8 Items You Should Have in Your First-Aid Kit

There’s likely been a time in your life when you needed a first aid kit. Whether you needed a bandage for a scrape on your knee, or supplies to treat a more serious injury. We all know how important having access to a fully stocked first aid kit is. You should always have one nearby, whether it’s at home, in your car, at the cottage, or your workplace. The Canadian Red Cross provides a detailed list of all the items you should have in your first aid kit. Let’s look at 8 of the items on this list, and why it’s important to include them. Visit the Canadian Red Cross website to view the entire list and learn more about first aid and safety. 

Item #1: Emergency Contact Information

Having emergency contact information in your first aid kit is essential. If you find yourself in an emergency situation, it’s important that you have access to the resources you may need to call. Whether it’s a handwritten note or a typed out document, ensure you have the phone number for EMS, your family doctor, and your local poison control centre. It also may be a good idea to hand the address and phone number of your closest hospital on hand. Remember to update any information that becomes outdated.

Item #2: Adhesive Tape

Tape is a staple in first aid kits. It can serve a variety of purposes, which is why it’s important to have an adhesive tape accessible. It can be used to secure bandages or dressings, or hold medical devices in place. There are non-adhesive and adhesive tapes available, ensure that you have an adhesive tape in your first aid kit. Healthwick carries an assortment of tapes, browse our collection online. 

Item #3: Adhesive Bandages

Adhesive bandages are commonly referred to as “Band-Aids”. They’re made of a flexible material with an adhesive on one side with a non-sticky absorbent pad. Adhesive bandages can be used to help dress and protect small cuts, like paper cuts, to larger open wounds. They’re available in a variety of shapes and sizes, and it’s important you have a good assortment of adhesive bandages in your first aid kit. Shop bandages on our website, Healthwick carries a wide range of shapes and sizes to serve multiple purposes in wound care. 

Item #4: Wound Cleanser

Antiseptic wipes or soap are good options for wound cleaning, There are also cleansers available specifically for wound care. Either way, it’s important to have something to clean or sterilize a wound area in your first aid kit. Properly cleaning wounds will assist in promoting healing and preventing infections. Browse products for wound cleaning on our website. 

Item #5: Eye Patches

Your eyes and the surrounding area is very sensitive. Eye patches are generally used as temporary coverings for one or both eyes. They’re used to protect the ocular area after an injury or to promote healing. Eye patches can most often be used on either eye. Visit our website to check out our eye patch selection for your first aid kit.

Item #6: Sterile Gauze Pads

Gauze pads are great to have in your first aid kit. They can be used to absorb seepage from a wound, pack wounds, clean wounds, and more. Make sure you’re including sterile gauze sponges or pads in your kit, rather than non-sterile options. Having sterile gauze pads will help to keep the wound area clean, promote proper healing and protect against infection. Remember that you should include gauze pads or sponges in a variety of sizes, as sizing is important depending on the wound. Take a look at our assortment of gauze for wound care.

Item #7: Disposable Face Mask and Gloves

Face masks and gloves are a form of PPE (personal protective equipment). They protect you, and the person you are helping. They can help to protect from infection, cross-contamination and more. When it comes to gloves, it’s best to include non-latex gloves in your first aid kit, as many people have latex allergies, surgical or examination gloves are probably the best choice. Shop our assortment of disposable gloves and disposable face masks. Remember to never reuse disposable or single-use gloves or masks, follow the manufacturer’s instructions (they should be on the packaging) to ensure you’re using the product correctly.

Item #8: Non-Adhesive Bandages (Roll or Triangle)

Non-adhesive bandages, in a roll or triangle shape, are an essential first aid tool. As the name suggests, these types of bandages do not stick to the skin. They are useful to hold dressings in place or to create a sling for an arm. They’re especially useful in wound care as they are easy to apply and don’t stick to the skin, making them a good option for fragile or sensitive skin with wounds that are in a healing phase. Healthwick carries a variety of bandages for wound care that may make a great addition to your first aid kit. 

If you’re not sure if you have the right products in your first aid kit, check out the Canadian Red Cross. Their website is a great resource to ensure you have everything you need. These products are great for emergency situations where first aid is needed, but they cannot replace the advice and care of a medical professional. If you're injured or wounded please seek out medical attention as soon as possible.

Have any questions about the products on our website? Reach out to our Healthwick customer care team, they’d be pleased to answer any questions you may have. Contact us by phone, email, or live chat. 

Information Source: Canadian Red Cross