First Aid Kit Checklist

The winter months are a great time to prepare for your summer vacations and camping trips.  One thing you can do now is put together a first aid kit.  Think of a first aid kit as an insurance policy – you hope that you never need to use it, but if something should happen, you are prepared.  Build your kit, put it in your car, and it will always be there in case of an emergency. 

You can always buy a first aid kit that has been put together for you with essential supplies, but a more frugal option is to build your own kit.

First Aid Kit Checklist:

Medications

• Design your first aid kit around the people who will be using it.  Any medications that each member of the family could need should be the first thing on your list.  For example, epi pens for allergic reactions, inhalers, and prescription medication should be included.
• Tylenol
• Ibuprofen
• Antacid tablets
• Antihistamine
• Diarrhea medicine
• Cortisone Cream
• Triple Antibiotic Ointment
• Cold and flu medication
• Aloe Vera Gel

Tools

• Flashlight
• All purpose tool such as a Leatherman
• Tweezers
• Scissors
• Knife
• Safety pins
• Thermometer

Wound Care

• Band-aids
• Gauze rolls
• Gauze pads
•  Triangular bandage
• Adhesive Tape
• Sterile Dressing
• Rubbing alcohol packets
• Eye Pads
• Mole skin for blisters

Other

• Hand sanitizer
• Sunscreen
• Matches
• Ace bandage
• Eyeglass repair kit
• First Aid Book or Instructions

Do you have a first aid kit?  What essential items do you include?  Tell us in the comments!

Additional Resources

• CPR:  Consider also learning how to do CPR.  The University of Washington has a great online resource for learning CPR on their website. They have illustrated guides, videos, choking information, as well as iPhone and Android apps for first aid training.  
• Camping:  Want to discuss camping?  Join us in KOA’s Around the Campfire Community!

Tags: camping, featured, first aid, KOA

Category: DIY, Vacations & Travel