First aid kits

Start with a storage box

You need a place to store all your supplies, so start with an appropriate-size storage box. To find what you need quickly and easily, use one with several compartments, and to keep it grab-and-go ready, find one with a handle. Once you have that, you're ready to fill it with all the supplies you'll need.

Emergency numbers

Add a list of emergency numbers, such as poison control, provincial health services, family doctors, family numbers and ICE (in case of emergency) contacts.

Disposable non-latex gloves and hand sanitizer

Keep yourself safe from any disease that can be transmitted through bodily fluids by wearing disposable gloves when administering first aid. Have a minimum of three sterile pairs in your kit, and keep a travel-size container of hand sanitizer at the ready to keep yourself germ-free.

Bandages

Stock up on adhesive bandages in various sizes so you're ready to protect small cuts and abrasions. For dressing larger or more severe wounds, keep a roll of sterile gauze or package of large gauze pads, a pair of sharp scissors and hypoallergenic adhesive medical tape in your kit. Triangular and elastic bandages are useful if immobilization is required.

Antiseptic wipes or an antibiotic wash

This is a must-have for cleaning out scrapes and cuts before treating them. If using a wash instead of the wipes, be sure to add a few sterile cloths that you can use to your kit.

Antibiotic ointment

Add a layer of protection against infection by applying this to the wound before bandaging it up.

A blanket

Have a blanket on hand to keep the victim warm or to use as a ground cover during treatment.

A disposable face shield

Add this barrier device to your kit, which will prevent the transfer of bacteria between people when administering CPR and artificial respiration.

A first aid manual

Keep one in your kit as an easy reference guide for treatment options.

Other useful items to add

• A thermometer
• An eyewash and eye patches
• A pain-relieving medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen
• Tweezers
• Safety pins