DIY First-Aid Kit

 

How to build your own First-Aid Kit 

A first-aid kit is a collection of supplies and equipment that can be used to treat minor injuries and illnesses, or to respond to an emergency situation while First Responders are en route. Having a first-aid kit at home, in your car, or in your backpack can help you respond to acute emergency situations quickly and effectively.

You can research premade kits online and get an idea of what is available for different situations and budgets.

How do you build a first-aid kit that suits your specific needs and preferences? Here are some tips and steps to follow:

1. Stock up

Many people give the advice or choosing a container or receptacle for your kit first. I've found that a backwards planning approach is best when putting this together to avoid excess space, or limiting items because of container size. Depending on your personal needs and preferences, you may want to include more or less items, but here are some common ones that you should consider:

• Bandages of different sizes and shapes
• Gauze pads and rolls
• Adhesive tape
• Scissors and tweezers
• Cotton swabs and balls
• Antiseptic wipes and ointment
• Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs
• Antihistamines and anti-diarrheal drugs
• Hydrocortisone cream and calamine lotion
• Thermometer and gloves
• CPR mask and emergency blanket
• Any prescription medications or devices that you or your family members need, such as an EpiPen, an inhaler, or insulin
• Chemical Ice-packs

You can also add some items that are specific to your situation, such as:

• Sunscreen and insect repellent
• Eye drops and ear plugs
• Motion sickness pills and altitude sickness pills
• Water purification tablets and electrolyte packets
• Splints and slings
• Tourniquet and hemostatic agent
• Finger splints
• Burn cream
• Eye wash
• Wound irrigation
• A list of emergency phone numbers including your General Practitioner, Pediatrician, and any specialists that you may see regularly

2. Choose a container

Now that you have all of the items to address any anticipated mishaps. You can buy pre-filled first-aid kits, or empty first-aid kit containers, or use something you already have at home, such as a plastic box, a lunchbox, a backpack, or a duffel bag. Depending on your use, you may choose a bag to carry, or a hard weather-proof case for your vehicle. It is likely that you will have multiple first-aid kits depending on activity.

The container should be:

• Roomy enough to fit all the items you need
• Easy to open and close and accessible
• Water-resistant and durable
• Transparent or labeled so you can see what’s inside
• Portable and easy to carry

One case, bag, or container should hold your overall kit. A one-stop location for all things emergency. Remember that it may not be you retrieving the first-aid kit so it is good to consider the ease of use. Locking a first-aid kit is not recommended. If medication or sharp tools are in your kit, keep the entire case away from little ones who may want to explore but do not lock it. A locked first-aid kit is as useful as it sounds. Ensuring your first-aid kit is durable and weather resistant is dependent on where it will be stored and what it will be used for. I use a large soft-shelled tackle box for my home first-aid kit. It has several large pockets to separate creams from pills, gauze and wound care from supplements. Easy to handle zippers allow for use if wearing gloves. The contents are much different than in my mountain biking kit or my off-road first-aid case.

Having the items to quickly treat a wound or illness is important, but also consider the maintenance of that wound, injury, or illness. Wound dressing should be kept clean and changed regularly to avoid infection or contamination of the site, and to promote proper healing. Plenty of gauze, tape, antibiotic ointment, or medication should be stocked. Have enough available to last until you would be able to get to a pharmacy and replenish. 

If you have children, ask your pediatrician for advice on what to include in your kit. It wouldn't be a bad idea to bring your kit to your child's next checkup to collaborate on what would be most appropriate. Remember, not all "emergencies" will be life threatening. Many visits to the first-aid kit will be for minor burns, scrapes, cuts, or bumps, so also stock items for comfort. 

Elderly or special needs individuals should also be considered when putting your kit together. If you have someone in your home that has a different pain tolerence or requires specific treatment of minor injuries to maintain comfort, include items for these as well.

For other activities such as sporting events, vehicle first-aid kits, or sport specific packages, you can start by putting items together based on common sport-specific or activity-specific injuries. For example, ice packs and tape are cycled through often at soccer games more than during my off-road trips.

3. Organize your kit

The last step is to organize your first-aid kit so that you can find what you need quickly and easily. Transparent and labeled bags are essential for quick access. I use clear cosmetic zipper bags to separate like items.  They are easy to grab and take inventory. When building your home first-aid kit, consider worst case scenario and stock your kit to be prepared. You can use zip-lock bags, small plastic containers, or dividers to separate the items by type, such as wound care, medications, tools, etc.

You can also label each bag or container with the name of the item and the expiration date if applicable. This way, you can check the contents of your kit regularly and replace any expired or used items.

A first-aid manual or guide would be helpful in your kit, or download one on your phone, so that you can refer to it in case of an emergency. 

Building a first-aid kit for yourself is not difficult or expensive. You just need to choose a container, stock it with the essential items, and organize it well. By doing so, you can be prepared for any minor injuries or illnesses that may occur at home, on the road, or in the outdoors.

Remember to keep your first-aid kit in a safe and accessible place, and inform your family members or friends of its location. Also, don’t forget to update your kit regularly and replenish any missing or expired items.

Having a first-aid kit should be used in addition to calling Emergency Medical Services and not in place of. Be familiar with local clinic and pharmacy locations. It is  important to get certified in basic CPR and First-Aid through a reputable local organization. Here is the link to the American Red Cross website where you can find important information about emergency preparedness.

Having a first-aid kit can make a big difference in an emergency situation. It can help you treat yourself or others until professional help arrives.

If you have any of your own tips or tricks, share in the comments below or email us at ProjectExploreClub@gmail.com. For more information about outdoor exploration or adventure, visit www.projectexplore.club or follow us on Instagram