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is it better to buy separate items for first aid kit or buy it all together in a bag?

which one is better: buying separate items (so i can have more stuffs) or buying it all in one bag?

I bought a First Aid essentials bag for $12.99 at Target, and I'm not sure if that's a good idea.
Do you recommend me to buy any first aid bag? specifically, a johnson's bag or what? any suggestions?

Public Comments

1. It is usually cheaper to buy a kit that is already put together, and then purchase the extras you want and another case or box to put it all in as the all in one cases are usually already packed full.

Good luck!

2. You need to make a decision on what you think you may need. The kits are okay but go overboard on things you will probably never use. Band-aids are the most used. Any ointments or salves should be in the set-up you have. Add to the kit, what you think you will need.

3. First let me say that I am a nurse.

Although I think there are some very good first aid boxes on the market.....I feel they are very limited on medical items.

I suggest instead for a home medical stock pile..... that you buy one of those plastic organizer drawers. Add to this over the years to contain things such as:

Literature:
> Quick references to First Aid and CPR
> Emergency Numbers for Poison Control/Police/Ambulance/Hospital
> Metric coversions for medication administration (example 5ml=1 tsp)
>A medical chart on yourself/ family members listing:
allergies, medical history, labs done/results, family medical history, immunizations, surgical procedures, current medications, emergency contacts, medical insurance information (take this with you when you go to the doctor)
Build this medical chart all throughout your life, and start one on any children that you care for so they will have one started from birth.
Make sure to include any doctor visits that you go to, the result of that visit, even if it is only routine and no treatment is given.
Keep a calendar of check-ups that need to be made for doctors and dentists... include gynecologist/urologists. That way these check-ups do not get 'forgotten' in the hussle and bussle of life.


***BE SURE TO KEEP ALL MEDICATIONS OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.
*** DO NOT TAKE ANY MEDICATION IN WHICH A POSSIBLE ALLERGIC REACTION COULD RESULT.

Medications:
Daily routine prescription medications
Ocean Nasal Spray
Tylenol
Ibuprophen
Pepto Bismol
Tums
Benedryl Liquid
Cough/Cold remedies
Halls cough drops
Throat Sprays
***WARNING- Always be sure to check expiration dates on every medication before taking/giving to anyone.

Ointments/ Balm:
Triple Antibiotic Ointment
Chap lip balm
Benedryl Creme (for itching)
PRID Salve (drawing salve for treating splinters)
VICKS mentholatum rub
Sun screen lotion
Sun screen facial balm

Bandages:
Bandage scissors
Bandaids
Gauze pads
Gauze roll
ACE bandage
Tape (be careful some people are highly allergic to silk tape, I suggest having plastic tape or paper tape in your First Aid box)

Miscellaneous:
Syringes (with or without needles for measuring liquid medications)
Medication cups
Medication dispensers (day of the week/month boxes)
Q-tips
Tissues
Ice bag
Heating pad
Tweezers
Nail clippers
Thermometer (oral glass thermometer, digital tympanic or ear thermometer)
Small Bottle of Alcohol
Small Bottle of Peroxide

Specifics: (for those in your family with special needs)
Stethescope
Sphygmomonometer or (Blood Pressure cuff)
Diabetic supplies
Inhalent devices
Nebulizer


Hope this will help you build a great First Aid Station in your home. It is nice to have these items on hand at all times. Become familar with First Aid/CPR techniques so that you can be prepared for minor emergencies.

4. Better to buy travel first aid kit items separately so you can theme them to your trip. EG: Sunblock for abroad or insect repellent for safari,etc.
For home get a large box to sterilise & label then you can usually copy the items in a ready made kit
but replace them with store own brand stuff.