DIY Family First Aid Kit: Essentials & Tips

Every home should have a well-stocked first aid kit—not just a dusty box tucked away in a closet. A comprehensive first aid kit can be the difference between panic and preparedness when your child scrapes a knee, someone cuts a finger, or a sudden fever strikes in the middle of the night.

At Northern Nevada CPR in Reno, we teach families and caregivers how to respond confidently to emergencies, and building a reliable first aid kit is a critical first step.

Why Make Your Own First Aid Kit?

Pre-packaged kits are convenient, but they often fall short. By building your own, you ensure that you have:

• Supplies tailored to your family’s needs

• Age-appropriate items (like child-friendly medications and bandages)

• Up-to-date items ready when you need them most

What to Include in Your DIY Family First Aid Kit

1. Basic Wound Care

• Adhesive bandages (multiple sizes)

• Sterile gauze pads and medical tape

• Antiseptic wipes and antibiotic ointment

• Tweezers (for splinters or ticks)

• Scissors (medical-grade or child-safe)

2. Illness Essentials

• Digital thermometer

• Fever reducers (acetaminophen or ibuprofen for adults and kids)

• Oral rehydration salts or electrolyte packets

• Antihistamines for allergic reactions

• Cold/flu medicine and cough drops (age-appropriate)

3. Emergency Supplies

• CPR face shield or mask

• Disposable non-latex gloves

• Instant cold packs and elastic bandage (for sprains)

• Eye wash or saline solution

• Emergency blanket and flashlight with batteries

4. Medications & Personal Items

• Prescription medications for family members

• EpiPen (if prescribed)

• Burn cream or aloe gel

• Hydrocortisone cream for rashes or bites

• Anti-diarrheal medicine, motion sickness tablets

• Hand sanitizer

5. Helpful Extras

• First aid manual or quick reference guide

• Emergency contacts and health insurance information

• Notes on children’s medical conditions or allergies

• Waterproof baggies for storage

Tips for Kid-Friendly First Aid

• Include fun bandage designs to make minor injuries less scary

• Use liquid or chewable medications if pills are hard to swallow

• Add a small toy or sticker for comfort during scrapes or cuts

Storage Tips

• Use a clear, labeled container with compartments for easy access

• Keep the kit in a cool, dry place, out of reach of small children

• Consider a smaller travel version for the car, backpack, or diaper bag

Maintain Your First Aid Kit Regularly

• Check expiration dates every 6 months

• Replace used or outdated items immediately

• Restock after any emergency or illness

Conclusion

Building a DIY family first aid kit is a small effort that provides huge peace of mind. Knowing you have the right supplies—and how to use them—prepares you for everyday accidents and larger emergencies alike.

Take your preparedness a step further with First Aid and CPR training from Northern Nevada CPR in Reno, so you and your family can respond confidently when it matters most.

Learn more at northernnevadacpr.com