What to Pack for Emergency and First Aid
You never know when an emergency will happen. September is Emergency Preparedness Month, reminding us that staying prepared makes us better equipped to handle things life hands us. We focus on First Aid in this post. First Aid and CPR training is an excellent skill to have – we never know when we may need it. First Aid kits are also important to have, whether a purchased kit or do-it-yourself kit.
A General Emergency Preparedness List
- Food and Water
- Clothing
- Communication including chargers and batteries
- First Aid Kit
- Hygiene
- Light
- Shelter and comfort
Wherever an emergency occurs, people may need help getting patched up and having a First Aid Kit could answer those needs at least until emergency service personnel arrive.
Kit Locations
Since emergencies can happen anywhere, consider having kits for the places you are: home, work and your car.
At home, keep your kit in an easily accessible place. Keep it portable in case you need to leave and make sure everyone knows where this kit is.
Your workplace may already have First Aid supplies, but having one with you is always smart as you may not be able to get to the central First Aid Kit at work. In your own kit, keep a small supply of your medications in case you need to shelter in place there. Additionally, prepare a back pack with non-perishable food, water, a change of clothes and comfortable shoes.
In your car, keep a First Aid Kit with emergency supplies, and possibly the same kind of back pack of clothing, shoes, food and water.
Car: In case you are stranded, keep a kit of emergency supplies in your car.
Assembling Your First Aid Kit
When you put your kit together, store items in airtight containers, zip-top bags or old pill bottles for smaller items. You can put all those things in a plastic box or a bag. Water-proof containers are especially helpful but choose something that is easy to carry in case you need to leave with it.
Start with what you have and then make a list of what you need. Basic items to gather that you may already have are:
- Adhesive bandages
- Antibiotic ointment/cream
- Antisceptic wipes or liquid
- Bandages, various sizes
- Gauze, various sizes
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Hydrocortisone ointment/cream
- Pain medication – aspirin, acetaminophen and/or ibuprofen or a combination of all 3
- Tweezers
A supply of your medications, children’s medications and pet medications, if you have kids and pets.
Add items like:
- Allergy medication
- Aluminum splint
- Antacid tablets
- Antihistamine ointment/cream
- Athletic tape
- Burn ointment/cream
- Face shield
- Feminine hygiene products
- First Aid scissors
- Gloves
- Instant cold compress
- N95 or other masks
- Roll of first aid tape
- Thermometer
- Tourniquet
- Various sizes of wraps
As you assemble these items in plastic bags, label everything clearly so you can find them easily. Waterproof bags or containers are important for medications and items with adhesive.
When packing medication in your First Aid Kit, use the original containers so you know what the item is, its dosage and pharmacy details. Be especially mindful of expirations dates and make sure to rotate and replace your medications.
If you require insulin, store it in a cool place and keep cold packs in your freezer. Invest in a small cooler in case you need to leave with the insulin and cold packs.
The American Red Cross’s How to Prepare for Emergencies page gives step-by-step instructions on putting a first aid kit together and maintaining it. The Red Cross itemizes a comprehensive list of what to pack for a family of four. You can also find instructions on making a survival kit and an emergency plan.
Click the button to learn about putting together DIY Natural Disaster Emergency Kits – these will help you stay better prepared for surviving emergencies or natural disasters.
Did you know?
White cross on a green background is the internationally accepted symbol for first aid. When you see this sign, it indicates people, tools, or a facility providing first aid care.
Creative Containers to Inspire Your DIY First Aid Kit
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Photo courtesy: Blue bag-A Girl and a Glue Gun; Lunch box-Little Vintage Cottage; Cup-Survival Sullivan; Purple and green box-Artofit