This universal first aid kit that complies with OSHA standards performs well at home or at work. It has 326 pieces and a waterproof plastic box with a lock, with a handle and a tiltable storage slot.

This universal kit from First Aid Only puts 299 pieces of equipment into a compact zipper bag to make a compact portable kit that can be used at home or on the road.

The advanced first aid kit of Lightning X is very suitable for use on the road or outdoors. This kit contains almost everything you (or a paramedic after get off work) might need in various emergency situations.

Ever heard of Murphy? Did you know the guy whose law can cause both great pain and great pain? He has a way to destroy the best plan in life (and your emergency room budget), but when you prepare for his next visit, it becomes less memorable and less painful—especially when One of the best first aids for this kind of preparation is the front and center of the kit. 

However, the strange thing is that buying a first aid kit may be more challenging than you think. When words such as "sterile", "acetaminophen" and "traumatic" appear on the shopping list, "forget" what you need Pick up the easiest-looking items on the shelf to make your wallet and tumbling belly easier. Murphy likes that, but we don't. 

To this end, we have compiled a guide to the best first aid kits on the market to increase your confidence and peace of mind, while stepping out of Murphy's footsteps.

Finding a sturdy all-round first aid kit at an affordable price may be a challenge, but Be Smart Get Prepared's 326-piece first aid kit managed to achieve this feat well. This universal first aid kit has almost everything needed at home or in the workplace. This OSHA-compliant kit is equipped with all the necessities, including nitrile gloves, plenty of cleaning supplies and tape bandages, gauze pads and rolls, wound closure, tape, triangle bandages, finger splints, instant cold compress bags, common-treatment of stings , Medicines and treatments for burns and heartburn. In addition, the kit contains English and Spanish first aid guides, as well as other useful equipment such as trauma pads, eye pads, tweezers, scissors, and cotton swab applicators. This 326-piece kit is housed in a sturdy, wall-mounted hard plastic box with a tiltable storage container for clear organization and a handle for easy transportation. Although no first aid kit is perfect, the product provided by Be Smart Get Prepared is very close.

Some users may need a minor upgrade

For anyone living in the real world, budget limits reality (we are looking at you, Congress), but thanks to the 299 universal first aid kits with only first aid, first aid preparation does not have to be affected accordingly. This 299-piece universal kit contains basic knowledge and some extras. In addition to various necessities such as disposable gloves, wound cleaners and closures, adhesive bandages, gauze pads and rolls, topical supplies, tweezers, scissors, and essential medicines, this soft clamshell kit also comes with almost everything of value People expect equipment and supplies from a real universal first aid kit. Bonuses include fingertip and knuckle bandages, moleskin pads and emergency blankets. The storage bag of the kit has a transparent inner bag, which can place all items in the proper position, but the organization method is limited. Nevertheless, if your pennies are very limited, then this kit is worth the money.

Some users need a small upgrade

No matter where the disaster occurs, the Lightning X Rip-Away car headrest first aid kit can provide the necessary equipment to fill the gap until professional help arrives. This advanced first aid kit contains all the key components: nitrile gloves, wound cleaners and closures, adhesive bandages, triangular bandages and safety pins, trauma pads, eye pads, tweezers, full-size trauma scissors, one-way CPR masks, First aid blankets, instant ice packs and a wide variety of essential medicines. The kit also includes some often overlooked supplies, such as reusable finger splints, eye wash, eye drops, digital (!) thermometer, flashlight, and olfactory salts. Of course, all these supplies must be easy to access, and the hook and loop mounting base compatible with MOLLE turns the nylon box into a torn first aid box, which can handle almost any emergency on the road or outside.

Ordinary first aid kits have poor handling capacity in inclement weather, but Surviveware's large waterproof first aid kits are not ordinary first aid kits. This Surviveware kit contains almost everything you would like to find in a universal first aid kit, but then it takes things to a new level by including a removable CPR kit (with disposable mask), trauma pads, eye pads, first aid blankets, and 7.5 inch scissors. More common supplies include nitrile gloves, adhesive bandages, gauze pads and rolls, triangular bandages and safety pins, wound cleaners and closures, ointments and tweezers. The kit also contains some surprising but popular add-ons: disposable thermometers, debris probes and whistle. Although the kit does not include any medication, it does provide a special resealable bag containing the user's own medication. The IPX7 waterproof 600D TPU protective cover can ensure everything is safe and dry, while the labelled mesh storage bag can maximize the organization, and at the same time resist the adrenaline-driven brain fog in a stressful emergency. The kit also has a MOLLE-compatible mounting surface, making it easy to carry around.

