Peek into my real-life first aid kit (And why you should make your own)
We all know premade first aid kits exist. You can walk into almost any pharmacy and grab one off the shelf. But if you’ve ever actually opened one, you’ve probably noticed they feel more like a generic checklist than a real tool designed for you, your family, or your specific space. That’s why I decided to build my own. Not just a box with gauze and bandages, but a functional, thoughtful, accessible first aid kit that reflects the needs of our household.
To get started, I referred to the Canadian Red Cross’s recommended list of first aid items and then customized it to my personal needs. I encourage you to do the same. Your kit should work for your setup, your health needs, and your access to care; not just follow a universal template.
Start with the container
Don’t overthink this part. I used clear plastic boxes with no locks or latches, the kind you can pull out in a second. They make it easy to see everything at a glance, whether it’s you reaching for something or someone else helping out in your absence. You can use labels or stickers if you like. Mine are custom made because I enjoy that sort of thing, but it’s absolutely not required. Here’s some visual aid to help you:
Essentials for sanitization
You don’t need to buy everything on the market. Since this is for your home, think about what’s already accessible and what’s not.
Soap and water should be your first line of defense. No need for glycerol-based hand sanitizers unless you prefer them.
Alcohol (70% or higher) is essential to clean tools or sanitize surfaces.
Alcohol wipes are useful too, especially for cleaning small wounds or prepping the skin.
Gloves (preferably non-latex) protect both the caregiver and the injured person. I use nitrile medical exam gloves.
Basic face masks or a CPR face shield with a one-way valve can help in emergencies where there’s a risk of infection or you need to provide assisted breathing.
Barrier and wound care supplies
Once you’ve cleaned a wound, you’ll need to protect it.
Band-aids in various sizes
Sterile gauze pads
Gauze rolls to hold pads in place
Paper tape (if you don’t already have it at home)
Scissors (clean and sharp, doesn’t have to be medical-grade if you sanitize it)
Tweezers for removing splinters, glass, or anything embedded in the skin
Topical treatments and creams
Depending on the type of injury, you’ll want a few go-to ointments:
Antibiotic cream for cuts or scrapes at risk of infection
Hydrocortisone cream (1% or higher) for itching, rashes, and bites
Saline solution or wound wash (optional but helpful)
Medications to have on hand
The goal here isn’t to stock a pharmacy. You want to cover common scenarios that may need immediate relief before help arrives or while you’re figuring out next steps.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) for general pain relief
Ibuprofen (Advil) for pain and inflammation
Antihistamines like Benadryl for allergic reactions
Aspirin (low-dose or baby) in case of heart-related symptoms
Antacids for heartburn
Dimenhydrinate (Gravol) for nausea
Any prescribed meds that a family member may need in an emergency, such as an Epipen, glucose tablets, or asthma inhalers
Optional tools that can make a big difference
Digital thermometer (oral, ear, or forehead—whatever you’re comfortable with)
Pulse oximeter to check oxygen saturation and heart rate
Blood pressure machine (especially if someone in your household is at risk for cardiac conditions)
Blood glucose monitor if you have someone with diabetes or pre-diabetes at home
Naloxone: a non-negotiable in many homes
Whether or not opioid use affects your immediate circle, keeping a naloxone kit is increasingly important. It can reverse opioid overdoses and is available free in many provinces, including Ontario. The spray version is easy to use and doesn’t require prior training. I strongly recommend getting two—one for your home and one for your car or bag. You never know whose life you might save.
Skip what you already have
This kit is for your home, not a hiking trip. You don’t need to buy things you already have access to:
Blankets and pillows are already in your bedroom
Ice packs can stay in the freezer
Scarves can substitute for triangular bandages
Eye shields are useful but glasses can offer basic protection if you’re in a pinch
Don’t forget instructions and numbers
If not everyone in your home is first-aid certified, print out a basic guide and include emergency numbers: local poison control, ambulance, your nearest hospital, and a family doctor or nurse line if you have one. In a panic, this helps everyone know what to do and who to call.
This is a living kit. It should change as your life does. If someone is pregnant, if a child joins the home, if someone develops a new medical condition – your kit should shift with those changes. I’ll admit I’ve gone a little overboard in building mine, but I want to be able to respond not just for my own household, but if a neighbor knocks, if a contractor falls, or if something unexpected happens. That mindset, I believe, is just as important as the kit itself.