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First Aid Kit Buyer's Guide

We receive a lot of requests from users during their first aid kit selection process. We’ve assembled the following buyers guide to help you make a more informed buying decision. And don’t hesitate to let us know if you have any other questions regarding your first aid kit selection. We’re here to help.

1.) Look for a variety of components

Many first aid kits attempt to sell a kit comprised of a box of adhesive bandages and a few tablets. How many different type of injuries will this kit treat? Not very many! Don't be fooled by quantity of components, look for variety of components! The idea is to include components for real life emergencies, not what might let the kit sell for a few dollars less.

2.) Cover all basic First Aid Categories

Any first aid kit should contain at least something from the following groups:

  • Antiseptics (something to kill germs to prevent infection),
  • Injury treatment (items to deal with injuries such as butterfly closures and cold compresses), Bandages (a variety of bandages to dress and cover a variety of wounds),
  • Instruments (tweezers, barrier gloves)
  • Medicines (analgesics at a minimum)

3.) Kit organization

First aid kits are only used in a time of need. If you, or someone you are near, are injured and need assistance a first aid kit won't do any good if you can't find what you need. Look for a kit that has its contents nicely organized so you can locate supplies readily.

If you need to carry a large number of first aid supplies, you may also want to consider the use of a trauma bag. Specifically designed for first responders, trauma bags offer ample storage units designed for the most common first aid components and medical devices.

4.) Quality components

Adhesive bandages that don't stick, poorly shaped bandages, component packaging that falls apart, a case that doesn't stand up... a poor quality kit is the last thing you need in dealing with an emergency.

5.) Information

A first aid kit does no good if you don't know what to do with it. Frankly, most first aid kits include some kind of guide, but their usefulness can vary widely. Make sure the first aid guide in your kit is from a credible source, contains the latest medical advice, and make sure it its laid out in a way that can be understood when under stress.