DIY First Aid Kit

Written By Jennifer Rogers

There are a lot of pre-made First Aid kits on the market. However, the convenience of purchasing them this way often comes with a higher price tag and they may be missing things you need or want. So, here is a list of First Aid Kit must-haves so you can create your own, tailoring it perfectly to fit your and your family’s needs.

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Be prepared for any emergency!

Safety Doesn’t Happen by Accident

First Aid Kit Must-Haves:

  • Band-Aids in an assortment of sizes

  • Gauze pads, medical tape and small scissors

  • Roller gauze or Ace wrap

  • Splint

  • Antibiotic ointment

  • Alcohol or disinfectant wipes

  • Iodine

  • Tweezers

  • Q-tips or cotton swabs

  • Aspirin

  • Acetaminophen

  • Ibuprofen

  • Thermometer

  • Allergy medication (antihistamine)

  • Calamine lotion or other anti-itch lotion

  • Eye drops

  • Asthma inhaler and EpiPen, as necessary

  • Prescription medications, as necessary

  • Snake bite kit

  • Dramamine if you will be on the water (total must for me)

  • Antacids

  • Cold and flu medication (travel pack size)

  • Cough drops

  • Moleskin

  • Mouthpiece or pocket mask for CPR administration

  • Hand sanitizer

  • Since it’s the time of COVID, I will add disposable gloves and a good mask

  • And do NOT forget the ear plugs (okay, okay, I know this is not really First Aid but for me, not having ear plugs sleeping next to my husband at night does constitute a true emergency!

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A First Aid/Emergency Kit is a non-negotiable when camping especially in remote locations.

For First Aid/Emergency Kits when camping, I recommend adding the following:

  • A first aid guide

  • Flashlight with extra batteries

  • Matches or cigarette lighter

  • Waterproof tinder/fire starter

  • String

  • Needle and thread

  • Safety pins

  • Finger splint

  • SAM splint

  • Emergency rain poncho

  • Emergency heat reflecting blanket

  • Sun screen

  • Sunburn relief gel or spray

  • Diarrhea medication

  • Water purification tablets or Life Straw

  • Oral rehydration salts

  • Glucose tablets

  • Swiss Army knife or other all-in-one knife

  • Extra zip lock bag for medical waste (for all you women out there, this is also great to carry for packing out TP if you’re using bushes for a restroom)

  • Flares

  • Emergency whistle

  • Small emergency mirror

  • Compass

  • Paracord

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When camping, be sure to pack your First Aid/emergency kit in a waterproof bag or container. It is important that you keep its contents clean and dry.

Jennifer Rogers
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