While they might come in a handy storage bag or box, shop-bought first-aid kits often contain supplies you're never likely to need, and not enough of the ones you do. Essential protection when providing any first aid treatment. When treating a wound area, disposable gloves protect the first aider and victim from cross-contamination. Safety pins Accurately and safely cut clothing, bandages, tape, and dressings with reduced risk of puncturing the casualty’s skin. Conforming bandages Antihistamines Active ingredient chlorphenamine maleate is generally thought to be better for stings and bites than one-a-day formulations such as loratadine or cetirizine dihydrochloride. For topical relief, one of our pharmacists recommended a mild steroid cream (hydrocortisone) over topical antihistamine cream.

Medications can also come in handy during an emergency. It’s a good idea to choose a kit that includes OTC meds like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to treat pain and relieve fevers. You may also want loperamide for acute diarrhea or diphenhydramine for minor allergic reactions. “If the allergic reaction is causing difficulty breathing or throat swelling, call 911 and administer an EpiPen if the patient has one,” Dr. San Miguel says. While a foil blanket might be useful if you're outdoor adventuring, it's unlikely to be needed in the home, where other things can keep you warm. to 4.7 stars: These first aid kits are excellent—they might have minor flaws, but we still recommend them. It may also be useful to keep a basic first aid manual or instruction booklet with your first aid kit.Suitable for securing a splint in place or an arm sling for an injured limb. Low-adherent sterile pads An emergency physician from our Medical Expert Board reviewed the contents of this article for medical accuracy surrounding what to look for in first aid kits, when first aid should be applied, and where kits should be stored. Small disposable saline wipes to clean a wound area easily, protecting it from infection. Washproof sterile plasters Highly absorbent dressing pad designed to soak up bodily fluids efficiently and produce a padded layer to protect a wound area, aiding the healing process. Sterile wound dressings The Verywell Health team tested 15 first aid kits in the Verywell Testing Lab. Following our detailed methodology, each test was designed to evaluate and compare the kits for ease of use, organization, quality of the products and carrying case, and overall value.

NHS advice is to cool minor burns with cool or lukewarm running water for 20 minutes then covering with a layer of clingfilm, or you could use a dry dressing. It's worth taking some first-aid essentials on your travels, to avoid the hassle of finding and navigating a pharmacy for minor ailments when you're somewhere unfamiliar. painkillers such as paracetamol (or infant paracetamol for children), aspirin (not to be given to children under 16), or ibuprofen

Bandages

Make sure it's easily identifiable as a first aid kit, and keep it out of the reach of small children. First-aid kit essentials: what you need

Hold dressings over wounds safely and comfortably with this lightweight high-stretch bandage. Microporous tapeAntiseptic wipes or alcohol pads decrease the risk of germs and bacteria getting into cuts, scrapes, and burns. After using antiseptic or alcohol to clean the wound, apply an antibacterial ointment to prevent infection, Dr. San Miguel explains. Firstaid.co.uk opening hours are between 8.30am and 5.00pm Monday to Friday, and our sales team will be happy to deal with any queries you might have during these times.