Treating injuries & Kit Fill List
A first aid kit is a box, bag or pack that holds supplies used to treat minor injuries including cuts, scrapes, burns, bruises, and sprains. More elaborate first aid kits can also include survival supplies, life-saving emergency supplies, or convenience items like bug sting wipes or cold and flu medicines.
Individuals who want to prepare for medical emergencies or if they have an injury will want to have the appropriate first aid supplies ready to use. The purpose of this article is to give you an idea of the types of injuries to prepare for and a list of the supplies used for each injury. There is a supply list for basic first aid kits that can be used for the injuries described. As always, when possible, seek medical attention for any serious injuries.
Examples of Injuries and what first aid supplies to use
Trauma Injuries
Gunshot Wound - Pressure bandages, compressed gauze tourniquets, and latex-free gloves are used to control bleeding. Stop the Bleed packs contain both of these life-saving first aid products.
Severed / Crushed limb - Tourniquet to stop hemorrhage/blood loss
Deep wound - Compressed gauze, abdominal dressing, compress bandage, or blood-stopping bandages are all used for deep wounds where pressure should be applied to control bleeding and keep out contamination from the wound.
2nd & 3rd-degree burns - Sterile water, water-based gels saturated gauze, and sterile gauze dressings are all used to help treat serious burns. They cool the skin, help reduce potential infection and in some cases relieve pain caused by burns.
Broken Bone - Triangular bandages, splinting materials, elastic bandages, and first aid tape are all used to help treat a broken bone. For compound fractures where the bone is broken through the skin, sterile gauze, bandages for absorbing blood, and even compress dressings can be used. This type of injury should be seen by emergency medical professionals immediately.
Minor Injuries
Cuts & Scrapes – Adhesive bandages, butterfly bandages, antiseptics, gauze pads, first aid tape, and gauze rolls are all used to treat minor cuts and scrapes.
Minor Burns - Burn sprays and water-based burn gels are used to help relieve pain and treat the burn. Try and avoid oils, butter, or any petroleum-based ointments for minor burns.
Minor Eye Irritations - Sterile eye irrigation solutions (eye wash) are used to rinse the eye from dust or dirt that may be irritating the eye. Simply use a single-use bottle of eyewash and or an eye cup to rinse the eye.
Sprains & Strains - A twisted ankle, sprained finger, or wrist will require an instant cold pack to help reduce swelling and pain. Some injuries will require wrapping or splinting which involves the use of elastic compression-type products and splinting material like tongue depressors or an aluminum, moldable splint.
Eye injuries - A trained medical professional should see any injury to the eye. Often eye pads are used to keep the eye closed and or protect it from further injury. Do not try and remove any foreign object by yourself. Further injury to the eye could take place.
Skin Care-Related Injuries
Typical skin-related ailments include sunburn, poison ivy, hives caused by allergic reactions, and insect stings. Most of these are easily treated by the use of over-the-counter ointments. Burn gel is helpful for minor sunburn, while poison ivy can be treated with special medicated washes and creams. Bug bites are usually harmless and can be treated with bug wipes or an antihistamine like Benadryl. A doctor should see serious reactions that restrict breathing or involve swelling.
Below we have included a list of basic first aid supplies that should be included in every kit. The types of injuries are listed above.
Adhesive tape - helps in securing first aid dressings for minor wounds
Instant cold pack - provides cold therapy for sprains and muscular injuries
Gauze Pads - sterile wound care dressing for minor cuts and scrapes
First Aid Guide - Pocket guide and first-aid manual of instructions for treating first aid emergencies
Sterile eye pads - for minor eye first aid emergencies
First aid burn cream - cream treatment for burns, reduces pain and starts healing
Gauze bandage - gauze roll bandage for dressing minor wounds and burns
Triangular bandage - used for arm slings, head dressings, or to secure wound dressings
Medical Gloves - Latex-free medical gloves protect against potentially dangerous bodily fluids
Scissors - used for cutting first aid tape, elastic bandages, gauze, or even clothing
Combine Pad - Sterile, absorbent dressing to help stop bleeding and protect large wounds
Adhesive Bandages - Latex-free adhesive bandage dressings for minor wounds
Elastic Bandage Roll - Cohesive bandage roll for supporting injuries and adhering to first aid dressings
Hand Sanitizer - Antibacterial, alcohol hand sanitizer packets for hand hygiene in the workplace
CPR mask - Single-use CPR mask protects the rescuer from hazardous bodily fluids
Antiseptic Towelette - For cleaning and disinfecting of cuts and scrapes. It also helps to prevent infections in wounds
Burn Dressing - Sterile, gel-soaked burn dressings for minor skin burns
Eye wash solution - Single-use eye wash solution for removing dust and debris from the skin and eyes
Antibiotic Ointment - Antibiotic ointment for the prevention of skin infections in cuts, scratches, and minor burns
Additional Supplies:
- Medications for pain relief. Ibuprofen, or aspirin
- Hydrogen Peroxide for cleaning wounds
- Tweezers for splinters
First Aid Products & Accessories
MFASCO's Make a Kit Tool
Complete First Aid Kit Refill Packs
Reorder Lists for First Aid Kits
Additional Resources for Reordering First Aid Kits & Supplies
Top 8 First Aid Kit Types
7 Reasons Why Workplace Safety is Important
Essential First Aid Kit Supply List
