How to Find the Best First Aid Kit - What To Look For + Product Recommendations
As a family caregiver, you know how important it is to be prepared. With the right products on hand, you can save time and ease worry if problems arise. Case in point: the first aid kit.
”It’s estimated that every year, more than 3.6 million people receive medical attention for injuries that occur at home,” says Rhianna Jones, RN, a registered nurse at CanXida. “Having a well-prepared first aid kit is one way to ensure you can respond effectively in case of accidents or medical issues.”
But what should a ‘well prepared’ first aid kit include? In this guide, we answer that question and make first-aid kit recommendations.
What Is a First Aid Kit?
A first aid kit is a collection of medical supplies that every family caregiver should keep on hand. It makes it easy to treat common illnesses and injuries quickly without having to visit an urgent care center or emergency room.
Many people keep a first aid kit in their car, but it’s a good idea to have one at home as well. That’s especially true if you care for someone with unique medical needs, like high blood pressure, diabetes, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
What Should a First Aid Kit Include?
Sarah Jeffries, a trained paramedic and the managing director of First Aid Course Leicester, says that all first aid kits should include the following items:
Adhesive bandages
Antiseptic wipes
Gauze pads
Adhesive tape
Thermometer
A pulse oximeter (a device that measures heart rate and oxygen saturation)
Scissors
Tweezers
Disposable gloves
Over-the-counter analgesics, like ibuprofen, aspirin, and acetaminophen
Prescription medication for specific medical conditions
A brief medical history
Jeffries says it’s also important to tailor your first aid kit to the specific health conditions of your loved ones.
Should Family Caregivers Have More Than One First Aid Kit?
Injuries and illnesses can arise at any time, so it’s crucial you’re prepared. Having more than one first aid kit available is an easy and effective way to gain peace of mind.
“I encourage all family caregivers to have multiple emergency kits –– one at home and another in your car,” Jeffries says. “Emergencies can occur anywhere, and having a portable kit guarantees that you’re prepared during travel or unexpected situations.”
Carewell’s Best First Aid Kits
You’re probably wondering what to look for if you’ve never bought a first aid kit before. To make your search a little easier, we’ve curated a list featuring some of our top-rated and best-selling first-aid kits. When available, we’ve also included real user feedback under the heading ‘Heart It From a User/Caregiver.
1) Adventure Family First Aid Kit
This first aid kit from Adventure Family has everything you need to treat minor wounds, sprains, and common allergies. It includes a first aid guide featuring tips for treating fractures, cuts, and joint dislocations.
Key Benefits & Features:
Includes critical information on wound care and stabilizing sprains and fractures
Coated nylon outer bag and waterproof plastic inner bags
Enough equipment to care for up to three people (great for families!)
Price: $34.94
2) Acme Zip-N-Go Auto First Aid Kit
This first aid kit comes in a portable Ziplock-like pouch, allowing for easy transport. It includes bandages, gauze, and first aid tape as well as antiseptic towelettes, hand sanitizer, and nitrile gloves. There’s even an insect relief pad and sunscreen for all of your outdoor adventures.
Hear it from a caregiver
“[This first aid kit is] nice to have in the car. And, it’s in a “ziplock” type pouch!”
- Michelle W.
3) McKesson 25 Person First Aid Kit
This first aid kit from McKesson is fully equipped to serve the emergency medical needs of up to 25 people. It’s one of our best-selling kits and contains all the essential first aid supplies.
Key Benefits & Features:
Includes a wound cleaning kit with benzalkonium chloride antiseptic towelettes; triple antibiotic ointment; and first aid burn cream packets
Tools include scissors; one pair of nitrile gloves; and a CPR mask with a one-way valve and first aid guide
Includes sterile eye pads and eye wash for the treatment of eye injuries
Price: $52.99
4) Ouchies Sportz First Aid Kit, For Kids
This first aid kit is the only one on our list designed specifically for kids, adolescents, and teens. Parents tell us that it’s a lifesaver in the event of sports injuries and other activity-related injuries.
The kit is small enough to fit inside a backpack, so your child can easily take it with them to soccer practice or school.
Key Benefits & Features:
50-piece kit that’s light and compact
Small enough to fit in your car’s glove compartment or carry on luggage
5 separate sets of sports-themed bandages (swimmer, skateboard, football, baseball, and soccer)
Hear it from a caregiver
“They were great. They were for my grandkids and now my daughters are carrying them in their trucks for vacations. Thank you.”
- Esmerelda C.
5) Everyday Carry First Aid Kit
This portable first aid kit from My Medic is designed for injuries involving severe bleeding. It includes chest seals, disposable gloves, a rapid tourniquet, and a QuikClot dressing. We recommend buying this in addition to a traditional first aid kit, as it has the power to save lives in the event of serious injuries.
Trauma-specific first aid kit
Portable, water-resistant case
Verticle bi-fold design and upward-facing pockets for quick access
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6) McKesson Travel First Aid Kit
This travel first aid kit isn’t as big as some of the other kits on this list, but it’s great for treating accidents and injuries when you’re away from home. The compact design easily fits into purses, backpacks, and glove compartments.
Hear it from a caregiver
"[This is] exactly what was needed. [A] very efficient kit.”
- Liz R.
Price: $8.79
7) My Medic MYFAK Clearance Legacy First Aid Kit
Considered ‘the best first aid kit on the planet’ My Medic’s MYFAK Clearance Legacy includes more than 100 quality first aid and trauma supplies. The carrying case is made from high-quality nylon Cordura, a material often used in military and law enforcement gear and clothing.
This kit contains traditional first aid items like bandages, medical tape, and antiseptic wipes, as well as specialty products, like burn dressings, chest seals, and splints.
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We’re Here to Answer Your First Aid-Related Questions!
Are you struggling to choose a first aid kit for your family? With so many options available, it’s normal to worry. To make your search a little easier, our friendly Care Specialists are standing by. We regularly speak with and answer questions from parents, family caregivers, and other care professionals. Get in touch today by calling (800) 696-CARE or send an email to support@carewell.com.
How to Find the Best First Aid Kit - Commonly Asked Questions
1) How often should I check my first aid kit?
Check the supplies in your first aid kit (or kits) every three months. That’s especially true if you regularly use it. Jeffries says that taking inventory can alert you to supply shortages and help you ensure all the items are still within their expiration dates.
2) Which emergency skills should family caregivers learn?
Family caregivers can benefit from learning several emergency-related skills, including:
Heimlich maneuver
Identifying a concussion
Setting a splint
Bleeding control
Wound care
Another important skill to learn: cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Taking a CPR class is a great way to learn this life-saving skill. The American Heart Association has a Course Catalog Search tool that can help you find CPR and first aid training classes in your area.
3) What is a medical history card?
A medical history card is a notecard or piece of paper that provides basic information about your loved one’s health.
“It’s important to know the medical histories, allergies, and prescribed medications of your loved ones,” says Victoria Tsiparsky, a licensed respiratory therapist and the founder of the wellness website Holistik Queen. “Write this information down on note cards and add them to your first aid kits. That way you won’t have to remember these facts during stressful moments.”
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Read More >Chad Birt is a freelance medical writer who resides in Astoria, Oregon. When he isn't behind a keyboard, you can find him hiking, camping, or birdwatching with his wife Ella and their two dogs, Diane and Thoreau.
Chad Birt is a freelance medical writer who resides in Astoria, Oregon. When he isn't behind a keyboard, you can find him hiking, camping, or birdwatching with his wife Ella and their two dogs, Diane and Thoreau.