DIY First Aid Kit: What You Need and Why

DIY First Aid Kit: What You Need and Why

When disaster strikes, access to medical care can be delayed or even completely unavailable. Whether you’re hiking in the woods, taking a road trip, or facing potential disasters like a hurricane, earthquake, flood, or wildfire, having a well-stocked first aid kit can make the difference between life and death. At Disaster Preparedness Blog, we believe in empowering you with practical tools to be prepared and stay ready. In this guide, we’ll walk you through building a DIY first aid kit tailored to various disaster scenarios. You’ll learn what items are essential, why they’re important, and how to customize your kit for specific risks or events.

Why a DIY First Aid Kit?

A store-bought first aid kit is a good starting point, but it often lacks the flexibility to address the unique challenges of different medical needs or disasters. By building your own, you ensure it meets your family’s needs, accounts for local risks, and includes supplies for both minor injuries and more serious emergencies. A personalized kit also allows you to prioritize quality and quantity, ensuring you’re prepared for extended periods without professional medical help.

Below, we outline the core components of a first aid kit, followed by disaster-specific additions and step-by-step instructions to create your own.

Core Components of a First Aid Kit

Every first aid kit should include a baseline of supplies to handle common injuries like cuts, burns, sprains and broken bones. These items form the foundation of your kit, regardless of the situation or disaster type.

Adhesive Bandages (Assorted Sizes): For minor cuts and scrapes. Include standard, small, and large sizes to cover various wounds.

Sterile Gauze Pads and Rolls: To control bleeding and dressing larger wounds. Choose 4x4-inch pads and 2-inch rolls for versatility.

Medical Tape: To secure gauze and bandages. Opt for hypoallergenic tape to avoid skin irritation.

Antiseptic Wipes and Ointment: To clean wounds and prevent infection. Alcohol wipes and triple-antibiotic ointment are must-haves.

Scissors and Tweezers: For cutting tape or clothing and removing splinters or debris. Ensure they’re sanitized before use.

Disposable Gloves: To maintain hygiene while treating wounds. Nitrile gloves are ideal for those with latex allergies.

Pain Relievers: Ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain and fever reduction. Include both adult and child dosage if applicable.

Antihistamines: For allergic reactions, such as Benadryl. Useful for insect bites or unexpected allergens.

CPR Face Shield: To safely perform CPR in emergencies.

First Aid Manual: A quick-reference guide for treating injuries when professional help isn’t available.

Thermometer: To monitor fever, ideally a non-contact or digital model.

Instant Cold Packs: For reducing swelling from sprains or bruises.

These items address the most common injuries and medical needs in any emergency. Store them in a waterproof, durable container, such as a plastic tackle box or a sealed dry bag, to protect against environmental damage.

Disaster-Specific Additions

Different disasters present unique medical challenges. Below, we detail additional items to include based on the type of disaster you’re preparing for.

1. Hurricanes and Floods

Hurricanes and floods often lead to prolonged power outages, contaminated water, and limited access to medical facilities. Injuries from debris or waterborne infections are common.

Antifungal Cream: To treat infections caused by prolonged exposure to wet conditions.

Waterproof Bandages: To protect wounds in damp environments.

Oral Rehydration Salts: To combat dehydration from waterborne illnesses or lack of clean water.

Extra Antiseptic Supplies: To clean wounds exposed to contaminated floodwater.

Sunscreen and Insect Repellent: For prolonged outdoor exposure during evacuation or recovery. Be sure to use only mineral based sunscreen.

2. Earthquakes

Earthquakes cause structural damage, leading to cuts, fractures, and crush injuries. Dust and debris can also irritate the eyes and lungs.

Triangular Bandages: To create slings for arm or shoulder injuries.

Splinting Materials: SAM splints or padded boards to stabilize fractures.

Eye Wash Solution: To flush dust or debris from eyes.

Dust Masks: To protect against inhaling dust or particulate matter.

