How to put together a home first aid kit

Many minor accidents at home need the same few things: something to clean a wound, something to cover it, and information. The second half is often forgotten. When a child has a fever at night or a relative needs help, knowing who takes what, who is allergic to what and what the doctor said matters as much as the plasters.

A simple setup, then medication and health information apps, with a section for health apps rising by visits on the Censuus ranking. This is general information, not medical advice: ask a pharmacist what to keep for your family, follow medicine labels, and in an emergency call your local emergency number.

Health apps rising by visits and sponsorship on Censuus

A younger app from an independent developer:

Ranked by visit traffic and sponsorship on Censuus, not editorial opinion. The list changes as new apps appear and gain traffic.

Start with the basics

A home kit usually covers wound care and simple tools: plasters of different sizes, sterile dressings, bandages, antiseptic, a thermometer, scissors, tweezers and gloves. Ask a pharmacist what medicines are sensible to keep for your family’s ages and needs.

Write down health information

For each family member, keep a list of regular medicines, allergies, chronic conditions and important doctor’s recommendations. In a stressful moment, or when someone else is looking after your child, this information is what people need first.

Check it regularly

Set a reminder to go through the kit, replace what was used and throw out expired medicines safely, many pharmacies take them back. Keep medicines out of reach of children.

Keep everything in one known place

Everyone at home should know where the kit is. Keep the health information both on paper near the kit and on your phone. Compare tools in medication apps; for caring for a relative, see how to manage medications for a family member.

Compared from each developer’s own store description.
Part	What it includes	Why
Wound care	plasters, sterile dressings, bandages, antiseptic	cuts and scrapes
Tools	thermometer, scissors, tweezers, gloves	basic checks and care
Usual medicines	what your pharmacist recommends for your family	common minor problems
Health information	medicines, allergies, conditions, doctor’s advice	fast answers when needed
Contacts	doctor, pharmacy, emergency number	no searching in a hurry

Frequently asked questions

What should be in a home first aid kit?

Usually plasters, sterile dressings, bandages, antiseptic, a thermometer, scissors, tweezers and gloves, plus medicines your pharmacist recommends for your family.

How often should I check my first aid kit?

Regularly, and after you use it. Replace used items and safely dispose of expired medicines.

Why keep a list of family health information?

So that you, or anyone helping, can quickly see medicines, allergies and conditions in an emergency or at a doctor’s visit.