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First aid kits: A guide to help stay prepared

For those that want to be ready for life’s bumps, scrapes and surprises, here’s some advice on packing a first aid kit.

Published: October 20, 2025 | 8 minutes to read

Written by: Marissa Adamo

Flat lay of a first aid kit with bandages, gauze, gloves, medical tape, scissors and safety pins on a white background.

With the appropriate first aid kit items, caregivers can have what they may need to handle little accidents and emergencies so they can get back to their day. This guide covers some possible items to have on hand to help be prepared for whatever the day may bring. 

In this article:

What is a first aid kit?

A first aid kit is a small box or container filled with basic medical supplies people might need in an emergency. This can include antiseptic wipes, bandages, ointments and other items. Kits come in different sizes, and what’s inside may vary based on where it might be used.

Having a first aid kit close by means people can quickly help treat cuts, scrapes, insect bites, burns and even small fractures early, if the appropriate items are available. In some cases, using a kit right away can help save a life.

A caregiver applies an adhesive bandage from their first aid kit to their child’s scrapped leg.

First aid kit items: Basic supplies

Person, speaking: Come with me to CVS® —

[Camera shows CVS endcap, stocked with first aid kits, adhesive bandages, allergy medication, rubbing alcohol and more.]

Person, speaking: — to build a first aid kit.

[Person places BAND-AID Flexible Fabric adhesive bandages in their red shopping basket.]

Person, speaking: First I grabbed some assorted BAND-AIDS.

[Person takes a box of CVS Health® alcohol prep pads off the shelf.]

Person, speaking: Some alcohol prep pads.

[Person places box of CVS Health alcohol prep pads into their red shopping basket.]

Person, speaking: Nitrile exam gloves.

[Person takes a box of CVS Health durable nitrile exam gloves off the shelf and places it in their red shopping basket]

Person, speaking: A tube of Cortisone 10.

[Person takes a box containing a tube of Cortisone 10 off the shelf and places it in their red shopping basket]

Person, speaking: A box of two by two gauze pads.

[Person takes a box of CVS Health sterile gauze pads and places it in their red shopping basket.]

Person, speaking: A package of dog-themed bandages  —

[Person takes a package of blue Welly dog-themed adhesive bandages off the shelf and places it in their red shopping basket.]

Person, speaking: — because I have a kid at home.

Person, speaking: Neosporin

[Person takes a box of Neosporin ointment spray off the shelf and places it in their red shopping basket.]

Person, speaking: Alocane emergency burn gel.

[Person takes a box of Alocane emergency burn gel off the shelf and places it in their red shopping basket.]

Person, speaking: Calamine spray.

[Person takes a bottle of calamine spray off the shelf and places it in their red shopping basket.]

Person, speaking: Some witch hazel spray.

[Person takes a bottle of CVS Health witch hazel spray off the shelf and places it in their red shopping basket.]

Person, speaking: Some wound wash.

[Person takes a bottle of CVS Health wound wash liquid off the shelf and places it in their red shopping basket.]

Person, speaking: Of course, some hydrogen peroxide.

[Person takes a bottle of CVS Health hydrogen peroxide off the shelf and places it in their red shopping basket.]

Person, speaking: 91 percent isopropyl alcohol.

[Person takes a bottle of CVS Health 91 percent isopropyl alcohol off the shelf and places it in their red shopping basket.]

Person, speaking: And last but not least —

[Person takes a box of Benadryl allergy tablets off the shelf and places it in their red shopping basket.]

Person, speaking: — some Benadryl.

[Person carries red basket full of first aid supplies through CVS.]

Person, speaking: What’s cool is —

[Person picks up Johnson and Johnson all-purpose first aid kid.]

Person, speaking: — CVS has a few different options for pre-made first aid kits —

[Person picks up Welly first aid kit.]

Person, speaking: — as well if you’re on the go. And if you’re a —

[Person holds an orange bottle of Flick! dog shampoo.]

Person, speaking: dog owner like me. It’s great to have a first aid kit —

[Person holds a white bottle of SkinSmart antimicrobial wound care for pets.]

Person, speaking: — set up for them, just in case.

[Person holds up a container of no-chew pet wrap.]

Person, speaking: And CVS had all of the essentials —

[Person holds up a container of CVS Health pain-free pet wrap.]

Person, speaking: — I could ever need to build —

[Person holds up a PURE and Natural Pet ear cleansing system.]

Person, speaking: — my dog a first aid kit at home, too.

Most first aid kits start with a few core staples. But the right ones are tailored to the household. Caregivers might think about who’s in their family and grab a ready-made kit, or they might think about what they all like to do, then build a kit that fits.

It might be good to start with the basics: bandages, alcohol prep pads, gauze pads, witch hazel spray and even pet care items like flea shampoo or antimicrobial wound care.

Want to build a first aid kit? From bandages and treatment to pain relief support options, shop first aid supplies. 