Heavy-Duty Gloves: To safely handle debris during rescue or cleanup.

3. Wildfires

Wildfires produce smoke inhalation risks, burns, and heat-related illnesses. Evacuation may limit access to supplies.

Burn Gel or Cream: To soothe minor burns and prevent infection.

Sterile Burn Dressings: For larger burn injuries.

N95 Respirator Masks: To filter smoke and ash from the air.

Electrolyte Packets: To prevent dehydration from heat exposure.

Eye Drops: To relieve irritation from smoke.

4. Tornadoes

Tornadoes cause flying debris injuries, lacerations, and blunt trauma. Immediate medical care may be delayed due to infrastructure damage.

Hemostatic Gauze: To control severe bleeding from deep cuts.

Suture Kit or Skin Adhesive: For closing minor lacerations (use only with training).

Extra Gauze and Bandages: To manage multiple injuries from debris.

Tourniquet: For life-threatening bleeding (use with proper training).

Headlamp or Flashlight: To treat injuries in low-light conditions.

5. Pandemics

Pandemics require infection control and management of illness at home, especially during quarantine.

Face Masks: Disposable or reusable masks to reduce disease spread.

Hand Sanitizer: To maintain hygiene when water is scarce.

Pulse Oximeter: To monitor oxygen levels in respiratory illnesses.

Fever-Reducing Medications: Extra supplies of acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

Cough Suppressants: To manage symptoms of respiratory infections.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Build Your DIY First Aid Kit

Follow these steps to create a personalized first aid kit tailored to your needs and local risks.

1. Assess Your Risks: Identify the disasters most likely in your area (e.g., hurricanes in coastal regions, earthquakes in seismic zones). Consult local emergency management resources or **Ready.gov** for risk assessments.

2. Gather Core Supplies: Purchase the core components listed above from a reputable pharmacy or medical supplier. Check expiration dates and prioritize quality over cost.

3. Add Disaster-Specific Items: Based on your risk assessment, include the additional supplies for disaster types relevant to your area. For example, if you live in a wildfire-prone area, prioritize burn treatments and N95 masks.

4. Choose a Container: Select a waterproof, portable container with compartments for organization. Label sections (e.g., “Wound Care,” “Medications”) for quick access.

5. Personalize for Your Family: Include medications for specific health conditions (e.g., inhalers for asthma, epinephrine for allergies). Account for children, elderly family members, or pets.

6. Organize and Label: Arrange items logically and include a contents list inside the kit. Label medications with dosages and expiration dates.

7. Train Yourself: Familiarize yourself with the kit’s contents. Take a first aid and CPR course through organizations like the Red Cross to learn proper use of supplies like tourniquets or splints.

8. Maintain Your Kit: Check your kit every six months to replace expired items, restock used supplies, and update for new risks or family needs.

Why A DIY First Aid Kit Matters

A DIY first aid kit is more than a collection of supplies; it’s a lifeline when professional help is out of reach. By tailoring your kit to specific disasters, you’re equipping yourself to handle the unique challenges each scenario presents. For example, the hemostatic gauze in a tornado kit could stop severe bleeding, while the N95 masks in a wildfire kit could prevent respiratory damage. Preparation saves lives.

Final Thoughts

Building a DIY first aid kit is a critical step in disaster preparation. By combining the core medical supplies with disaster-specific additions, you create a versatile tool that addresses a wide range of emergencies. At Disaster Preparedness Blog, we urge you to take action today. Assess your risks, gather your supplies, and train your family to use the kit effectively. In a crisis, your preparedness could be the key to survival.

For more resources on emergency preparedness, explore our guides on creating a family emergency plan or preparing your home for natural disasters. Stay ready, stay safe.

Disaster Tip of The Week:Start or Purchase A First Aid Kit

Keeping a First Aid Kit on hand is important and not just for when there is a major disaster.

