Complete first-aid kit: adults + pets

Basis: the American Red Cross list for a family of four, expanded with bleeding-control supplies (Stop the Bleed) and pet supplies (AVMA). Store it in a water-resistant box or bag, in a cool place that's easy to reach (not in the trunk). Also put together a smaller version for the 72-hour bag and the car (chapter 2). Check expiration dates every 6 months.

Bleeding control (up front, within reach)

• 2 commercial windlass tourniquets (not knockoffs; buy from a trusted dealer)
• 2 hemostatic gauze packs or, at minimum, 2 rolls of compressed gauze for packing
• 2 emergency pressure bandages, 4–6 in ("Israeli" type)
• 2 chest seals
• Permanent marker (to note the time of the tourniquet)
• Blunt-tip trauma shears

Wounds and bandages

• 50 adhesive bandages in various sizes (including knuckle and fingertip)
• 10 sterile gauze pads, 4 × 4 in (10 × 10 cm), and 10 pads, 3 × 3 in (7.5 × 7.5 cm)
• 4 large absorbent dressings, 5 × 9 in (13 × 23 cm)
• 4 non-adherent dressings (for burns)
• 2 roller bandages, 3 in, and 2, 4 in (7.5 and 10 cm)
• 2 elastic bandages, 3–4 in, with clips
• 2 triangular bandages (sling, splint, packing)
• 1 padded malleable splint (SAM type), 36 in (90 cm)
• 2 rolls of medical adhesive tape (cloth and paper)
• Adhesive wound closures ("butterfly" type/Steri-Strips)
• Antibiotic ointment (tube or 10 packets)
• 20 antiseptic wipes and 1 bottle of sterile saline solution or irrigation water
• Irrigation syringe without needle (10–20 ml)
• Moleskin or blister patches

Tools and protection

• At least 20 pairs of nitrile gloves (sized for each adult)
• 2 CPR masks with one-way valve
• Fine-tipped tweezers (ticks, splinters) and pet tick removers
• Small scissors, safety pins, magnifying glass
• Digital thermometer (and disposable covers) 4 instant cold packs
• Emergency thermal blankets (one per person)
• Headlamp with spare batteries
• N95 masks (at least 2 per person) and protective goggles
• Hand sanitizer and soap
• Zip-top plastic bags (waste, ice, samples)
• Printed first-aid manual (this chapter) and the contact card

Over-the-counter medications (always follow the label)

• Pain reliever/fever reducer: acetaminophen and ibuprofen
• Low-dose chewable aspirin (only for a possible heart attack, as directed by 911 or a doctor)
• Oral antihistamine (diphenhydramine or cetirizine/loratadine)
• 1% hydrocortisone cream and gel or lotion for bites and stings
• Oral rehydration salts (packets) — essential in heat and diarrhea
• Anti-diarrheal and antacid
• Lubricating eye drops and eyewash
• Aloe vera gel for mild sunburn
• Naloxone nasal spray (over the counter)
• Sunscreen and insect repellent with DEET or picaridin

Medications and personal information

• A supply of at least 7 days (ideally 30) of each prescription medication, with a copy of the prescription
• Epinephrine auto-injectors (if someone is prescribed them), inhalers, glucose meter and strips
• Spare prescription glasses or contact lenses and solution
• List of allergies, medical conditions, medications, and blood type for each person, in a waterproof bag

For pets

• Phone numbers: veterinarian, nearest 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital, ASPCA Animal Poison Control 888-426-4435 and Pet Poison Helpline 855-764-7661 (fees may apply)
• Copy of medical records and vaccinations; list of medications and a 2-week supply
• Muzzle sized for your dog (never use it if the dog is vomiting); for a cat, a towel to wrap it in
• Spare leash and collar; carrier for a cat
• Roll of gauze (also works as an improvised muzzle), non-adherent bandages, self-adhering bandage for animals (doesn't stick to fur) Clean towels (restraining, cleaning, padding, stretcher)
• Saline solution for wounds and eyes; sterile lubricant
• Syringe without needle or dropper
• Digital thermometer used only for pets
• 3% hydrogen peroxide and activated charcoal: ONLY if the veterinarian or poison center says to