How to Choose a Pre-Made First Aid Kit
One of the biggest perks of a pre-made first aid kit is that you don't have to remember where everything is during an emergency. When your kiddo scrapes their knee, you immediately know where to get the antibiotic cream and their favorite character-themed bandages.
But choosing a first aid kit isn’t always simple. Grocery stores and pharmacies have several options, but the clerk may not know you well enough to recommend the perfect kit for your lifestyle. Use our guide to help identify what you need from a first aid kit, and then choose from one of our top recommendations.
Choose a first aid kit that fits your unique needs
No matter your needs, there's a first aid kit on the market that will serve you well. If you're a parent of a newborn, for example, you need a kit fitted to an infant’s needs. It would include items to treat croup, earaches, tummy aches, and teething symptoms. If you have pets, you want an entirely different first aid kit with products to remove ticks and treat sore paws.
Hikers and campers have different medical requirements. You spend your time in rugged terrain, which increases your risk for falls and sprains. And if you travel in groups, you may need to purchase a larger first aid kit. For solo adventurers, a smaller, lightweight kit could serve you best.
If you regularly commute or take road trips it's smart to get a car first aid kit that contains flares, jumper cables, water, and food. Those who live in areas with snowy weather should add a blanket and other winter safety items to the kit.
Focus on the essentials when building a first aid kit
When evaluating or making a first aid kit, focus on the essentials. The following list isn’t exhaustive, but it covers many of the basic products found in first aid kits. If your kit is missing any of these must-haves be sure to add them separately.
- Splints or Wraps
- Gauze
- Medical Tape
- Bandages
- Rubbing Alcohol
- Antibiotic Cream
- Tweezers
- Aspirin
How to safely use first aid products
Each item in a first aid kit comes with guidelines for use. Read these to prevent allergic reactions and other maladies. Many first aid kits also come with an instruction book or recommend attending a first aid class.
Reading the book and attending the class are excellent ideas, but if you face an emergency before you do this, use the five tips below. They can help you take immediate action and keep everyone safe.
- Keep the kit in a central location. Keep your first aid kit in an easy-to-access and known location—for adults, not kids—within your home or vehicle.
- Examine the active ingredients. Some drugs react poorly with other medications or contain ingredients that could cause a rash. Make sure your products, such as aspirin, are safe for use.
- Look for indications of use. Every medication, ice pack, and other first aid item includes indications for use. Follow them to ensure a bandage doesn’t stick to a wound.
- Follow the directions. Kids under age twelve usually require smaller doses of medications. Read the directions carefully so you don’t over-medicate.
- Remember the expiration dates. Antibiotic cream and other first aid items come with expiration dates. Typically, they lose effectiveness after this date, so make sure you’re aware of when to replace these products.
9 best pre-made first aid kits
These recommendations fit a variety of lifestyles, so you’re sure to find one—or pair a couple—that will help you soothe ouchies for every member of the crew (furry ones included!).
1. Coleman Expedition First Aid Kit
Plenty of bandages Organized with "EZ Find System" Durable case
Includes a razor blade but lacks scissors2. Trek Proof Compact First Aid Medical Kit
Variety of bandage sizes Contains a glow stick and poncho
Difficult to fit in a backpack3. Sustain Supply Co. 4-Person Emergency Survival Kit
Comes with lights and a large first aid kit Enough food and water for 4 people for 72 hours
Weighs almost 30 pounds4. Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight and Watertight Medical Kit
Three water-proof barriers
Difficult zipper to open5. Lifeline Trail Light Dayhiker First Aid Kit
Super light at 2.7 ounces
This kit won't help with a serious injury like a sprain or broken bone6. The First Years American Red Cross Baby Healthcare Kit
Contains a nasal aspirator, digital thermometer, and medicine dropper
Doesn't include bandages or medicine7. Medibag Kid-Friendly First Aid Kit
Helps you distract kids while you treat scrapes and cuts Case made of durable plastic
Looks and feels like a dress-up doctor's kit8. New Market Squared Pet First Aid Kit for Dogs & Cats
Is compact and easy to take on-the-go Includes a pet emergency care handbook
Doesn't include any solutions if your pet eats something they shouldn't9. Thrive Car Emergency Kit
Contains a flashlight, jumper cables, and a distress help sign
Includes some basic first aid supplies but is designed to save cars not humansWith the kits recommended and advice given here, you’ll be ready for any emergency. Scraped chins and sprained ankles have nothing on you thanks to your pre-made first aid kit.
*SafeWise has conducted impartial research to recommend products. This is not a guarantee. Each individual's unique needs should be considered when deciding on chosen products.
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