to have a system. One way is to group the same or similar items - - all bandages with each other, for example. Another is a modular first aid kit with items sorted by the type of problem they treat - - everything for cuts and abrasions, say, together.
Although it might take some playing about, you’ll want to prioritize the placement of items by urgency, then by frequency of use. That way, they can be plucked at a moment’s notice.
WHERE TO KEEP A FIRST AID KIT
On-person
IFAKs for military and law enforcement are routinely worn on the body. Most often, mounted at the waist or the back; occasionally, on the front at the shoulders, around an ankle, or on the thigh.
For average Joes and Janes, as part of their Every-Day Carry [EDC], a small first aid kit can be shoved into trouser/jacket pockets, or a fanny pack. For larger kits, inside a daypack.
In a building
For garden variety first aid kits stored inside the household, the prime spots are the kitchen or bathroom - - where most family activities take place and, statistically, where most accidents happen.
Emergency med kits can be cached in a designated hiding place at home. Otherwise, beside a nightstand (next to a home defense firearm) or in a range/hunting bag.
A bug-in/bug-out rucksack consisting of a first aid kit can go in a closet, storage area near an exit, under the bed, or in the garage.
At any rate, see to it the kit’s stashed somewhere cool and dry. And if young ‘uns are present, out of sight and beyond their reach.
In a vehicle
Private car first aid kits can be stowed in the glove compartment, or in the trunk if inside an emergency go bag.
Attaching an IFAK to the rear of a front seat headrest in a prowler is still Standard Operating Procedure for some police departments.
For ambulances and fire trucks, an emergency kit goes into a lockable outside storage bay or indoor cabinet close to a door.
Wherever first aid kits are kept, it absolutely has be readily accessible. As load-out carried on the body, positioning of the kit mustn’t interfere with mobility; and, whether by the wearer or a buddy, openable with one hand.
WHY & HOW TO MAINTAIN A FIRST AID KIT
A lot of single-use items in a first aid kit have a limited life span. Medications, creams, and dressings expire. Much the same, wipes dry out, blades lose sharpness, and wrappers become brittle. Such items will at best, be ineffective; at worse, may actually cause the sufferer harm.
So it’s still fully usable and relevant, it’s crucial to give your first aid inventory its own check-ups:
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At regular intervals - - every quarter or six months, replace out-of-date items and those somehow impaired.
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As and when - - if an item gets used or is missing, replenish ASAP; and if the health care needs of anyone in the group changes, revise the contents accordingly.
CLOSING OFF ON FIRST AID KITS
As recommended by the American Red Cross, a well stocked, deliberately curated, and looked after first-aid kit is a must - - in every home, vehicle, study/work place, as well as when out and about. What’s more, constructing your own for different situations/activities let’s you respond better to unexpected accidents and emergencies.
Score a pre-packaged first aid kit or first aid accessories from the Bulletproof Zone Medical Supplies collection and enjoy the perks of:
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Secure payment system.
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Free shipping throughout the United States on orders over $100.
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Easy returns.
Before you rest up, care to share any tips and tricks about assembling a first aid kit? Or need any help or support in that regard? Feel free to comment away below!