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Essential First Aid Items
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items Everyone needs a good first aid kit. As a nurse, here is what I recommend everyone having in their first aid kit.
This bag has nice organized compartments which makes it easy to find what you need in emergency situations.
Ever Ready First Aid Large EMT First Responder Trauma Bag - Orange
Adhesive bandages has to be the most popular item in a first aid kit. This variety pack of adhesive bandages has a large assortment for different injuries. It even has some water proof options in there.
Curad Variety Pack Assorted Bandages, For First Aid Needs, 320 Count
Great for holding pressure on wounds to stop bleeding. Also, add saline to gauze to clean wounds.
Equate Gauze Pads, 4"x 4", 25 Count
You just have to have tape in your first aid kit. In the hospital, this clear tape is definitely my go to. It’s really easy to tear and easy to use.
Equate Flexible Clear Tape, 1" x 10 yd, 2 Count
Elastic wrap bandages serve great for wrapping sprained joints and compression dressing for open wounds.
MEDca Elastic Compression Bandages Wrap with 4 Extra Hooks Athletic -4 Pack
A sling comes in handy for injury’s to the arm. It keeps the arm more comfortable and prevents further injuries by keeping the arm close to your body and not swinging around.
Triangular Bandage Arm Sling Emergency First Aid Survival O0C5 Triangle J9B9
I find this kind of thermometer is more accurate rather than the forehead type.
Equate, Oral, Rectal, or Underarm 30-Second Digital Thermometer
I would recommend a manual blood pressure cuff like this one if you feel comfortable measuring a BP this way. If not I will recommend an automatic one on this list.
Equate Manual Blood Pressure Cuff, Professional Aneroid Sphygmomanometer, Stethoscope & Adult Cuff (25-36cm / 10-14" Range)
I personally have not used this exact monitor. However, one like this looks like it would give you a good range of what your BP is. This would work great for if one was alone and had no one to measure their BP with the manual cuff.
LPOW Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor for Home Use, 2 x 99 memory storage Large LCD Display, 1 Carrying Case
Scissors come in handy for cutting bandages for wound care and clothes off of the injured person if necessary.
MEDca 7.5" Trauma Shears - Stainless Steel EMT Bandage Scissors, Black
Safety is always 1st. You have to protect yourself from bodily fluids.
Equate Nitrile Exam Gloves, One Size Fits Most, 50 Count
Important for allergic reactions. Be sure that the affected person is able to safely swallow without choking. Always be sure to inform emergency personnel of any medication that was administered.
Equate Diphenhydramine HCl 25 mg Antihistamine Complete Allergy Tablet, 100 Count
Aids in controlling swelling due to inflammation caused by injures.
Dealmed Instant Cold Pack, 4" x 5" | Disposable Packs for Injuries, Swelling, Soreness (Pack of 3)
I know this is a little pricey but these things definitely save lives.
TacMed Solutions SOF Tourniquet Black
An antiseptic is a must in a first aid kit. Iodine works very well. As a plus, it doesn’t cause any stinging. This is often used in the hospital.
Betadine Antiseptic First Aid Solution Povidone-Iodine 10%, Infection Protection, No Sting, 6 oz