By LES CHATELAIN
Originally published Nov 15 1989

     One of the questions I am asked most frequently is, "What should I have in my first aid kit?". I then try to explain that there is no perfect first aid kit for all needs and situations.
     I tell people that I have five kits to fit my needs in different situations. I certainly don't want to carry my 40 pound response kit while I am fly fishing, but my backpacking kit is not much good at an automobile accident.
     The key to a good first aid kit is it's usability. If it is not readily available, well organized and contains what you want, it will not be much help when you need it. While there are many "stock kits" available, most contain a general collection of things that may be needed and that are high profit items. By designing your own kit and purchasing the contents individually, you will have a first aid kit that fits your needs and costs about two-thirds less than the "stock kits".
     There are some items that are common to all first aid kits. You should select a container that is large enough to hold what you need. Many times people buy the container first and design the contents around the container. The container should be sturdy enough to handle the stresses applied to it. To sit on a shelf in your house a good cardboard box may be adequate.
     If it will be rolling around in the back of your car, boat, truck or other vehicle, a good fishing tackle box, tool box, army surplus ammo can or even a well constructed "tupperware" type container would be best. For backpacking or hiking, a small plastic container, stuff sack or fanny pack works well.
     No matter what setting the kit will be used in, the container should be well marked as a first aid kit. Many times you are sending someone to get the kit and they need to recognize what it is. If there is a good chance the kit will get wet the container should provide a watertight seal or the contents should be sealed in plastic bags. The "zip-lock" type bags work well for this but a standard plastic bag with a good twist tie will also work.
     Organization of the contents is critical. The items that you are most likely to use should be on the top and easy to grab when the kit is opened. Some of these items include a cutting instrument, such as scissors, a light source, such as a pen light, pencil and paper, some compresses and latex gloves.
     Frequently used items like bandaging materials, band aids, aspirin, antibacterial soap, antibiotic ointment and other similar items should be next in the layering of your contents. The least accessible items (usually on the bottom or tucked into the comers) should include splinting materials, extra bandages and other bulky but seldom used items. Space is always a premium. If you know that you will have a blanket and flashlight with you then you do not take valuable space trying to fit them into your kit.
     Remember that in many locations temperature extremes are a problem. Items that will be affected by freezing or excessive heat should either be well protected or excluded from your kit. It is very frustrating and costly to have to replace your contents because they have been contaminated by the ointment that liquified and ran out of its container or the mercury from the thermometer that burst in the heat. Cold is problem when containers burst from the expansion of the liquids during freezing.
     There are some items that are needed in all first aid kits. How much or many of each item should be based on individual needs. It takes more bandaging material to deal with a multicar accident than a blister while hiking.
     The optional items are things that may be essential in some cases but not in others or are simply things that would be nice to have. Again, the decision of how much or how many or whether to include them at all should be based on your needs. Many of the optional items are included in this article.
     It is suggested that you personalize your kit according to your personal needs. For example, your kit might contain a small amount of contact lens solution and a case, or several days worth of any medications that you take. Also in your kit should be personal information about you. Often your first aid kit will be used for you. Include such things as physician's name and telephone number, name and telephone number of person to contact in an emergency, important medical history and even blood type. Another nice thing to have is some coins to make telephone calls with. It always seems that your pockets are empty in an emergency.
     The following lists are suggestions of things to include in the first aid kit that you put together. Select the items and amounts that are appropriate for the problems you are most likely to face. Do not include items in your first aid kit that you do not know how or when to use. Most importantly, take a First Aid class and CPR class, then stay current on the information so that you can use the equipment you have.
     Sterile compresses - gauze pads, abdominal pads, or feminine napkins work well
     Scissors - they should be strong, sharp and preferably bandage scissors or rounded points
     Roller bandages - Kerlex or Cling are common brands
     Triangular bandages or Cravats
     Pencil and paper
     Antibiotic soap - Betadine is a common brand
     Band aids - one inch and two inch sizes
     Flashlight or penlight
     Latex gloves - as a barrier between you and any blood
     Ipecac - for some poisons
     Appropriate container
     Honey/Candy - for diabetic situations
     Adhesive tape
     Butterfly bandages
     Tweezers
     Knife or razor blades
     Aspirin or Tylenol
     Antibiotic ointment
     Calamine lotion or
     Hydrocortrisone cream
     Bee sting swabs
     Thermometer Matches
     Safety pins
     Vaseline
     Chemical cold pack
     Plastic bags
     Short length of twine
     Ace bandage or elastic bandage
     Second Skin or Mole Skin - for blisters
     Small bottle of water
     Activated charcoal
     Road flares
     Blanket
     Splints
     First aid manual

     Les Chatelain is director of Emergency Programs for the Health Education Department at the University of Utah. His department trains approximately 1,000 people per year in a variety of courses from basic first aid or CPR through Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training. His department provides continuing education for EMTs and paramedics who are working in the field. His department also sponsors a wilderness medicine conference each year. All of these educational opportunities are available to non-university students.