Very well organized, with clear labels

Including detachable mini first aid kit

Lack of common over-the-counter drugs, big splints

The high-quality dedicated EDC first aid kit is a unicorn in the field of emergency care: ideal but it does not seem to exist. Enter the North American rescue solo IFAK, and the fantasy comes true. This single first aid kit combines state-of-the-art first aid kits and high-end care equipment, making it the perfect tool for treating minor cuts and abrasions to severe wounds and burns, but it weighs only 1.35 pounds (including the box). In addition to gloves, wound closures, some tapes, gauze pads, medical tape and triangular bandages, Solo IFAK also provides first aid blankets, trauma scissors, split forceps, eye masks, burn care products, hemostatic products (including QuikClot dressings, North American rescue CAT, etc. ), transparent adhesive dressing, silver bandage, irrigation syringe, flashlight, permanent marker and tape. Although not designed to handle advanced life support applications, the kit also includes a CPR mask for basic life support. The kit’s pouch is designed with PALS webbing for easy connection of additional equipment, while the back uses MOLLE-compatible mounting hardware.

Provide treatment options for minor, serious and traumatic injuries

Lightweight supply list

Some users may need a minor upgrade

Before becoming a writer, I worked as a professional lifeguard and lifeguard coach for many years. During that time, I spent a lot of time using first aid equipment and various medical equipment. I learned the difference between high-quality medical equipment that plays an important role in an emergency and cheap garbage that only gets in the way. In the past, I have introduced life-saving emergency equipment for Task & Purpose. You can rest assured that I refuse to recommend or emphasize any equipment that I don’t trust myself to use.

In other words, I am well aware that my own medical training has its limitations, and my conscience tells me that whenever I reach these limits, I will listen to people who are more qualified to tackle this topic than I am. Your safety and success will always come first.

Imagine trying to use a family-oriented first aid kit to care for the casualties on the battlefield. For the uninitiated, the first aid kit is a one-size-fits-all solution, but the reality is that first aid kits come in various shapes and sizes, and have unique loads. Your personal environment, training, and people around you will directly affect what kind of first aid kit you need. Make wise choices.

The naked "boo-boo kit" wins the dubious distinction of the most common "first aid kit" on the market today. Walk into any Walmart, Target, CVS or Walgreens and these kits will constitute most of the available options in front of you. These low-cost kits are often small and compact, making it easy to treat minor cuts, abrasions, headaches, and other low-key illnesses.

In the truest sense, even if these kits are available, they hardly meet the requirements of a first aid kit, but they are indeed very suitable for storage in glove boxes, wallets and other small spaces. Of course, one advantage of this small first aid kit is that it does not require first aid training.

In addition to the additional features that depend on the manufacturer, a typical boo-boo kit will include the following necessities:

Everyone should have a good universal first aid kit to play around the house or car. Although these kits do include the first aid equipment in the most basic pharmacy kits, Bobu kits do not. According to our rough estimate, these kits are the minimum requirements for most settings. The universal first aid kit provides appropriate care equipment for basic emergencies, such as mild to moderate bleeding, sprains, fractures, and diabetes emergencies.

Universal first aid kits are usually found in well-equipped homes and vehicles. Fortunately, these kits usually do not require basic first aid training, as they usually contain adequate first aid guidelines. In other words, if you can help, please don't skip basic first aid training.

A good universal first aid kit will include most or all of the following:

What is needed is not only the repair of ordinary wounds and the tame of other conventional diseases, but also the use of advanced first aid kits. These kits can easily handle basic emergencies, while also equipping first responders to deal with more trauma and provide basic life support, making CPR equipment an important part. Although you may know EMT or other professional emergency personnel who often carry such kits, these first aid kits are different from EMT kits.

The advanced first aid kit includes most or all of the supplies you would like to find in the universal toolbox, but there are some key additional features. Other additional features usually include:

Professional first aid kits are a unique variety, and if you are a nerd like us, this is where things get interesting. These first aid kits cover a wide range of sizes and equipment, and have a list of equipment tailored to specific occupations, activities or environments. Typically, these kits are customized to address injuries from specific activities, deal with trauma, and/or provide basic life support. Due to size and weight considerations, they may also reduce the amount of "boo" equipment included (think military IFAK).

Professional first aid kits are usually equipped with everything you would expect in a general kit or even an advanced kit, but there are some additional "goodies" such as decompression needles, QuikClot gauze, chest seals or nasopharyngeal airway in the "trauma kit" turn up. Obviously, the specific equipment list will vary greatly. In many cases, the equipment list requires special first aid training to be used correctly. Make sure to train accordingly.

