Best First Aid Kits to Use in Emergency Situations

Review & Comparison, Last Update January 10, 2024
Commonly, a first aid kit includes properly selected items to treat both less severe problems and more serious ailments. Since injuries ...Read more
PROS
A kit comes with a blood pressure cuff to measure the blood pressure if needed and a stethoscope for precise and efficient heart and lungs auscultation.
CONS
A major compartment has no zipper.
OUR VERDICT
MFASCO first aid kit will become a true lifesaver in case of an earthquake, tornado, storm or any other natural disaster causing injuries and traumas that require an emergency aid. Be prepared!
detailed parameters
CLASS

Class A

APPLICATION

Most common injuries (such as minor cuts, abrasions, and sprains)

SUITABLE FOR

Car, Home, Traveling, Survival

NUMBER OF ITEMS
263 items
SPECIAL FEATURES
Pocket CPR mask, Blood pressure cuff, Stethoscope
STORAGE BAG
Bright orange EMT bag with a handle and reflective strips (high-quality canvas)
DIMENSIONS
21" x 17" x 9", 6.1 lbs
PROS
Adhesive wound dressings and bandages will come in handy to stanch a wound and stop the bleeding until you get a professional medical aid.
CONS
Vinyl gloves are not included in the kit.
OUR VERDICT
Designed with your ultimate safety in mind, this all-in-one first aid kit from Protect Life is an optimal option for all occasions and situations. It's a real catch for most daily uses and survival adventures.
detailed parameters
CLASS

Class A

APPLICATION

Most common injuries (such as minor cuts, abrasions, and sprains)

SUITABLE FOR

Car, Home, Traveling, Survival, Sports

NUMBER OF ITEMS
115 items
SPECIAL FEATURES
CPR face mask, Disposable raincoat, Compass, Whistle
STORAGE BAG
Water-resistant bag with handles (high-quality canvas)
DIMENSIONS
7.5" x 5.1" x 2", 1.1 lbs
PROS
This kit features a variety of adhesive plastic bandages to treat any injuries from minor cuts and scratches to more serious burns and wounds.
CONS
A cold pack quality might seem poor.
OUR VERDICT
This compact model contains all essential items you may need in an emergency case. 299 pieces are thoughtfully organized and easy to find in clear pockets. A handy and comprehensive kit for situations when every second counts!
detailed parameters
CLASS

Class A

APPLICATION

Most common injuries (such as minor cuts, abrasions, and sprains)

SUITABLE FOR

Car, Home, Traveling

NUMBER OF ITEMS
299 items
SPECIAL FEATURES
75 x Adhesive plastic bandages, Disposable thermometer
STORAGE BAG
Waterproof case (100% vinyl)
DIMENSIONS
7.3" x 9.4" x 2.4", 1.42 lbs
PROS
First Aid Only kit offers far more than just basic first aid items. Thus, a sewing kit will be helpful to sew on a button or stitch up any clothes, if needed.
CONS
Some medicines have no expiry dates indicated.
OUR VERDICT
With an array of different bandage types and sizes, this first aid kit is an excellent option for any sports events and competitions allowing you to administer the first aid in case of stretching, sprains or any other traumas.
detailed parameters
CLASS

Class A

APPLICATION

Most common injuries (such as minor cuts, abrasions, and sprains)

SUITABLE FOR

Car, Home, Traveling, Survival, Sports

NUMBER OF ITEMS
100 items
SPECIAL FEATURES
CPR face mask, Disposable poncho (raincoat), Compass, Whistle, Sewing kit, Different types of bandages
STORAGE BAG
Waterproof bag with handles (high-quality canvas)
DIMENSIONS
7.5" x 5.1" x 2", 1.1 lbs
PROS
A lightweight first aid kit comes in a hard shell foam carry case with a durable premium quality carabiner to fasten the case to your backpack or even to your belt.
CONS
Few items in the kit.
OUR VERDICT
Are you looking for a really compact and portable first aid kit that will take minimum space in your travel bag and contain all first aid essentials? Then the AAA kit is what you need for hiking, camping or backpacking.
detailed parameters
CLASS

