DIY First Aid Kit – Perfect for cars, camping, & kids!
I avoided buying and carrying a first aid kit for YEARS because I never liked the pre-made ones. They’re either too expensive, too heavy, or contain items I wouldn’t ever use. But the thought of creating my own also really freaked me out. So I finally consulted my husband (a former EMT and WFR) and we made a list for my first, homemade DIY first aid kit.
This page will explain some of the things I decided to put in my every day first aid kit. It’s tailored to light adventuring with children as that’s my default these days. In the FREE First Aid Kit checklist, I’ll include every item plus what I add for longer trips (like camping), and any other additions needed to bulk it up for the car or other emergency needs.
The reality is, you can’t always bring everything and this is the bare minimum I now take with me. When making your own homemade first aid kit, please use discretion on what will work best with your level of comfort and training. I also want you to know that I’m not a medical professional and my opinions here should not be taken as medical advice.
Making your own first aid kit for home or trail is all about personalization. I know a medical professional who only puts two things in his DIY first aid kit (I’ll let your imagination decide what they are). Those two things are good enough for him but I need a little more, and you may need a little more for yourself.
In sharing this list, I hope to encourage you to make your own first aid kit and to steer you in the right direction on where to get the supplies.
Can I make my own first aid kit?
Great question, you’ve come to the right place! For years, I was crippled by the endless options when creating my own DIY first aid kit, so I didn’t even try. Now that I’ve gone through the steps, I’m here to tell you it’s not so bad. It’s absolutely possible. And once you make your own, your preparedness will bring a peace of mind.
What should I put in a homemade first aid kit?
So glad you asked. Since I can never remember things like this off the top of my head, I made a list. I will cover every item included in my basic kit, but you can also download my more comprehensive list at the image above. In this free first aid checklist, I’ve added other items you may want to add for bigger adventures. The PDF also includes links to where I ordered my supplies from.
Medications
Medications for your DIY first aid kit can be simple. There are lots of options out there, so it’s easy to get overwhelmed with packing a kit full of medications you likely won’t ever use. In my day trip kit, I include Ibuprofen, antibiotic ointment, and this awesome sting + itch relief kit!
Another thing I carry with my all the time (and in my car!) is the Dr. Kids medication tubes. As a mom, I’m concerned about giving my kids adult-sized medication in case of emergency. Plus, most small children don’t know how to swallow pills.
The Dr. Kids brand makes single-dose vials of medications like diphenhydramine and acetaminophen. They are free of dyes, easy to use, and give me such a peace of mind.
Blister & Wound Care
It’s truly amazing the amount of injuries you can temporarily aid with a roll of duct tape and some benzoin tincture!
I say that in jest, but it’s mostly true. There’s no need to overthink this part of your everyday first aid kit: different sizes of bandages are what you’ll use most often, about a foot of duct tape, and vet wrap will have you in good shape. I also love using tincture of benzoin to help tape stay sticky and prevent blisters.
Another “mom thing” I’ve added to my kit is liquid bandage. It’s easy to apply if a kiddo isn’t one for keeping bandaids on and their skin is raw or exposed. I’ve even used it after I got a raw spot on my finger from a hiking pole.
Tools
This section is often overlooked when making your own first aid kit. Having the right tools for small medical needs is invaluable. First off, a mini multitool can keep things going well. A small notebook, pencil, and mini sharpie are also helpful to keep notes of items used, timelines, and overall things to be aware of when treating someone or yourself. A pair or two of gloves is also helpful when blood is involved in first aid.
And of course my mom addition to this section is tweezers! Before having kids, I never batted an eyelash at the tweezers in my first aid kit. Now that my daughter likes to climb trees and take her shoes off every moment possible, I’ve come to see these tools as essential to adventure happiness.
Other Fun Things
Here are some other fun things you might want to add to your DIY first aid kit. These are not in my daily, but some are included in my “extended” kits for car camping and backcountry adventures.
Again, if you’d like to look at my full packing list for three sizes of first aid kits, click the link here to download. They are made in checklist style both in color and black and white (for printing), and include clickable links for each item that may be hard to find. You’ll learn that one of my favorite websites for ordering these specific items is the website www.firstaidgearshop.com.
Tips on Keeping a First Aid Kit Stocked
One of the easiest ways to keep your first aid kit stocked is to have a checklist printed on a card or piece of paper that stays in your kit bag at all times. When you are done with a trip or have used a few things from it, pull the checklist out, take inventory, and add whatever is missing.
If you prefer to spot-refill, though, I recommend using that mini notebook. Every time you take something from the kit, write the date and what you took. When you can restock, take a look at the notebook and restock what the notebook says. After you’ve restocked it, mark it so you don’t “double restock”. This will only work if you write down what you take every time. Sometimes I can’t get to that, so I prefer the checklist method.
What are your first aid kit must-haves? Let me know in the comments below!
