It must have happened to you at some point – you’ve cut your finger getting dinner ready, someone’s twisted an ankle playing in the backyard, a headache appears out of nowhere, and so on… these things can happen to anyone at any time, and having a well-stocked first aid kit can turn those small (and sometimes big) emergencies into much less of an issue. Of course, knowing what to put in your first aid kit is crucial, and with that in mind, here are some of the must-haves to stock up on. Read on to find out more.

Plasters

Plasters, also known as bandaids or adhesive bandages, are fantastically useful and should be something you’ve got in your first aid kit. They’re not the only thing you’ll need, of course, but nine times out of ten, a plaster is going to be required, no matter what accident has occurred. If you get a paper cut, a scraped knee, a blister from wearing new shoes, or any number of other problems, a plaster can either help to heal things or protect the area until you can do something about it, and either way, they’re handy to have around. The best thing is these plasters come in various shapes and sizes (or you can even cut them to size if you prefer), and you can choose waterproof ones or ones that let the skin breathe and so on, ensuring you’re ready for anything that might happen. 

Antiseptic Wipes

If you’ve got plasters and you need to use them, you’ve also got to make sure the wound is as clean as possible before you stick a bandaid on top. Otherwise, you’re potentially going to get an infection. Antiseptic wipes help to reduce the risk of infection and get rid of any dirt or bacteria that’s hanging around, lurking in the wound, and they’re straightforward to use, so there’s no excuse not to get that cut cleaned up as much as possible. And they’re convenient if you haven’t got access to soap and water, perhaps because you’re out and about; they can be your first line of defence when you get a minor injury. 

Gauze Pads And Medical Tape

For larger cuts or scrapes that need more than a bandaid, gauze pads are massively helpful, and that’s why they need to be part of your first aid kit. You probably won’t need as many of them as you do plasters (the more, the merrier when it comes to those), but having a few just in case is a wise idea – they’re soft pads that help stop bleeding and protect the wound, so they could be precisely what you need. 

As for medical tape, that’s what you’ll need to keep the gauze pads in place, as they’re not sticky like plasters are. And remember, gauze and tape are also handy for burns or even bigger injuries where you need to cover a larger area, so although you might not think you’ll need them, it’s worth having, just in case. 

Tweezers

You might not think of tweezers as essential first aid, but they can be vital when removing splinters, glass, or any other little annoyances that find their way (often quite painfully) under your skin. The key to using tweezers properly is to ensure they’re clean before you get them anywhere near your skin. The antiseptic wipes we mentioned earlier can clean them up well before you use them – it’s good to get into the habit of cleaning all the tools in your first aid kit, especially if it’s been sitting around for a while. 

Pain Relief

Headaches, cramps, sudden backache, toothache, nasty cuts and bruises… if you want to get back to normal sooner rather than later, pain relief is going to be necessary, so you should keep some in your kit. Keep some ibuprofen or paracetamol handy for quick relief when discomfort strikes, and it’s also worth having some over-the-counter L484 pills, too – they’re a common form of acetaminophen. They’re great for pain relief and lowering fevers, so they’re an excellent all-round staple for any first aid kit. However, they can be addictive, so it’s essential to be careful if you know you have an issue and speak to experts for help if you need it. 

Hydrocortisone Cream

If you’re prone to bug bites, rashes, or mysterious skin irritations, hydrocortisone cream will be something you’ll be very glad to have in your first aid kit. It’s a topical cream that helps to reduce itching, redness, and swelling, and it’s perfect for calming down skin that’s feeling uncomfortable. It still might be worth seeking medical attention, of course, especially if you don’t know why the problem has occurred, but the cream will make things more comfortable until you can sort it out with a professional. 

Thermometer

You might not need it often, but when you do, a thermometer is crucial, and it’s not going to take up too much space in your first aid kit, so there’s no reason not to include it. Whether you or a loved one is feeling a bit under the weather or want to see your temperature, having a reliable thermometer on hand is the tool you’ll need to get the answers you want. And if possible, go for a digital one because they’re fast and accurate and much easier to read than an older style one would be. 

Disposable Gloves

When you’re dealing with your own wounds, gloves might not be something you’re all that worried about, but when you’re helping someone else, especially a stranger – and it can sometimes happen if you’re in the right place at the right time to help out after an accident – gloves are probably a good idea. They’ll help prevent the spread of germs from you and them to you, so everyone stays as safe as possible. Plus, they’re generally handy when you’re dealing with any mess, so knowing where they are is a good idea, and the first aid kit is as good a place as any to store them.