Class A

APPLICATION

Most common injuries (such as minor cuts, abrasions, and sprains)

SUITABLE FOR

Car, Home, Traveling

NUMBER OF ITEMS
115 items
SPECIAL FEATURES
Whistle
STORAGE BAG
Durable bag with hook (tough synthetic material)
DIMENSIONS
6.2" x 7.75" x 2", 0.7 lbs
First Aid Kits to Use in Emergency Situations Scar Creams

Best-ever Emergency Helper

The MFASCO Emergency First Aid Kit offers the biggest number of supplements and medicines as compared to many of the other ready-to-use first aid kits. The bag is packed with 263 first aid items and tools to treat injuries of all kinds. In the box, you will also find a wide range of bandages, gauze rolls, dressings, pads and medicines to apply to wounds, stop bleeding, dress burns, etc. As the manufacturer says, the kit contains all the essentials that you could possibly need even in the case of disasters like earthquakes, tornados, storms, fires, etc. 

The MFASCO Emergency First Aid Kit is an all-purpose first aid kit that will come useful just in any situation. With the kit like this one, you could safely go on long trips to remote locations without worrying that you don't have enough supplies on you. 

The kit includes:
Blood pressure cuff, stethoscope, non-adhering pads, gauze pads of different sizes, cold packs, eyewash, saline eye and skin solution, penlight, emergency blanket, scissors, CPR pocket resuscitator, instant glucose, all types of bandage, band-aids, and dressings, splinter outs, burn gel, first aid guide book, exam gloves,  antibiotic ointment, antiseptic wipes, aAlcohol pads, hand sanitizer and Iodine swabs.

Additional Medical Devices

Aside from basic supplies that most first aid kits are packed with, the MFASCO kit offers some extra medicine tools that you can find useful. The kit contains a blood pressure cuff, a stethoscope, a penlight, and a CPR mask. With all these items at hand, you will be able to quickly define the condition of an injured and take the first aid measures on time. 

Convenient Transportation

For user's convenience and ease of transportation, all supplies are packed in a handy orange bag made of a high-quality durable canvas with reflective strips to make the kit visible in the dark. The bag has two shoulder straps so that you could carry it over the shoulder, and several additional side pockets where you can store away emergency or rescue supplies.

How to Tackle Knee Injuries

A knee joint is essential for walking, running, jumping or cycling since it takes the load giving us an opportunity to move. Knee joint bruises, strains, dislocations and other injuries are very painful and require precise treatment. 

If you suffer from chronic pains and discomfort in your knees due to old traumas, pay attention to knee braces that will provide additional support to your knees, prevent injuries and let you move freely.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $79.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B00HQ15XKI

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First Aid Kit for All Occasions

Going on a journey, setting off for a long trip or simply heading to the country house with your family, you're not safe from accidents and many other unexpected situations entailing injuries. And whilst it might not be a good idea to always think of such events, you still should be well-prepared to deal with them in time. As its very name suggests, the given Protect Life emergency kit can save your life. Besides basic bandages, the kit contains a lot of vital first aid items that may come handy when being away from a trail road.

The kit includes:
Antiseptic cleansing wipes, alcohol prep pad, butterfly closure strips, a number of different bandages,  gauze swab, instant cold compress, first aid tape, cotton tip applicator, abdominal pad, rescue howler whistle, compass, moleskin blister relief, emergency blanket, glow stick, disposable raincoat, scissors, tweezers, CPR mask, eye pads, safety pins, sting relief pads, wound dressing.

Essential Extras

So, what's there in the kit? Let's see together. Besides essential medicines that you may need in case of emergency, you will also find a disposable raincoat made of durable polyethylene, a whistle and a compass for rescue purposes. If you're an enthusiastic outdoorsman who often travels to a backcountry, this kit is what you need. 

Amazing Compactness

Another thing that you will like about this kit is the bag. It is lightweight, compact and made of quality waterproof materials to prevent the moisture from getting inside the contents. The bag this size will easily fit in any standard backpack without adding weight to it. The advantage of the kit is that you won't need to throw it away once you run out of the supplies. You could easily pack it with your own assortment of medicines later on. 

