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Chapman Quick Reference First Aid Guide: For Onboard Medical Emergencies

Good Housekeeping Family First Aid

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First Aid Basics

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What to Do During an Emergency

The First Aid Kit

Though you can give basic first aid and CPR without tools, a few supplies can make it safer, easier, and more effective. It’s a good idea to assemble a simple first aid kit for your home, car, boat, workplace, or anywhere else you spend lots of time. You can find first aid supplies at pharmacies and medical supply stores.

Sterile gauze bandages: For covering cuts and wounds. They come in various sizes and forms. You should have 2"× 2" pads, 4"× 4" pads, a large absorbent pad, as well as roller-type gauze.
Adhesive tape: To hold gauze bandages or splints in place. Usually sold in rolls, like Scotch tape.
Adhesive bandages: To cover cuts or wounds without the need for adhesive tape. You should have large and small bandages, and they should be sterile if possible. Latex-free bandages are best, since some people are allergic to latex.
Elastic bandages: To bind and immobilize fractures and sprains temporarily, or to hold splints in place.
Bandage scissors: To cut bandages to the appropriate size and to snip adhesive tape.
Instant cold pack: To provide an immediate source of cold without the need for refrigeration.
Waterless hand wash or moist towelettes: To sanitize hands and skin after providing first aid.

Protecting Yourself

Blood, or body fluids contaminated with blood, may carry infectious diseases such as hepatitis or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). First aid kits should contain medical exam gloves, CPR mouth shields, and/or other equipment to limit this risk.

Medical exam gloves: To protect your hands and skin from contact with blood and bodily fluids. Latex-free gloves are best, but any rubber gloves are better than nothing at all.
Mouth shield: To let you perform CPR without any actual mouth-to-mouth contact. There are two main types: Pocket Masks™ (generally used by medical professionals) and Microshields® (more common among Good Samaritan responders).