It is a good idea to keep one available for everyday use. You never know when you or a family member may suffer a burn, cut, or something more severe. Having the proper first aid supplies on hand and in order will help to keep you calm and better enable you to help an injured person.

You also don't need to purchase anything elaborate but for people who would rather not put a kit together themselves you can easily by one from your local drug store, supermarket, or even online.

If you do decide to purchase one, be sure to check it periodically for expired items and restock your kit as you use items.

According to Ready.gov here are some items that you should make sure you have or add to your First Aid Kit:

• Two pairs of Latex, or other sterile gloves (if you are allergic to Latex).
• Sterile dressings to stop bleeding.
• Cleansing agent/soap and antibiotic towelettes to disinfect.
• Antibiotic ointment to prevent infection.
• Burn ointment to prevent infection.
• Adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes.
• Eye wash solution to flush the eyes or as general decontaminant.
• Thermometer
• Prescription medications you take every day such as insulin, heart medicine and asthma inhalers. You should periodically rotate medicines to account for expiration dates.
• Prescribed medical supplies such as glucose and blood pressure monitoring equipment and supplies.

Things it may be good to have:

• Cell Phone
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant

Non-prescription drugs:

• Aspirin or nonaspirin pain reliever
• Anti-diarrhea medication
• Antacid (for upset stomach)
• Laxative

You should also consider taking a first aid course from the Red Cross and you can also purchase a pocket guide to first aid such as the one we mentioned and reviewed by Nuru

Review of NURU Emergency First Aid Card Deck, With Giveaway Contest

Recently I was asked if I could review a deck of Emergency First Aid cards that are sold by NURU.

The deck overall is full of useful information that you would need in order to help someone during a medical emergency. I also give my personal thumbs up for a job well done in getting all of the information needed onto just thirty cards, which I am certain was no easy task.

The information is easy to read, well thought out and and covers things like CPR reminders, Heart Attacks, Shock, Monitoring Vital Signs, and Working With EMS. As a former First Responder, the last one is my personal favorite that I wish would be taught in every school.

I must admit, I was a little skeptical at first in how good these cards would be, since stopping to read the cards during an emergency is not really productive. However, the first few cards cover this, and they recommend taking a first aid course, which I also recommend. They also suggest reading the cards while waiting in line, or on the bus and other such places. The cards make a great way to refresh the information, and take quick action.

If you do not have any first aid training these cards would best serve you if you read through them and perhaps refer to them if you must, but if you read through them, you should know enough to handle the situation until first responders arrive.

I recommend these cards to have on hand for reference during emergencies and to read at your leisure. At a cost of only $8.00 they are well worth the money and would make a great gift for someone you care about, or even a co-worker.

From the NURU Website:

WHAT'S INCLUDED:
* 30 ultra-thin cards, each fully illustrated
* Small, metal management ring to keep your cards together
* Unique serial code (to access your deck's content online)

Emergency first aid, now.
* CPR techniques
* Choking/drowning
* Burns and bleeding
* Heart and circulatory problems
* Poisoning
* Electric shock
* How to work with victims, bystanders, and EMS

Simple language. Simple illustrations.
Learn the vital, life-saving techniques you need, regardless of age or educational background. NURU's simple language and illustrations makes learning and retaining this knowledge easy for everyone.

Vital knowledge, NOW.
Because emergencies can happen at any time, we strongly encourage you to take advantage of the 3-5 minute breaks in your day (in the checkout line, on the bus, etc.) and get this knowledge IN YOUR BRAIN.

This item is currently available in NURU FastForm. Each card is printed on rich, full-color card stock, and is $8.00 DELIVERED to your door.

                                                      NOW FOR A CONTEST/GIVEAWAY:

Leave your Comments below and we will pick one person at random from the comments in this post and we will send you a new sealed deck of the NURU Emergency First Aid cards. Be sure to leave a valid email address when posting.

You must have your comments in before midnight 12:00 AM PST March 31, 2009 to be considered.

                                  Big Thank you to NURU for making this contest possible.