First Aid and Trauma - Lesson 1 - First Aid Kit Essentials
Medications:
Rescue Essentials offers a Medications Unit Dose Pack that includes several over-the-counter medications, each provided in individual foil packs. These medications are as follows:
Ibuprofen (I-Prin) – 200 mg (NSAID): Used to reduce pain, inflammation, and fever. Commonly taken for headaches, muscle pain, joint pain, and minor injuries.
Acetaminophen (APAP) – 325 mg (Analgesic): A pain reliever and fever reducer, often used for mild to moderate pain such as headaches, muscle aches, and colds.
Aspirin – 325 mg: An NSAID used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and lower fever. It is also used as a blood thinner to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Loperamide HCl (Diamode) – 2 mg (Anti-diarrheal): Helps slow intestinal movement to treat acute or chronic diarrhea, making it useful for travel or emergency situations.
Diphenhydramine (Diphen) – 25 mg (Antihistamine): Commonly used for allergy relief, hay fever, and cold symptoms. Also helps with sleep aid and motion sickness.
Calcium Carbonate (Alkalak) – 420 mg (Antacid): Used to neutralize stomach acid and relieve heartburn, acid indigestion, and sour stomach.
Topical Ointments:
Rescue Essentials offers a comprehensive Topical Treatments and Wound Prep Module designed for effective first aid and wound management. The module includes:
Povidone Iodine Prep Pads (6): Antiseptic pads used to disinfect the skin and prevent infection in minor cuts, scrapes, and burns.
Triple Antibiotic Ointment (6): A topical ointment containing bacitracin, neomycin, and polymyxin B to prevent bacterial infections in minor wounds.
1% Hydrocortisone Cream (6): A mild corticosteroid cream used to reduce itching, redness, and swelling associated with skin irritations, insect bites, and rashes.
Additionally, the module contains:
Alcohol Prep Pads (12): Used to clean the skin before injections or minor procedures, effectively reducing bacteria on the skin.
Benzalkonium Chloride (Antiseptic) Towelettes (12): Antiseptic wipes used to clean and disinfect minor wounds, helping to prevent infection.
Antimicrobial Alcohol Gel Wipes (12): Wipes saturated with alcohol-based gel to sanitize hands or clean skin surfaces, effectively killing germs.
Sting Relief Pads (6): Pads containing a topical anesthetic to provide quick relief from pain and itching caused by insect stings and bites.
In addition to these topical ointments, you may also want to add a Burn Gel Dressing 4" X 4" from Redicare, to ensure you're prepared for minor burn injuries.
By including these additional topicals, you'll have a more comprehensive first aid kit that goes beyond what is commonly found in pre-made kits, allowing you to handle a wider range of medical situations effectively.
An assortment of Bandages
Here are some common sizes available in a package from Lighting X. With this package of 100 assorted sizes, you can not only stock your kits, but have supplies on hand for restocking as needed.
1”x3” Standard Bandage (70)
0.75”x3” Medium Bandage (18)
1.75”x2” Finger Tip Bandage (4)
1.5”x3” Knuckle Bandage (4)
2”x3.75” XL Bandage (4)
Storage
If you’ve decided to build a comprehensive first aid kit, I highly recommend using storage tins or small organizers to keep your gear neatly arranged. Proper organization ensures quick access to essential supplies and helps you cover a wide range of first aid scenarios efficiently.
Pro Travel Tip
When putting together a travel first aid kit, there are a few extra considerations worth mentioning. One of the most frustrating travel experiences is dealing with flight delays or finding yourself in an unfamiliar city in urgent need of a pharmacy. This has happened to me several times, so I started carrying a small, dedicated “female hygiene essentials” kit in my vehicle and travel bag.
This kit includes tampons, feminine pads, wipes, tissues, and cranberry pills, items that can be difficult to find quickly when you need them.
In addition to standard first aid supplies, I’ve also added:
Small scissors and tweezers for minor cuts, splinters, or bandage adjustments.
An Eyeglass repair kit for unexpected fixes.
Travel-sized duct tape and medical tape for quick repairs or wound care.
LMNT electrolyte powder to stay hydrated, especially after long flights, during illness, or in hot climates where dehydration is a risk.
My Medic ZZips- a compact, easy-to-use alternative to traditional stitches, perfect for closing deeper cuts when medical care isn’t immediately available.
If you're traveling overseas, also consider packing water purification tablets and any essential medications you rely on, as they may be difficult to find in certain parts of the world.
The equipment listed above provides a solid foundation, but every scenario may require additional or specialized gear. If you're hiking or camping, you might need extra supplies tailored to outdoor injuries. Environmental factors also play a role, overlanding, boating, or extreme weather conditions may necessitate specific medical equipment. The key is to assess your environment, anticipate potential risks, and ensure you have the right tools for the situation.
