Amy's First Aid Kit Essentials

When you purchase a first aid kit, it's easy to assume that the kit contains everything you need, but even the best first aid kits seem to be missing a few key essentials. That's why I've put together Amy's First Aid Kit Essentials.

That said, a first aid kit that's not within reach is as worthless as not having one at all. I urge you to keep a first aid kit in each of your vehicles and within reach at home. I also encourage you to take a First Aid and CPR/AED Class.

Knowing what to do in an emergency:
1) Gives you a sense of control and helps you stay calm in the worst situations.
2) Helps you help, comfort and potentially save someone's life.
Check out the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association for more info.

First Aid Kit Essentials

Personal Protection

• A Handful of Non-Latex Rubber Gloves
• CPR Face Shield
• Antiseptic/Antimicrobial Hand Wash like Hibistat or Hibiclens

Personal Safety

• Two 12-Hour Glow Sticks
• Traffic Safety Vest
• Reflective Emergency Triangle
  
• A Whistle

Protection from the Elements

• Sunscreen
• Lip Balm with Sunscreen
  
• Emergency Blanket
• Wool Blanket
  

Tools

• A Multipurpose Tool (like the Leatherman Tool that contains a knife, pliers, screwdrivers, etc.) I used mine last week to open the glow stick packages. The knife also comes in handy for cutting athletic tape.
  
• Car Window Breaker (they make keychain versions of these, too.) Like the LifeHammer.
• Tweezers
• A Small Sewing Needle (For removing splinters.)
  
• A Lighter (For sterilizing the needle.)
• A Pen and Paper
• A Permanent Marker
• A Watch
• A Flashlight with Backup Batteries
  

Medications

• Ibuprophen (Advil)
• Aspirin
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• Antiseptic Cream
• Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
• Hydrocortisone Cream
• Stomach Medication (Such as Pepto Bismol and Imodium.)
• A two-day back-up supply of any Prescription Medications you are on in the event you are stranded somewhere.
• A Bee-Sting Kit (If you or someone you know is allergic.)
  

Blood Absorbers/Wound Protection

• A Handful of Gauze Pads of All Sizes
• Adhesive Bandages (Band-Aids) Just go with normal size bandages. The small ones are a waste of space.
• Sanitary Napkins
• Blister Pads (More of a comfort item, than a necessity.)
  

Bandaging Materials

• Triangular Bandage
• Cloth Tape
• Athletic Tape
• Gauze Wrap
• Elastic Bandage (Like an ACE Bandage)
  

Rations

• Emergency Water (I like to keep a gallon available at all times.)
• Emergency Food (Like granola bars. Enough to last a day or two.)
  
• Electrolyte Replacement Powder (Such as powdered Gatorade.)

Clean Up

• Paper Towels
• Heavy Duty Trash Bag
• Duct Tape