First aid kits include a variety of emergency medical equipment. Therefore, each first aid kit requires users to receive a certain level of first aid training. For many people, this training may just be the core medical course of Life's School of Hard Knocks. However, for others, American Red Cross first aid certification, combat medic courses, or mature EMT training may replace this role. Regardless of the situation, make sure that the first aid kit you choose can meet your training level.

When choosing a first aid kit, find supplies and equipment commensurate with your current level. Since exceeding your training level in a medical emergency can bring legal dangers, it is wise to keep equipment designed for higher levels of care out of sight. Remember, you can upgrade or add to your kit at any time in the future.

When buying a first aid kit, be sure to consider where you plan to store and use it. In order to maintain medical integrity, first aid equipment should always be kept dry, preferably in a mild climate. A suitable storage container will achieve these goals while also promoting ease of access and clear organization.

When choosing a wall-mounted first aid kit, consider whether to install it indoors or outdoors. If stored outdoors or in a humid or humid indoor environment, find a tightly sealed and waterproof product. Sturdy external and internal shelving is an absolute must.

A good portable first aid kit requires more storage containers. For marine environments, fully waterproof and corrosion-resistant containers are the only option. For outdoor people, law enforcement personnel, or military personnel, complete waterproofing may not be necessary, but strong waterproofness is absolutely necessary. For these users, minimal weight, durability, clear organization and convenient connection points are key features.

These (slightly upgraded) universal first aid kits meet the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's standards for medical supplies available in the workplace. All first aid kits that meet OSHA standards must be equipped with specific emergency medical supplies. For small workplaces (2-3 employees), an OSHA-compliant first aid kit must include at least:

OSHA compliance is an unnecessary feature for non-business owners; however, the advantage of standardization is that it can provide consumers with predictable products. If you want to understand the basics, the OSHA kit provides a reliable (if it is a barebones) option.

The insurance industry may be a mess, but if you sign up for a health savings account (HSA) or flexible savings account (FSA), you may be entitled to compensation. (And, no, this is not a late-night TV shopping ad.) Although insurance plans vary, most health/flexible savings accounts allow you to purchase qualified first aid kits from your account without using take-home pay. First aid kits are often quite affordable, but if you find a first aid kit labeled "HSA/FSA-approved," you may have just found a tax-free emergency kit.

First aid kits that meet HSA/FSA requirements come in many shapes and sizes, but to be eligible for purchase, the entire kit must only be stored with HSA/FSA-approved equipment. Although some approved kits may only meet the boo-boo kit standard, most raise the standard to the "OSHA plus" standard. Generally, these kits exceed the standards of general first aid kits, and many kits combine the advantages of these kits with OSHA-compliant kits, making them an excellent choice for tax-exempt funds.

By its very nature, emergency situations are beyond our control. As the saying goes, "If you don't plan, you plan to fail." Unless you can get a first aid kit quickly and easily, proper care equipment will never show up in the event of severe bleeding, deep wounds, or heart attacks. A high-quality first aid kit enables quick response without having to look around for gauze, butterfly cover or aspirin. A proper reserve and stage first aid kit may even mean the difference between life and death.

Medical emergencies often happen randomly, and being prepared is a responsible lifestyle. Car accidents, natural disasters and other hazards usually occur without any warning, and timely access to professional medical help may be completely impossible. With a premium first aid kit fine-tuned to your environment, you can short-circuit Murphy's Law when the devil calls.

Whether it is online persuasion or physical store persuasion, large stores often provide first aid kits at low prices, usually lower than the cost of a new hoodie. First aid kits priced south of $35 tend to fall into one of two categories: boo-boo bags and low-budget general-purpose bags.

The Boo-boo kits in this range cover everything from simple jokes to packaging kits for daily cuts and scrapes. Generic kits in this price range are often limited in the quantity and scope of supplies and equipment, bypassing valuable additional fees to support value prices (and a large number of band-aids). They also often lack organizational skills, and larger packages often fail to meet OSHA compliance standards.

If you take first aid kits more seriously, expect to leave somewhere between $35 and $70 at the cashier. In other words, these kits tend to be of higher quality and usually fall into the general and advanced first aid kit categories. (Please don't spend $70 on the boo-boo kit!)

Higher price tags lead to better supply lists. These kits do not include 5 million band-aids, but are often equipped with more and better equipment than their budget-conscious brothers. Items such as burn treatment creams or ointments, reusable splints, and other upgraded equipment are beginning to be included, and in general, the basic products are of higher quality. Clear organization is another common upgrade in this price range, and although not every kit meets OSHA standards, those tend to provide more impressive supply lists and quantities.

If you have any professional experience in first aid or emergency medical care, you may find that you want to expand your budget. For many advanced and/or professional first aid kits, the price tag usually exceeds $70, and the best first aid kits can easily reach the triple digits. Nonetheless, the rewards are worth it.

