Essential First Aid Kits for Home, Work, and Car: A Complete Checklist

Emergencies can happen anywhere—at home, in the office, or on the road. From minor scrapes and burns to serious injuries, having a well-stocked first aid kit can make all the difference. But not all kits are the same: your home, workplace, and vehicle each need a slightly different setup to keep you prepared.

Here’s a practical first aid checklist for your home, work, and car—ensuring you’re ready for emergencies wherever you are.

First Aid Kit for the Home

Your home is where everyday injuries like cuts, burns, or fevers are most likely to occur. A comprehensive household kit should support basic care for your family and guests. Include:

• Adhesive bandages (variety of sizes)

• Sterile gauze pads and medical tape

• Antiseptic wipes and hydrogen peroxide

• Antibiotic ointment (like Neosporin)

• Tweezers and scissors

• Digital thermometer

• Cold pack (instant or reusable)

• Cotton balls and swabs

• Elastic bandage (for sprains)

• Burn cream or aloe gel

• Hydrocortisone cream (for rashes and itching)

• Pain relievers (acetaminophen, ibuprofen, aspirin)

• Antihistamines (for allergic reactions)

• Eye wash or saline solution

• CPR face shield or mask

• Emergency contact list

• First aid manual or instruction booklet

• Flashlight with extra batteries

• Medical gloves (non-latex)

• Blood pressure monitor

• List of family allergies and medical conditions

First Aid Kit for the Workplace

Workplace first aid kits should be customized to the environment—office, warehouse, or construction site—and comply with OSHA and local safety regulations. A workplace kit should include all home items plus:

• Triangular bandages (for slings or head injuries)

• Eye pads and eyewash station (industrial settings)

• Multiple pairs of disposable gloves

• Emergency blanket

• Burn dressing or gel

• Splinting materials

• CPR pocket mask or one-way valve

• Accident report forms

• Emergency evacuation map

• Contact numbers for all employees

First Aid Kit for the Car

A vehicle first aid kit should be compact and portable, designed to address injuries or emergencies until professional help arrives. Include:

• Adhesive bandages and gauze

• Antiseptic wipes

• Small scissors and tweezers

• Instant cold pack

• Elastic bandage

• Emergency foil blanket

• Flashlight with batteries or crank flashlight

• High-visibility vest and warning triangle

• Pain relievers

• Antihistamines

• Disposable gloves

• CPR mask

• Bottled water and energy snacks

• Emergency whistle

• First aid manual

• Multipurpose tool or knife

First Aid Kit Maintenance Tips

• Check expiration dates every six months

• Replace used or outdated items promptly

• Keep kits in accessible, easy-to-find locations

• Train family members or coworkers on kit use and location

Conclusio

A first aid kit is something you hope you’ll never need—but when an emergency occurs, having one ready can save lives. By preparing home, work, and car kits in advance, you ensure that you and your loved ones can respond confidently to injuries or medical emergencies.

Northern Nevada CPR recommends regular first aid training to complement your kit—because a stocked kit plus proper knowledge is the ultimate life-saving combination.