Protect Yourself From Cold When Backpacking

For those consumers who often spend time outdoors and prefer to stay overnight in the wild we'd recommend purchasing a sleeping bag. For our review we've picked some of the most popular models that have recently been introduced to the market; choose the one that offers the comfort and features you've been looking for.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $24.95
Stock In stock
ASIN B013EBQQUY

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A Real Find When Every Second Counts

We don't expect to be hurt yet it's essential to be prepared for any emergency situation, especially when being away from civilization. Not only do you need to have the right supplies at hand, you should also be able to find the needed one quickly. In this sense the First Aid Only kit offers a well-organized inside layout, allowing you to keep all your medicines in order and within easy reach. The given arrangement of essential supplies proves more than helpful in situations when every second counts. 

The kit includes:
First aid guide, vinyl gloves, bandages, cold compress, gauze pads, trauma pad, cotton-tipped applicators, first aid tape roll, antiseptics and all three common OTC pain medications.

A Smart Collection of 299 Items

There are 299 physician-recommended items that you can use out-of-the-box, all being helpful in different emergencies. The set includes a wide range of plastic and fabric bandages to apply to injuries, treat joint stretches or to immobilize a limb. This makes it one of the most favored kits between travelers and campers who, more than anybody else, are susceptible to knee strains and injuries. The kit also includes a disposable thermometer (that you can later substitute for a digital one), a number of antipyretic medicines and disinfectants, an instant cold compress for bruises and even a burn relief back.  

Comparing with some more expensive first aid kits that contain the same stuff but come in more sophisticated packages, the First Aid Only kit can become a budget-friendly alternative, with all the right supplies for daily use and frequent trips.  

Waterproof

The kit comes in a waterproof vinyl soft pack that allows you to take it with you on water, use it in a boat and during hiking. The casing doesn't let the moisture get inside so the contents of the kit isn't going to get dry even in case of a heavy rain or some unexpected distaser. The waterproof bag comes an evident advantage for users who often go to a backcountry and may want to keep some of their personal stuff away from the wet, like, for example, a fire starter, a flashlight, even a toilet paper. 

Take Care of Your Health

Never neglect your health and well-being. It is always easier to prevent the illness than to treat it. Make your home first aid kit complete with one of the pulse oximeters to measure blood oxygen level and detect the first signs of potential diseases. 

Another gadget you could get is a fitness tracker. Compatible with both, Android-based smartphones and iPhones, it will allow you to track your dailiy activities and pulse. Once the tracker has been synchronized with your phone it will store and analyze the recorded information in a special app.

Keep fit and stay healthy!

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $17.55
Stock In stock
ASIN B000069EYA

Designed for the use on the go

The Always Prepared emergency response kit is designed as a small bag that one can carry around or store in a glove compartment in a car. Since the box isn't hard and can be squeezed to fit in a backpack, it can also be taken along on a trip. A smaller number of items predetermines the kit's lower price, and not surprisingly that it's often bought by drivers who are legally obliged to keep a kit in a car, athletes needing supplements now and then and regular customers, making a stock of essential medicines. 

If you don't need a whole drugstore in a bag and want to keep your spendings sensible, consider this particular kit with all the necessary supplies. 

The kit includes:
An assortment of bandages, including adhesive bandages, alcohol prep pads, povidone-Iodine prep pads, antiseptic cleansing wipes, butterfly closure strips, compass, disposable cold compress, cotton tip applicators, CPR face mask, emergency blanket, first aid tape, sterile gauze pads, glow stick, metal tweezers, moleskin blister relief pad, disposable poncho, razor blade, rescue whistle, sewing kit, safety pins, scissors and disposable vinyl gloves.  

A Must-have Item for a Sportsman Arsenal

Though compact, the kit contains 100 functional first aid items including basic emergency supplies and such essential survival items as an emergency blanket, a poncho, a compass, a glow stick, and a whistle. 

Unlike other first aid kits, the Always Prepared offers a variety of regular, adhesive and elastic bandages to deal with a range of injuries, traumas, and stretches. Thanks to such a wide assortment of bandages along with a range of antiseptics, this kit is an excellent choice for consumers who take part in different sports events and competitions. Whether you are a professional athlete or a sports enthusiast, the Always Prepared Kit will become a great addition to your sports arsenal.  

