How to Build a First Aid Kit and Why Everyone Needs One

Whether you’re hiking up a mountain, going to the shooting range, or simply going about your day-to-day routine, having a well-stocked first aid kit can be a lifesaver—literally. Emergencies and accidents can happen at any time, and being prepared to handle them effectively can make all the difference. In this blog, we’ll dive into why everyone needs a first aid kit, and guide you through the steps to create one that suits your needs.This covers EDC (every day carry), IFAK (individual first aid kit), and bug out bag medical kits.

Why You Need a First Aid Kit

1. Immediate Response to Injuries: Accidents often happen when we least expect them. Having a first aid kit at your fingertips allows you to respond to injuries such as cuts, burns, sprains, and life threatening bleeding immediately. This prompt action can prevent injuries from escalating into more serious conditions.
2. Prevents Infection and Complications: Proper wound care is essential in preventing infections, which can make health risks worse if left untreated. A well-stocked first aid kit provides the necessary tools—like antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointments, and bandages—to clean and cover wounds effectively. We keep moleskin in our first aid kits to treat pesky hot spot blisters, so the fun doesn't have to stop.
3. Peace of Mind: Knowing that you have the essentials to handle minor injuries provides peace of mind, whether you’re at home, on the road, or in the great outdoors. This confidence allows you to focus more on enjoying your activities rather than worrying about what to do in case of an accident.
4. Preparedness for Emergency Situations: In critical situations like heavy bleeding or severe allergic reactions, having emergency supplies, such as a tourniquet or epinephrine, can mean the difference between life and death. A first aid kit equips you to stabilize someone’s condition until professional help arrives.

Should you buy a pre-made kit or build your own?

Everyone’s lifestyle is different. There are a lot of great first aid kits out there already, that are built specialized for different lifestyles in mind. For example, the Adventure Ready - First Aid Kit 2.0 is a great ready to go kit for camping, backpacking, and family trips for up to a group of 4. If you don’t want to build a whole kit from scratch, starting with a nice solid pre-made kit as a base is an awesome way to get started. From there you can add any additional items that suit your needs.

If you prefer to build your kit from scratch, that’s great. To help you get started, I have compiled a list of essentials down below. Feel free to copy and paste this list into your phone as you’re building, or print it out and use as a checklist.

How to Make Your Own First Aid Kit

Creating a first aid kit can be a fun and exciting project. It may not be the most cost-effective method of acquiring a FAK in some cases, but it's a great way to have a kit that you're familiar with from the inside out with quality items you personally sourced yourself.

1. Choose the Right Container

Start by selecting a durable, water resistant container that’s large enough to hold all your supplies yet compact enough to carry with you. Look for one with compartments to keep items organized and easy to access. If you’re building a kit for outdoor activities, consider a bag made from rugged materials like nylon that can withstand rough conditions. We like nylon bags with molle and molle straps so you can attach them to the outside of our backpacks for quick, easy access. (When I first started, I used a Patagonia hip pack for my FAK. Even a ziploc bag is better than nothin'!)

Elite First Aid has a med kit with a removable velcro panel on the back that contains MOLLE straps, so you can attach your kit to a multitude of locations while being able to pull the bag’s handle to rip the main bag off the velcro panel. Now that's rapid response! This is great for car headrests and backpacks.

 Elite First Aid - GP IFAK Level 1

2. Stock the Essentials

Here’s a basic list of items every first aid kit should include:

Wound Care Supplies:

• Sterile gauze pads
• Self-Adherent bandage wrap (Cohesive bandage, Coban Wrap)
• Adhesive bandages (Band-aids of various sizes and kinds)
• Adhesive tape (Surgical tape)
  
• Antiseptic wipes (Iodine)
  
• Alcohol Wipes
• Antibiotic ointment (e.g., Neosporin)
• Tweezers (for splinter or tick removal)
• Scissors/Trauma shears (EMT shears)
  
• Sterile gauze (of various sizes, 4" x 4" is a popular size)
• Cotton tip applicator (Q-tips)
• Burn Gel/Ointment (Aquaphor, also good for dry, cracked skin, rash, minor cuts, etc.)