The irony is that while most high-end kits tend to ignore the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's standards on what is a good first aid kit, they usually allow users to exceed the standards of care associated with basic first aid training. This is especially true for professional kits, but some top premium kits may include flashlights, high-quality (ie trusted) tourniquets or hemostatic dressings or medications. These kits are also often organized and may even include supply labels, a subtle and professional touch.

Even for experienced people, identifying a good first aid kit can be a challenge. Since the needs of each reader are different, I searched for a comprehensive list of the kit contents based on the kit type, price range, and intended use. I carefully researched bonus features such as OSHA compliance and FSA/HSA qualifications, as well as the quality of supply, bypassing any suspicious equipment such as cheap or imitation tourniquets. I also considered the housing design of each kit, looking at the durability of the kit's intended use, internal organizational features, and overall size and weight. Throughout the process, I relied heavily on my past knowledge and experience as a professional lifeguard and lifeguard trainer. When it comes to understanding IFAK, such as the North American rescue solo IFAK, I got some queues from our own Travis Pike, combining his knowledge with my own.

You have questions, tasks and goals have answers.

A: People do stupid things; therefore, you need a first aid kit. Oh yes, accidents can happen at the most random time. It's like my Buck Cadet and I cut ourselves apart. When opening the package. For the plastic pie server. (How did I get this job again?)

A: The content of the first aid kit varies from kit to kit, but it is very likely that if you don't know what something is or how/when to use it, then you probably shouldn't get it.

A: No matter where you are, you need one. In your glove box, under your sink...just place it in an easy-to-access location. Personally, I carry one with me wherever I go, but then again, I'm just that strange.

Answer: No, but some components may need to be replaced from time to time. Most over-the-counter medicines never expire; however, they will slowly lose their effectiveness over the years. Bandages and dressings require dry, sealed packaging to maintain their sterile integrity. Gel packs, alcohol wipes, and similar products will eventually dry out over time and need to be replaced frequently.

Answer: As far as I know, there are currently no regulations on first aid kits. In other words, there are many laws and other restrictions surrounding emergency management. The most important is the Good Samaritan law and the law that restricts who can administer drugs in an emergency.

Answer: This will vary from kit to kit, depending on the intended use of the given first aid kit. As of the end of 2021, common kits that meet OSHA standards must include (at least): a box of tape, multiple gauze pads (at least 4 x 4 inches), two large gauze pads (at least 8 x 10 inches), and a reel of gauze Bandage (at least 2 inches wide).

Answer: Absolutely. Unless you plan to carry an emergency knife with you, bringing the first aid kit on the plane shouldn't cause any problems. The only potential problem you may encounter is whether or not the trauma scissors (a rare accessory) is included in your kit. I have only used trauma scissors through TSA a few times, but I have not encountered any problems. Your travel expenses may change.

Answer: Generally speaking, the weight of a first aid kit is often between 1 and 3 pounds. In other words, each kit is different, and I have seen kits above and below these numbers.

Answer: First-aid supplies in the workplace are regulated by OSHA standards. All first-aid equipment regulated by OSHA can be purchased from Amazon, CVS, Walmart, etc. without restriction. Of course, if no one knows how to use them, your supplies have no use to use them. Obtain first aid certification for yourself and your employees.

Answer: Absolutely. During my time as a lifeguard and assistant pool manager, my staff and I regularly checked the status of the first aid kit.

Answer: Yes, although the non-prescription medicines included in the first aid kit depend to some extent on the intended use case. First aid kits usually include acetaminophen (Tylenol), aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin), topical antiseptics and topical antibiotics. They may also include sugar/glucose tablets, burn cream or pain relief wipes.

For 25 years, Brian Smyth has been a neighbor of the Air Force Academy and the U.S. Army Ivy Division. He enjoys the challenge of writing text and writes for The Drive, Car Bibles and other publications. Nothing can cheer him up more than the roar of Pratt & Whitney above his head, the smell of cordierite, and the story of the greatest generation. If you purchase products through one of our links, Task & Purpose and its partners may receive commissions. Learn more about our product review process.

If you plan to own a life-saving kit, you'd better make sure it is set up successfully.

When the weather app and WiFi fail, you need to back up.

Use these powerful emergency blankets to protect yourself from the harshest environment.

The best survival radio, you can keep up to date even when you don’t have a power supply or internet connection.

Six years of practical experience with a pen-sized powerhouse.

Subscribe now for tasks and purposes

Get the latest military news, entertainment and equipment in your inbox every day.

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide us with a way to earn money by linking to Amazon.com and affiliate sites. Registering or using this website means accepting our terms of service.