How to Assemble First-Aid Kits and How To Use the Items

A first-aid kit is one of the most simple, yet essential, tools for the car, workplace and home. You can buy a first-aid kit, especially if the kit is approved by a body like the Red Cross, or you can assemble your own first-aid kit. The supplies for a kit are available at most pharmacies and are low in cost. You need to learn how to use the various items included in your first-aid kit. Some of these items are self-explanatory if you read the directions, while other aspects of first aid require training.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Box or bag to hold the kit
• Sterile bandages
• Safety pins
• Soap or cleanser
• Latex gloves
• Sunscreen
• Gauze pads
• Triangular bandages
• Rolled bandages
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Needle
• Moist towelettes
• Antiseptic
• Thermometer
• Tongue depressors
• Petroleum jelly
• Non-prescription painkillers, antacids and anti-diarrheal medications
• First aid manual

Steps to Assemble and Use a First-Aid Kit

1. Check Red Cross-approved lists of first-aid items and purchase those items for your kit.

2. Get a container for your first-aid kit. The container should be large enough to hold your items, sturdy and water-resistant. Plastic boxes and nylon bags are excellent for this purpose.

3. Read the instruction labels for each item in the first-aid kit. For most simple items, such as painkillers and bandages, this will give you the knowledge needed for correct use.

4. Fill your first aid-kit with all of the necessary items. Place frequently used items, such as Band-Aids, sunscreen and non-prescription painkillers, near the top for easy access.

5. Store your first-aid kit in a safe and easy-to-reach location.

6. Read your first-aid manual for the basics of first-aid care and safety.

7. Sign up for a first-aid training class. Such classes give you a solid grounding in first-aid procedures and will go over the skills needed to use the items in your first-aid kit.

Tips & Warnings

• Assemble separate but identical kits for your home and car. Let every family member know where the kits are and what is in them. Everyone should know how to use the basics in an emergency.
• Check first-aid medicines regularly for expiration dates. Most medicine loses strength over time, and a few can be dangerous when expired. In a serious medical emergency, do not rely on your first-aid kit but also call for professional medical help.

References

• Stocking a first-aid kit
• First-aid kit maintenance
• First-aid training

Resources

• Red Cross first-aid kits for sale
• List of first-aid kit essentials
• First-aid quiz

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