A complete guide to building and maintaining a home first aid kit, covering wound care supplies, medications, tools, emergency documents, and a schedule for replacing expired items.
Buy a variety pack with at least 50 bandages: 20 standard (3/4 inch), 15 large (1x3 inch), 10 butterfly closures, and 5 knuckle bandages. A household of 4 uses roughly 5-8 bandages per month.
Standard-size bandages
Large bandages and butterfly closures
Include sterile gauze pads and rolls
Get 10 individually wrapped sterile gauze pads (4x4 inch) and 2 rolls of gauze wrap (2 inch and 4 inch widths). Gauze pads cover wounds too large for bandages. Store in sealed bags to maintain sterility.
Add medical adhesive tape
Hypoallergenic paper tape (1 inch wide) works for most people. Buy 2 rolls. For those with sensitive skin, silicone-based tape causes less irritation. One roll lasts approximately 6-8 wound dressings.
Include antiseptic wipes and antibiotic ointment
Pack 20-30 individually wrapped antiseptic wipes. A 1-ounce tube of triple-antibiotic ointment lasts about 30 applications. Clean every wound before applying ointment; it reduces infection risk by 25%.
Stock an elastic bandage (ACE wrap)
Include at least 2 elastic bandages (3 inch and 4 inch widths) for sprains and strains. Wrap firmly but not tightly; you should be able to slide a finger underneath. Replace after 3-5 uses when elasticity fades.
Over-the-Counter Medications
Pain relievers: acetaminophen and ibuprofen
Keep both types since they work differently. Acetaminophen for headaches and fever; ibuprofen for inflammation and muscle pain. Check expiration dates every 6 months. Most OTC pain relievers expire within 2-3 years of purchase.
Antihistamine for allergic reactions
Diphenhydramine (25mg tablets) treats allergic reactions, insect stings, and hives. Keep at least 10 tablets on hand. It causes drowsiness, so also stock a non-drowsy daytime option. Both have a 2-year shelf life.
Hydrocortisone cream for skin irritation
A 1% hydrocortisone cream (1-ounce tube, about $5) treats bug bites, rashes, and mild eczema. Apply a thin layer 2-3 times daily for up to 7 days. Do not use on open wounds or the face without a doctor's advice.
Antidiarrheal medication and oral rehydration salts
Keep 12-20 doses of loperamide and 4-6 packets of oral rehydration salts. Dehydration from diarrhea becomes dangerous within 24-48 hours, especially in children and older adults. ORS restores electrolytes faster than water alone.
Burn relief gel or aloe vera
Lidocaine-based burn gel ($6-10) numbs minor burns on contact. Pure aloe vera gel is a good alternative. For first-degree burns, cool the burn under running water for 10 minutes before applying gel. Do not use ice on burns.
Tools and Equipment
Include tweezers and small scissors
Fine-point tweezers remove splinters and ticks. Blunt-tip scissors cut gauze, tape, and clothing away from wounds. Stainless steel tools last years if dried after each use. Replace if tips become bent or dull.
Add a digital thermometer
A digital oral thermometer gives readings in 30-60 seconds. Replace the battery once a year. A fever is 100.4°F (38°C) or above. Forehead thermometers are convenient but can be less accurate by 0.5-1°F.
Include disposable gloves (non-latex)
Keep at least 10 pairs of nitrile gloves (sizes medium and large). Nitrile is preferred over latex since 1-6% of the population has a latex allergy. Gloves protect both the caregiver and the injured person from infection.
Add an instant cold pack
Keep 2-3 instant cold packs that activate by squeezing. They reach peak cold in 2-3 minutes and last 15-20 minutes. Do not apply directly to skin; wrap in a cloth. These are essential when ice is not available.
Include a CPR face shield or pocket mask
A CPR pocket mask ($5-10) provides a barrier during rescue breathing. It makes bystander CPR safer and more effective. The American Red Cross recommends every first aid kit include one. Replace after any use.
Emergency Information
Print emergency contact numbers
Include 911, your local poison control center (1-800-222-1222 in the US), your family doctor's number, and 2 emergency contacts. Laminate the card and tape it inside the kit lid. Phones die in emergencies; paper does not.
Include a basic first aid instruction card
A waterproof first aid guide card ($3-5) covers CPR steps, choking response, wound care, and when to call 911. In an emergency, even trained people forget steps. Having written instructions reduces response errors by 40%.
List household members' allergies and medications
Write each person's drug allergies, current medications, and medical conditions on a single card. Paramedics need this information within the first 2 minutes of arrival. Update the card every 6 months.
Maintenance and Storage
Choose a sturdy, waterproof container
A hard-sided plastic container with a secure latch ($10-20) protects supplies from moisture and crushing. Label it clearly with a red cross symbol. Size: roughly 12x8x6 inches holds a family kit comfortably.
Store the kit in an accessible, central location
The kitchen or main hallway is ideal since 50% of home injuries occur in the kitchen or living areas. Place it on a shelf reachable by adults but out of reach of small children. Everyone in the household should know the location.
Check and restock the kit every 6 months
Set a calendar reminder for January and July. Check medication expiration dates, replace used items, and test the thermometer battery. Expired medications lose 10-20% of their potency each year past the expiration date.
Consider building a second kit for your car
A compact car kit should include 20 bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze, tape, pain relievers, a cold pack, and emergency contact information. Store it in the trunk, not the glove box, where temperatures can exceed 150°F in summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What items should be in a basic home first aid kit?
A well-stocked kit should include adhesive bandages in multiple sizes, sterile gauze pads (3x3 and 4x4 inch), medical tape, elastic bandages, antibiotic ointment, antiseptic wipes, hydrocortisone cream, acetaminophen and ibuprofen, tweezers, scissors, disposable gloves, an instant cold pack, and a digital thermometer. A basic kit costs $25-$50 to assemble from a pharmacy.
How often should I replace items in my first aid kit?
Check your kit every 6 months (set a calendar reminder for when you change your clocks). Medications expire 1-2 years after opening. Antibiotic ointment loses effectiveness after 2 years. Adhesive bandages lose stickiness after 3-5 years. Replace anything that is expired, damaged, or has been used. The full check takes about 10 minutes.
Should I buy a pre-made first aid kit or build my own?
Pre-made kits from brands like the American Red Cross ($20-$40 for a 100-piece kit) are a good starting point but often lack enough of the items you actually use most (bandages, gauze, pain relievers). Buy a pre-made kit as your base, then customize it by adding extra supplies for your household specific needs like EpiPens, asthma inhalers, or pediatric medications.
Where should I store my first aid kit at home?
Store it in a cool, dry location that every family member knows about but is out of reach of small children. A hallway closet or kitchen cabinet works well. Avoid the bathroom, as humidity degrades medications faster. If you have a multi-story home, keep a basic kit on each floor. A car kit should be in the trunk, not the glove box where heat damages supplies.
Do I need a separate first aid kit for the car?
Yes. A car kit should include everything in your home kit plus a reflective emergency blanket, a seatbelt cutter, a window breaker tool, flares or reflective triangles, and extra water. Store medications in an insulated pouch since car temperatures can range from 20°F to 150°F, which degrades most drugs within months.