Many items can also help clean cuts, protect wounds and provide support. A well-stocked first aid kit might include the following items below.

Bandages, splints, tapes and wound coverings

Basic tools and supplies

Miscellaneous items

First aid kit supplies: Pain relief support and other medications

It’s important to follow the instructions on medication labels and any guidance from a health care provider. These medicines can help relieve discomfort and support minor issues in a pinch:

Aspirin can also be helpful to pack in the event an adult experiences new or unexplained chest pain, but it should never be given to children. If chest pain occurs, emergency services should be notified right away before giving aspirin.

First aid kit products: Emergency components

In case of an emergency, here’s some first aid kit supplies to consider:

  • Cellphone with solar charger
  • Emergency space blanket
  • Emergency phone numbers (contact information for family health care team and pediatrician, local emergency services, emergency road service providers and the poison help line).
  • Health insurance information, including member phone numbers
  • Medical consent forms for everyone
  • Medical history forms for everyone
  • Small notepad and waterproof writing instrument
  • Waterproof matches

First aid kit items

Bandages, splints, tapes and wound coverings

  • Adhesive tape
  • Bandages  
  • Dressings
  • Duct tape
  • Splint
  • Sterile gauze pads
Screenshot of a list for first aid kit items, focused on bandages, splints, tapes and wound covering suggestions. Items in the checklist correspond to those previously listed for creating a personal kit.

Basic tools and supplies

  • Antibiotic ointment
  • Antiseptics
  • Hot and cold compresses
  • Scissors
  • Super glue
  • Sting relief support
  • Thermometer
  • Tweezers
Screenshot of a list for first aid kit items, featuring basic supplies suggestions. The checklist reflects items listed earlier to help users build a personal kit.

Medications and pain relief

  • Allergy medicine
  • Anti-diarrhea medicine
  • Antacids
  • Cold and flu medicines
  • Pain relievers
  • Personal medical devices
Screenshot of a list for first aid kit items, highlighting medications and pain relief suggestions. The checklist mirrors the earlier list to guide personal kit assembly.

Emergency items

  • Cellphone with solar charger
  • Emergency space blanket
  • Emergency phone numbers
  • Health insurance information
  • Medical consent forms
  • Medical history forms
  • Notepad  
  • Waterproof matches
Screenshot of a list for first aid kit items, emphasizing emergency preparedness suggestions. Items are drawn from an earlier list to support building a personal kit.

4 ways to help prepare for life’s accidents and injuries

When caring for loved ones, having a first aid kit that’s ready to go can be more than just a helpful tool. It’s a cornerstone of being prepared. But readiness isn’t just about having supplies on hand.

Beyond just stocking the basics, it’s also about making sure the kit is organized, up-to-date and easy for anyone in the family to use. These tips can help families feel prepared to handle little “oops” moments and sudden discomforts with calm and clarity. 

Where people keep their first aid kit should reflect their family’s routines. Whether it’s at home, in the car or packed for weekend activities, choosing a spot that’s easy to access in a pinch might be best, but safely out of reach of young children. Keeping a first aid kit close by helps ensure it’s accessible when it counts.

Everyone in the house should know where the first aid kit is stored and how to use its contents in case of an emergency. This includes other caregivers like babysitters and nannies as well as house cleaners.

Consider taking a first aid course. Learning basic skills can help people respond quickly in an emergency. Some organizations offer online and in-person programs for training.

It’s important to check the kit regularly to make sure everything is ready to use. That means replacing items that are expired, used up or in poor condition. It’s also worth testing things like flashlight batteries to make sure they work. Before closing, the kit should be marked with the date it was checked.

Key takeaways

Being prepared for life’s unexpected moments starts with a well-stocked first aid kit. It’s the center of everyday readiness for families and caregivers.

First aid kits usually include a mix of wound care items, medications and any personal supplies tailored to a household’s needs. Where it’s stored matters, too. The kit should be accessible in case of any accident or emergency. Caregivers should check their kits regularly to replace expired or used items. They can also consider taking first aid training, so they feel more comfortable in using the supplies.  

With a little planning and the right knowledge, a first aid kit becomes more than just a box of supplies. It’s a part of being ready to take care of others when it matters most. 

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

No, but there are first aid kit items people can consider including, like latex-free gloves, sterile alcohol pads, antibiotic ointment, sting relief cream or adhesive bandages and gauze.

College or university students may want to include adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, first aid guide, antibiotic ointments, gauze pads, tweezers, medical tape, scissors and more.

A classroom first aid kit might include a CPR mask, gauze pads, hydrogen peroxide, medical tape, adhesive bandages, first aid guide, hand sanitizer, antiseptic wipes, instant ice packs, rubbing alcohol and latex-free gloves.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Consult your health care provider if you have any questions about medications, vitamins or supplements you may be considering or changes to your wellness or health care routines.

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