Building Your Own First Aid Kit

Personally, I would look into building your own first aid kit because you can put everything that you want/ need in it. However, it’s going to get really expensive, really quick. The reason why first aid kits can be bought so cheap is because these companies buy the supplies in bulk and then build the kit. However, if you build your own, you get to build it specifically for your family and homestead.

Building Your Own First Aid Kit

But one of the things I’ve found is that most commercial first aid kits aren’t enough. They aren’t bad at all, especially for a civilian/ non medical person. In fact, I would go so far as to say that commercial first aid kits are actually great, for those that don’t have a clue what to put in one. Or they don’t want the hassle of building their own. But commercial kits just don’t have enough stuff. There aren’t nearly enough gloves, medicines, tape, etc for most situations. Or if there’s enough of those things, there isn’t enough.

I talked here about the best first aid kits for homesteaders, and I stand by that post 100%. But if you are looking to build a more robust first aid kit, then keep reading! PS: this post is affiliate link heavy. If you would like to learn more about our affiliate links, click here.

This blog post is going to be laid out by type of first aid kit. For example, the first section would be for a car, tractor, UTV style kit and what I would put in it.

Please remember, this is coming from a paramedic, not a physician and is not meant to be medical advise.

Building Small First Aid Kits

Small bags like this are absolutely fantastic for small places like your car, tractor, or UTV. You can cram a fair amount of things in this, but remember this is for small injuries or until you can get to a bigger bag or supply. We aren’t trying to stuff an entire first aid kit into this little bag.

For a small bag, I would keep things like band aids, 5 or so antiseptic wipes like these, 5 or so triple antibiotic packets, 1 or 2 compressed gauze like these, a pair of scissors, a CPR face shield, an emergency blanket and small packets of pain medicines like these. I would consider putting gloves in this bag, but you need to make sure they fit you.

A couple boxes of nitrile gloves will set you back about $8/ box but it’s worth it to make sure that you don’t have gloves that fit. Gloves that are practically sliding off your hands or break when you put them on because they are too small.

If you are of an age where you are at an increased risk for heart attack, I would recommend getting some aspirin packs as well but talk to your physician.

Building Your Own First Aid Kit: The Big Bag

This is a decent sized medium bag for building your own first aid kit. You can fit a lot in these bags and you don’t need to have a huge bag to do so. This bag could also fit in your car, truck or other every day ride. It can easily fit in a close, tractor compartment or even strapped to a UTV.

As with the small bag above, you are going put 5 or so antiseptic wipes like these, 5 or so triple antibiotic packets, 1 or 2 compressed gauze like these, a pair of scissors, a CPR face shield, a couple emergency blankets and small packets of pain medicines like these. If you have more space, or you think you could use it, put the entire box of these things into the bag. You don’t have to, but make sure that you have plenty.

You are also going to put in a couple tourniquets. While you may not think you need one, remember, the average response time for an ambulance to get to you is 8 minutes. If you live out in the country, it’s probably closer to 20 minutes. You can bleed out from your leg in less than 4 minutes. Get a tourniquet.

Bandaging and supplies are going to take up the majority of the bag, which is why it’s got it’s own section.

Bandaging Needs It’s Own Section

I was going to try and cram bandaging into each section but there is a lot of stuff to know and use when it comes to bandaging. So to try and stuff it into a few sentences wouldn’t work. Bandaging is not just for cuts but also for broken bones, head wounds, etc. So there are a lot of small pieces to make sure that you’ve got in your first aid kit.

Now, most commercial kits will send you like 4 4×4 gauze in packaging. Let me tell you that when I’ve got a patient who is bleeding, the last thing I’m trying to do is rip open packaging. You want to get what’s called a loaf. It’s a ton of 4×4 non sterile dressings. You’ll want to get some of those sterile gauze sure, but I prefer my loafs. Then you’re going to want some sort of wrap. I like these the best, but the elastic wraps are great too. Don’t forget tape!

Then, you need stuff for splinting. I like these universal splints because you can splint just about anything with them. If money is an issue, you don’t have to have splints. You can absolutely make them from just about anything as long as it fits to the injury and is doesn’t bend. So a stick, wooden spoon, T-post, you get the point. Just make sure that you secure it well so that it doesn’t move.

Pressure bandages are great for wounds that require pressure to stop the bleeding but you are a little busy with other things, like driving the tractor out of the pasture.

Now, combine or abdominal pads are fantastic for injuries. But don’t feel like you HAVE to get them. In fact, if you apply a couple 4x4s and a pressure bandage, you really don’t need abdominal pads. But they do have their place and I like them. These pads are great for big wounds that you are struggling to get the bleeding to stop.

Miscellaneous Items For A First Aid Kit

I would get some form of eye wash. You do not have to get anything that is marked specifically for emergency use. Realistically, eye was is just saline. So get that. You can also use this for a wound wash as well. If you get a deep cut, this would help get all that nasty out from inside it.

Anti-choking device… Yes, I know we don’t want to think about it, but the reality is that if you have humans who eat, someone is going to choke one day. Unfortunately, most people either can’t or don’t know how to do abdominal thrusts to clear an airway. Or if you can’t get the leverage to do effective abdominal thrusts, you can’t clear the airway. Having a device similar to what is linked could literally save your or your family’s life.

CPR Masks– For same reason above, get one. The ones that I linked have a mount piece so you don’t have to get that mouth to mouth with Uncle Jim Bob. Now, the AHA is no longer recommending rescue breaths. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t or shouldn’t do it. And honestly, bystander CPR is literally the #1 reason that a lot of people walk out of the hospital after cardiac arrest. Because remember, the national average to get an ambulance is 7-8 minutes. After 6 minutes with no oxygen, you are brain dead.

What You DON’T Need In A Kit

There are a ton of kits out there that have a lot of things that you will probably never use. Things like quick clot, benzoin swabs, cold packs, and more. You are literally wasting your money.

You don’t need suturing material for your first aid kit. You don’t need tongue depressors.

Tons of different style of band aids aren’t necessary either. You can literally use 4×4’s and pads until you can clean up the wound at home or get sutures at the emergency room.

Take Aways For Building Your Own First Aid Kit

First and foremost, take the time to learn how to use the various supplies that you are purchasing. This goes for a commercial kit or one that you’ve build. Know what you are getting and how to use them.

Make sure to have multiple kits. I would have a first aid kit of some sort in every vehicle, UTV/ tractor, etc and then a fully stocked kit or go bag in the house. If we are going to be dangerous things like chain sawing, building, or anything that requires sharp tools, I would take a go bag with me. Mainly because your first aid kit does you no good in the house.

Remember, when it comes to first aid kits, you aren’t necessarily trying to fix the injury or illness right there. You are simply trying to stabilize it until you get help.

The only one that I can think of off the top of my head that you are trying to fix is when someone’s heart stops. That we need to fix right now. If you would like more information about how to do bystander CPR, check out Project Adam and watch the videos linked.

Also, remember to restock your bags after use. If you haven’t used them, I would make sure to go through and check them every 6 months or so. For us, it’s spring and fall.

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