![What is in a first aid kit - mother treating injured daughter with antiseptic at home](https://www.readersdigest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/what-is-in-a-first-aid-kit-home.jpg?fit=700%2C525)
First aid kit essentials for the home
Keep a watertight box containing:
- Alcohol-free antiseptic wipes
- Alcohol gel
- Latex-free disposable gloves
- Adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
- Sterile dressings in assorted sizes
- Sterile eye pad
- Triangular bandages
- Safety pins in assorted sizes
- Crepe roller bandages of different widths
- Elastic bandage
- Combined sterile dressing and bandage
- Adhesive tape
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- Digital thermometer
![Man with first aid kit in car](https://www.readersdigest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/what-is-in-a-first-aid-kit-car.jpg?fit=700%2C525)
First aid kit essentials for the car
Customize a first aid kit that’s designed to be kept in your car. It should include:
- Adhesive bandages
- Triangular bandages
- Dressing pads
- Gauze swabs
- Sterile dressings
- Adhesive tape
- Disposable gloves
- Antiseptic wipes
- Safety pins
- Disposable face shield
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- Thermal blanket
- Note pad and pencil
- Flashlight
- Clinical waste bag
Check out our ultimate roadside emergency guide.
![Woman on a mountain using first aid kit](https://www.readersdigest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/what-is-in-a-first-aid-kit-outdoor.jpg?fit=700%2C525)
First aid kit for outdoor activities
When camping or hiking, consider purchasing a pouch travel kit that can easily be carried. It should include:
- Adhesive bandages
- Bandages
- Dressings
- Disposable gloves
- Sterile dressings
- Wipes
- Safety pins
Don’t miss these natural disaster survival tips from a Red Cross volunteer.
![Medical first aid kit with medicine and pills for pain and illness](https://www.readersdigest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/what-is-in-a-first-aid-kit-medication.jpg?fit=700%2C525)
Useful medication for first aid kits
Go beyond the basics by adding these medications to your kit (particularly when travelling), but be mindful of expiration dates:
- Ibuprofen
- Antiseptic cream
- Rehydration salts
- Anti-diarrhea medicine
- Antihistamine tablets or syrup
- Insect repellent
- Antihistamine cream
Now that you know the first aid kit essentials, test your knowledge of first aid terms.