Nice Little Extras

Compact and lightweight, this kit includes all emergency medical supplies you need. Besides, it offers unique small accessories to tackle different unexpected occurrences and situations both outdoors and indoors. 

A sewing kit will come in handy in case you happen to tear your clothes when being in a backcountry. Using a razor blade (included either), you will be able to have a shave and look groomed and tidy away from a civilization. The kit also includes scissors that you could use for many different tasks, including some really extreme, a whistle and an accurate compass - all essential and rescue items each traveler should take with him/her when setting for a long trip. 

For Active Lifestyle Followers

It’s not a secret that physical exercises improve our well-being, contribute to a sound sleep and help keep excess pounds at bay. 

If you lead an active lifestyle and want to know the distance you walk during a day, then pedometers are for you. These small yet functional and useful units will help you keep yourself in a good shape tracking your steps and calories burnt. 

Keep your records to combat laziness and increase a walking distance day by day. 

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B00LPQUWPG

Designed to be Always at Hand

The AAA First Aid Kit offers customers portability and convenience of use on the go, which is essential for families who often travel with their kids. At 6.2" x 7.75" x 2" dimensions and with the weight of 0.7 lbs, it won't add weight to your bag but will give you total peace of mind. 

Casting a quick look at the bag you will notice its reminiscence of a pencil box by design - a similar box with two compartments inside, two holding strips and a foldable pocket. Thanks to its compact dimensions you will be able to take it with you wherever you go. 

The kit includes:
First aid instructions, scissors, tweezers, a pair of vinyl gloves, whistle, sting relief pads, antispetic towelettes, alcohol prep pads, a range of bandages, combine dressing, sterile gauze pads of different sizes, adhesive tape and a carabineer.

What's in the box?

Once you open the pouch, you'll find 80 first aid components. You never know where the road may lead and what may happen. Hence, it’s always better to be prepared to protect yourself and your loved ones in the event of personal injuries. 

The AAA kit contains all medical supplies to address a range of everyday minor injuries, cuts, and traumas. All bandages, pads, and wipes are sterile and aseptically packaged to prevent infections. 

Meanwhile, having a whistle at hand will let you ask for help when standed on the road.

Quick an Easy Access

What we like about this kit is that it offers one of the most convenient-to-use modules with several pockets for all sorts of supplements. You will get used to its handy design and will most likely fill it with your own medicines later on. There are many little things that make the use of this kit convenient for both a traveler and a regular customer. It's a small bag, which means, it will fit any backpack. The bag is made of hard material and won't get squeezeed between your other stuff. There's also a handy strap that you can use to attach the kit to your backpack or right on the belt. The options are numerous and you can choose what suits you better. 

Some More Essentials to Have in Your Car

The AAA First Aid Kit is one of the frequently first aid kits bought by drivers. The reasons for that are numerous. As we've mentioned above, it's small, it can fit a glove compartment and it's got all essentials a driver's legally obliged to have in a car. You could expand this assortment, though, by adding a few more useful items to the kit. A breathalyzer will let you know the level of alcohol in your blood. With a parking sensor mounted in your vehicle you will be able to park literally anywhere.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B000SL0R9K

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Infographics


What is a First Aid Kit

A first aid kit is an essential item for any household, especially if you have kids. Having a good aid kit at hand with all the right aid items can let you handle all sorts of problems before they burst open to a bigger trouble. A first aid kit is a must-have thing to keep in a car, for you never know where the trouble may come from. It's always better to have the essential supplement right there beside you than rely on ambulance only in an emergency situation. Sometimes very basic things can help you out in bad times, giving just the right assistance and care you'd need. Therefore, we strongly recommend you to get one for yourself and store it in a drawer or a medical cabinet at home.

If you suffer from muscle pains or strains, try one of the pain relief devices that will help you relieve sore muscles and take off discomfort. Meanwhile, heating pads are designed to promote ligament tension healing and damaged tissues restoration.

