first aid essentials: items to have on hand for injuries

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check out this list of must-have items for handling unexpected mishaps from minor cuts and scrapes to muscle strains.

by karen hawthorne

published apr 22, 2024

last updated feb 20, 2025

4 minute read

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4 minute read

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whether you’re at home, on the road, or in the great outdoors, having a well-equipped first aid kit will help you move into action. getty images

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some of the most common injuries are cuts, burns, strains and sprains, according to mcmaster university wellness services. being prepared to treat them is crucial to reduce the risk of infection and promote healing, and it can help prevent the escalation of illness or injury. in a case of bleeding, for example, you’re at risk of losing excess blood and going into shock. and knowing first aid steps to take can help people remain calm and collected in stressful situations. this confidence benefits both victims and the person providing aid, according to ontario’s sts group health and safety trainers.

so, whether you’re at home, on the road, or in the great outdoors, having a well-equipped first aid kit will help you move into action. check out this list of must-have items for handling unexpected mishaps from minor cuts and scrapes to muscle strains.

summary

instant cold packs

nexcare clear waterproof bandages

reliance medical reliwipe sterile wound cleansing wipes

healqu elastic bandage compression wrap for legs, knees, ankles, wrists, elbows, shoulders

tweezerman first aid splintertweeze

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instant cold packs

price: $22.99 for six-pack

rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars (41 ratings)

the first treatment for mild sprains and strains is ice. instant cold packs from canada’s ready first aid company are easily activated by squeezing for immediate cold therapy for these injuries, and they can also be used for bruises, swelling and headache relief. there’s no need to freeze these in advance and they’re light and compact for travel. apply the ice pack for 15 to 20 minutes every two to four hours. why ice? ice packs cause the blood vessels to constrict and reduce blood supply to the injury to minimize swelling and pain. “while heat can feel warm, cozy and be tempting to toss on an injury, don’t be fooled,” sports medicine physician dr. anne rex tells the cleveland clinic. “ice wins to shut down swelling, inflammation and pain early on where heat may actually make an injury worse.”

nexcare clear waterproof bandages

price: $6.89 for 50 pack

rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars (1,515 ratings)

rule of thumb for minor cuts or skin wounds: stop the bleeding, clean the wound and bandage the wound to protect from infection. adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes are a go-to step for first aid. this variety pack from nexcare has waterproof breathable bandages that are thin and comfortable to wear. they are designed to stay put to help seal out dirt and germs – even in the bath, shower or pool. these bandages also leave minimal residue when you remove them (less of an ouch factor for too!). important tip: change the bandage each day to keep the wound clean and dry.

reliance medical reliwipe sterile wound cleansing wipes

price: $29.19 for 100-pack

rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars (947 ratings)

antiseptic wipes that are individually packaged are easy to carry with you for fast and effective wound cleaning. you can use them to clean your hands as well. experts recommend antiseptic wipes without alcohol or hydrogen peroxide because these antiseptics can actually harm the tissue and delay healing (and sting painfully on contact). this 100-pack from reliance medical is well-reviewed and will have you stocked up and well-prepared. again, change the dressing every day and thoroughly clean before re-bandaging. and be vigilant about possible symptoms of wound infection like increasing pain, swelling and redness or even nausea and fever. seek medical help if there’s any concern.

healqu elastic bandage compression wrap for legs, knees, ankles, wrists, elbows, shoulders

price: $14.99 for four-pack

rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars (672 ratings)

compression bandages are a mainstay of st. john ambulance first aid kits – considered an essential item to apply constant firm pressure to an injured area to limit pain and swelling. these stretchable bandages should be wrapped to be snug, not too loose or too tight. look to make sure the area doesn’t become purplish or blue, cool to the touch, or numb or tingly, which mean the wrap is too tight. also, remove the wrap at night for sleeping. this four-pack of elastic compression bandage rolls is designed with ease of use in mind. each has a strong snap-on self-closure, so you don’t need added clips or tape to apply.

tweezerman first aid splintertweeze

price: $20.20

rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars (457 ratings)

any foreign object or debris that breaks the skin can pose a risk for harmful bacteria and infection. get it out fast! tweezers that are designed for first aid use are best for the removal of splinters and debris. this product by tweezerman has tapered precision tips filed to sharp points for the task. the ergonomics of the tool are also key to performance. this pair has a wider body for comfort and control that offers calibrated tension. and the stainless steel tips are highly durable and simple to clean before and after use with an antiseptic wipe.

now you’re ready.

karen hawthorne

karen hawthorne worked for six years as a digital editor for the national post, contributing articles on health, business, culture and travel for affiliated newspapers across canada. she now writes from her home office in toronto and takes breaks to bounce with her son on the backyard trampoline and walk bingo, her bull terrier.

first aid essentials: items to have on hand for injuries