What to Include in a First Aid Kit

American Red Cross youth volunteers learn about assembling first aid kits during a presentation at the Red Cross office in Dallas, Texas.

On May 25, American Red Cross Clubs across North Texas held a Youth First Aid Event. Participants learned about first aid kits, their contents and how to use them while assembling their own kits. Afterward, they participated in fun games and activities, including a kit-decoration competition, bingo and charades!

A well-stocked first aid kit is handy to have in your home or car. But what makes them so important? Here’s what you need to know about first aid kits and how to make your own:

A first aid kit is a box or container containing essential medical equipment such as antiseptic products, bandages, ointments and more. Depending on their contents they can come in various sizes, and the items they contain may vary depending on the setting.

First aid kits are important because they allow us to respond to emergencies immediately. They allow you to quickly tend to injuries such as cuts, scrapes, insect bites, burns and fractures to prevent the condition from worsening by providing instantaneous care and relief. In some situations, first aid kits can even help save lives.

To respond in an emergency, we must know what is in a first aid kit and how to use it. Here is a brief overview of the essential contents of a kit, what they are, and how to use them:Hand Sanitizer:

Latex Free Gloves:

Sterile Alcohol Pads:

Antibiotic Ointment:

Sting Relief:

Adhesive Bandages & Gauze:

Q-tips:

Tweezers:

Pain Reliever:

Visit redcross.org to learn more about building a first aid kit and becoming a youth volunteer.

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