Steve Mullins has been a medic for decades, and as all medics and paramedics know, half the job is having the right tools on hand. In our loadout episode, he gave me a list of items to include in a home first aid kit. Here they are.
Bandages
o Bandaids, 1”x3” (20)
o Bandaids, ¾” x 2 ½” (20)
o Bandaids, Spot (5)
o Bandaids, Knuckle (5)
o Bandaids, Butterfly (5)
o Bandaids, Elbow/Knee (4)
o Bandaids, Strip (1)
o Moleskin (1 package)
o Tampons (2)
Wound Treatment
o Israeli Bandage (1)
o Gauze Pads, 2”x2” (10)
o Gauze Pads, 3”x3” (10)
o Trauma Pad (2)
o Eyepad Bandages (2)
o Gauze Roll, 2” (2)
o Gauze Roll, 3” (2)
o Cloth Medical Tape (1 roll)
o Paper Medical Tape (1 roll)
o Koban Wrap, 3” (2)
o Chest Seal/ Baggie (1)
Wipes/Ointments
o Antiseptic Wipes (30)
o Sting Relief Stick (1)
o Antibiotic Ointment (1 tube)
o Cotton Swabs (20)
o Cotton Balls (10)
o Sunburn Spray (1 can)
Tools
o Tweezers (1)
o Medical Shears (1)
o Disposable Heat Pack (2)
o Disposable Cold Pack (2)
o Medical Gloves (box of 100)
o Thermometer (1)
o Safety Pins (10 assorted)
o Triangle Bandage (1)
o SAM Splint, Finger Size (1)
o SAM Splint, Large Size (1)
o Pocketknife/Multitool (1)
o Flashlight (1)
Medication
o Benadryl Cream (1 tube)
o Ibuprofen (1 bottle)
o Eye Wash (1 bottle)
o Benadryl (1 bottle)
o Acetaminophen (1 bottle)
o Baby Aspirin (1 bottle)
Be sure to also add any personal medications you need access to, and any medical equipment your family requires.
If you have any questions about what some of these items are, why they’re important, or how to use them, watch the whole interview and increase your skillset.