First aid kits provide the basic supplies needed to treat minor medical incidents and injuries. They can be purchased prepackaged, or it is easy to build a personal kit with common items such as antiseptics, bandages and dressings, gloves, and certain medications. The best way to store a first aid kit is in a clear plastic box or container so that it is easy to locate if you need the supplies. A fanny pack, personal kit, or inexpensive nylon bag will serve well for this purpose. It is a good idea to keep one complete kit at home, and to build a specific first aid kit for outdoor or travel activities.

Some of the most important items to include in a first aid kit are small adhesive strips that have a gauze center and are commonly known as “bandaids”. Also consider including several pairs of latex-free disposable gloves, which will prevent the spread of infection from dirty wounds. An antiseptic ointment can be used to clean wounds, and hemostatic agents (such as powder or spray) are included in many first aid kits to promote blood clotting.

Why Every Household and Workplace Needs a Well-Stocked First Aid Kit

For the workplace, Vestis recommends that a first aid kit be placed on every floor to make sure that everyone has quick access. For larger facilities, it may be appropriate to have a first aid hub that meets ANSI Class A standards without medication and is stored in a solid steel case. This solution is ideal for food processing and manufacturing companies as it contains blue, metal-detectable bandages that meet OSHA requirements.