You never know when emergencies can happen, which is why it is best to be prepared. A first aid kit is the most basic thing everyone must have especially when travelling. You may purchase ready-made kits through the Red Cross Store or you can check your local pharmacies or supermarkets. Kits for specific activities such as camping, boating and hiking are also available.

You may also assemble your own kit to fit your preference. Basic medications, such as antihistamines, analgesics and the likes are helpful items which may come in handy. Emergency numbers as well as insurance information would be useful too. A flashlight with batteries may be considered too. It is important to check your kit prior to every trip to make sure that it is complete or to replenish used items.

Based on the Red Cross recommendations, here is a list of items you should have in your first aid kit:

2 absorbent compress dressings (5 x 9 inches)

25 adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)

1 adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 inch)

5 antibiotic ointment packets (approximately 1 gram)

5 antiseptic wipe packets

2 packets of aspirin (81 mg each)

1 blanket (space blanket)

1 breathing barrier (with one-way valve)

1 instant cold compress

2 pair of non-latex gloves

2 hydrocortisone ointment packets (approximately 1 gram each)

Scissors

1 roller bandage (3 inches wide)

1 roller bandage (4 inches wide)

5 sterile gauze pads (3 x 3 inches)

5 sterile gauze pads (4 x 4 inches)

Oral thermometer (non-mercury/non-glass)

2 triangular bandages

Tweezers

First aid instruction booklet

 

Image from Marcin Wichar