Medications:

• Pain relievers
  
• Ibuprofen (Advil, Midol, best for inflammation for sprained ankles)
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is the single best universal choice
• Naproxen Sodium (Aleve) my personal favorite for headaches
  
• Antihistamines
  
• Diphenhydramine (Benedryl, also drowsy and sedating, for allergies, insomnia, cold and cough symptoms, insect bites/stings)
• Aspirin (For suspected heart attack. Check with your doctor.)
• Anti-inflammatory gel or cream
• Hydrocortisone cream (for rashes and insect bites)
• Personal medications (Epinephrine pen, etc.)
• Imodium (An antidiarrheal. Emergencies, processed camping food, and stress can really screw up your digestive system)
• No capsules or gels (these do not travel or store well in extreme conditions)
  

Tools and Emergency Equipment:

• Thermometer
• Disposable gloves (nitrile 5mm)
• CPR face shield
  
• Safety pins
• Emergency blanket (space blanket)
  
• Elastic bandage wrap (ACE bandage)
• Medical tape (I love me some gorilla tape, but it is not ideal for medical use)

Hiking Essentials

• Moleskin blister relief
  
• Saline eye drops
• Afterbite Sting and Itch Relief
• Emergency Whistle
• Compass

Trauma Essentials

• Tourniquet (We recommend C-A-T Gen 7 style)
  
• Z-fold gauze
• Rolled gauge (for wrapping the head, arm, etc.)
  
• BleedStop
• BleedStop bandage
• Chest seal (helps seal a penetrating chest trauma (from neck to navel) on front, side, or back of chest. Does not control bleeding, and instead prevents air from entering the chest cavity that affects the lung area)
• Abdominal Pad (to cover a bleeding wound)
  
• Liquid skin

Pets

• Soothing balm (for paws and noses)
• Wound irrigation syringe
• Saline solution (100mL)
• Hydrogen Peroxide 3% (to induce vomiting, ask your vet first)
• Rinse free wipes or small dishwashing soap (to bathe)

Additional Items:

• Emergency contact information and instructions
• First aid manual or guide
• Instant cold pack
• Plastic wrap (won’t adhere to wound, keeps right amount of moisture, and you can hold a cold compress against the outside of it to sooth an injury)
• Caffeine pills
• Ammonia Inhalants (Smelling salts)
• LED Light Pen Flashlight
• Tongue Depressor
• Lip Balm
• Feminine hygiene products
• Bug repellent
• Moist towelettes
• A small bag for trash to discard used supplies
  

 

3. Customize Your Kit

Your lifestyle and environment will determine additional items to include. For instance, if you’re an outdoor enthusiast, add items like moleskin for blisters and sting relief pads. For parents, consider adding a digital thermometer and child-specific medications. If you’re making a kit for the shooting range, include StopBleed and a tourniquet. Don't forget to pack for your furry adventure buddies; pets are just as good, if not better than we are, at getting into stuff! Be sure to check your kit regularly and replace expired items.

4. Keep it Accessible

It’s essential to store your first aid kit in an accessible location. If you’re keeping it at home, choose a central area known to all family members. For cars, place it in the glove compartment or trunk, or behind the headrest. When packing for outdoor adventures, ensure your kit is within easy reach in your backpack. We always attach our kits on the outside of our backpacks with our MOLLE straps, so it's easy for anyone to find quickly and access quickly. At the beginning of adventures, make your group aware that you have a med kit and where to find it.

5. Learn How to Use It

Having a first aid kit is only useful if you know how to use its contents effectively. Take the time to read through a first aid manual or, better yet, consider enrolling in a basic first aid, CPR course, and StopTheBleed class. This knowledge will empower you to respond confidently in emergency situations. We highly recommend adding a tourniquet to your first aid kit and learning how to use it. In our blog 3 Quick Techniques to Save a Life Before Someone Bleeds Out we cover the basics of treating severe bleeding.

Featured:  C-A-T Gen 7 tourniquet

Conclusion

Building a first aid kit is a small investment and an act of love that can have a significant impact on the safety and preparedness of yourself and loved ones. Whether you’re dealing with a minor scrape or a more serious injury, having the right supplies on hand can help you manage the situation until professional help is available. Customize your kit based on your needs, keep it stocked and accessible, and make sure you’re familiar with how to use each item. With a reliable first aid kit by your side, you’ll be ready for whatever life throws your way.

Stay safe, stay prepared!

Sincerely,
Toni Jimenez

Is there anything else you would recommend adding to a first aid kit? Drop a comment below!