What Features to Compare

Class and Intended Use

The first thing to consider when choosing a first aid kit is for what purposes you’ll need it. Depending on the intended use, you will understand how much supplies the kit would need to have to provide you with the essentials in an emergency situation. There are first aid kits that you can use in everyday life, those that you can grab to go on trips, basic kits to keep in a car and those that you can take with you when going on excursions/tours with a group of people.

Based on the assortment, quantity and intended use of supplies, first aid kits fall into 2 classes. Class A kits are designed to tackle most common minor injuries and traumas, such as cuts, bruises, sprains, etc. Class B kits usually offer broader range and quantity of supplies to deal with more serious injuries in high-risk environments. 

Supplies

When you decide on the first aid kit intended use and class, you need to consider the contents of a bag. The more components the kit contains, the more useful and helpful it will be. Aside from basic stuff like bandages, blister tapes, surgery gloves and antiseptics, some of the first aid kits may contain emergency items such as a compass, whistle or flashlight for rescue situations. 

Size and Weight

Next, make sure to pay attention to design and weight of the bag, for if you plan to use it daily and you need it to be portable, it should not add weight to your backpack. Most first aid kits have reflective strips so that you could find the kit in the dark, a waterproof enclosure to let you store there items that cannot be exposed to the moisture, handy zippers to give you quick access to the supplies inside, shoulder straps and much more. Consider all these little things that might seem minor at first but can make a huge difference when in the emergency situation. 

FAQ:

Q: What is a first aid kit meant for?

A: Commonly, a first aid kit is meant to provide an emergency care to an injured person prior to professional medical services arrival. However, traditional first aid kits contain a number of supplies to tackle both major and minor injuries. 

Q: What types of first aid kits exist?

A: Depending on the purpose and the length of trip, you can choose a first aid kit from basic, standard, sports, outdoor and medical types of kits. They differ by the assortment of supplies, their number and the type of a bag. Basic and standard kits include basic supplies for treating minor injuries, while specialized kits offer a bigger range of components as well as rescue items like a compass, a whistle, etc.

Q: Why do I need an emergency response kit?

A: It's impossible to predict an injury. Therefore, it’s better to be prepared for the unexpected before the emergency strikes. 

Q: Where is a first aid kit a must?

A: Usually, a first aid kit is a must-have item for all vehicles (passenger vehicles, private cars, RVs, etc.) and public places (restaurants, bars, cafes, cinemas, etc.). It is strongly recommended that an emergency kit becomes a staple for every household, kindergarten, school and workplace. 

Q: What is the best place to store a first aid kit?

A: It depends upon the intended use of your kit. If you buy one for a family use, you can store it in a kitchen, a closet or a medical cabinet. The kit that you choose for your car or RV will find place in a glove compartment or a trunk, subject to the kit size. When selecting an emergency or survival kit for your outdoor adventures, including both great outdoors (camping, hiking, backpacking or even fishing and hunting) and leisure activities on milder terrains (picnics in the park or on the beach, some excursions and sports events, etc.), opt for comprehensive all-purpose kits that compactly fit into a backpack, a travel bag or a suitcase.

Q: Do first aid kits have expiration dates? 

A: Yes. Many of the components from the kit, especially medicines, have expiration dates. Normally, the expiration date is specified on each of the item individually. Do not forget to check the emergency supplies on a regular basis and replace the components timely. 

Q: Will using a first aid kit replace calling 911? 

A: No. Any first aid kit is meant to provide an emergency aid during the first critical minutes before the emergency arrives. In many situations, the appropriate first aid measures can save somebody's life. However, you can't ignore professional medical services and must call 911 in any of the emergency situations.

Sources:

1. How to Choose a First-Aid Kit, Eastern Mountain Sports.

2. First-aid kit shopping list, BabyCenter.

3. First aid kit, Wikipedia. January 17, 2017.

4. Gentry Houghton & Cam McKenzie Ring How to Choose the Best First Aid Kit, OutdoorGearLab. July 21, 2015.

5. First Aid Kit Buying Guide, eBay. February 22, 2016.

6. How to Make a First Aid Kit for Kids, wikiHow.

7. First-Aid Checklist, REI.

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