What first aid supplies are a must?

This may be kind of basic, but for people new to this, the first thing in your kit should be education. That a basic first aid class. Then start to build your kit.

 

Education is absolutely a must, learn how to treat the injuries correctly and the bare essentials needed to treat most common injuries. Take first aid classes if possible, start with the basic class and if you want to learn more find some more advanced classes, read books, watch videos while you can, talk to others. Very good point to hit on Gene.

 

I have been taking a first aid class every two years sense 1982. Things have changed alot from my first class, so keep up on the education, new things and methods come out all the time.

 

I was trained in battlefield first aid and battlefield trauma first aid, basic first aid, cpr, and learned a lot along the way of life.

 

aint that right i am a first responder keep up on your classes read books and watch videos and talk to others and learn all you can

 

I would agree with education. There are some really good an small (great to pack) quick guides to first aid. You should have the knowledge first, but in emergencys people need a quick reminder.

 

I have carried a basic first aid kit nearly continuously since 1974
and other than updating yearly have rarely used it on myself and only occasionaly used it on others!

Time spent learning basic anatomy beats silly little first aid courses every time!
and time spent learning how the body heals itself is golden!

Gloves and lots of them, hand cleaner and antiseptic/ fluid/cream and wipes and lots of!

 

Anti septic and sterile water is crucial because it's much easier to clean and treat a wound than it is to treat sepsis with no medical help. Infection is a survivalists nightmare!

 

Apart from education, one item you can't do away with is methylated spirit. Its very essential when it comes to cleaning all kinds of wounds and grazes. I have also discovered a very easy method to seal a wound. Slaked lime solidifies quite fast when mixed with some water resulting in the plugging of a wound. I almost forgot the good old bandage as well as distilled water. Most first aid emergencies come from injuries. It would also be absolutely prudent to carry antivenom.

 

Three things that I would include in a safety kit would be acetaminophen(Tylenol), hydrogen peroxide, and first aide spray.

 

Believe it or not, duct tape would be important. You can seal up a blister or cut, you could probably even immobilize a break with it. It's very versatile and can be a big help in lots of areas, first aid included.

 

I agree that education and first aid training is a must. I have been trained in CPR and am just beginning to build a good first aid kit/small box. So far, I have aspirin, an antiseptic, gauze, tape, benedryl, an antibiotic cream , and an ace bandage. (It just dawned on me while writing that I need to add a pair of scissors.) It is a work in progress and I am trying to be thoughtful about what I add.