How to Build a Home First Aid Kit
Everyone should have a home first aid kit that is capable of saving a life and treating minor trauma. In this DIY tutorial I will teach you how to put together your own kit based on my own philosophy. A list of every Item mentioned in the video can be found below.
Instagram: @Prep_Medic ( / prep_medic )
Core Items (the Items that every kit should contain): Tourniquet, z-fold gauze, compression bandage, chest seal, NPA, CPR mask/BVM, PPE.
Home kit specific items: Roller gauze, SAM splint, abd trauma dressing, flush, eye shield, triangular bandages, tape, trauma shears.
Minor wound items: Band-Aids, Tampons, Tweezers.
Medications: Tylenol, ibuprofen, aspirin, Benadryl, Tums, triple antibiotic ointment, prescribed emergency medications.
Пікірлер: 517
If you already have a kit. Don't forget to go through it to make sure everything is still good.
@Delta-zy1et
3 жыл бұрын
I hate having my first aid aid kit on my small boat because water gets in the bags I put them in.Always dry off equipment and replace what you need to.
@jacko___gaming9464
3 жыл бұрын
@@Delta-zy1et don’t you have a dry bag? There really good I use them when I’m out on the water.
@kd5you1
3 жыл бұрын
@@Delta-zy1et You could also use a large zip lock bag or a pelican case to keep water out of the first aid kit.
@couldbejokim4557
3 жыл бұрын
An extremely good point! And 100th like btw
@user-lq1sl4ge2t
3 жыл бұрын
@@kd5you1 ㅁ
If your kit is going into a car, caravan, or some other vehicle, you definitely want to add a pulse oximeter, a few telescopic splints, and a few reflective thermal blankets (thermal blankets have a number of uses beyond first aid)
Handy tip for those learning/still trying to master CPR: I like to sing "Staying Alive" in my head to get 100 BPM. The irony makes it easy to remember. Just don't sing it out loud...
@jeremy-rr7gj
5 жыл бұрын
Or you can sing "another one bites the dust"
@davidpeters1042
5 жыл бұрын
Highway to hell is also an option😂😅 Definitely dont sing that out loud though
@twinkyisland
5 жыл бұрын
Baby shark works too..... lol
@JONATJDS
4 жыл бұрын
This is funny but I would like to know other ways or songs to keep you at the proper rhythm for chest compressions.
@darksidedarkside6207
4 жыл бұрын
JONATJDS 1 and 2 and 3 and 4 all the way to 10 then just count normally to 30 to 2 or 100-120
I have made an extensive kit in a two tier (stacked) clear plastic Sterilite box. It works as a human and pet first aid kit in my house. I would add Styptic pencil or powder, ORS packets, knee brace, wrist brace, ankle brace, Hydrogen peroxide 3% soln, gloves, instant ice pack, thermometer, Petroleum jelly, Imodium, liquid bandage, emergency blanket,and instant hand and feet warmers. In addition to that, I made a handwritten list of everything in my kit along with the quantity and expiration date and stuck that list to the inside of the lid. This will help me keep the kit up-to-date and fresh.
A video on car crash first aid/first on scene, main things to look out for and so on would be great. Probaly the most likely massive trauma one may stumble upon in day to day life. Thanks!
@hudsonmegeath2677
5 жыл бұрын
Ya it would be cool to know what to use and how
@andreashofer4979
5 жыл бұрын
Great idea👋
@ThePreparedNorseman
5 жыл бұрын
And how to deal with major jaw injury form something like a mc crash!
@gamingmedic7377
5 жыл бұрын
At that point you might as well take an EMT course, your more likely to do further injury then help, now stay with me. Biggest thing you can do is TQ and CPR. everyone seems to think cut the seat belt get them out of the car (if there is not immediate danger like fire/drowning, blocking lanes does not count if they are seat belted in leave them. A metal cage will protect better then our squishy bodies). if they have a spinal injury you may have just paralyzed them by trying to get them out. I have seen simple fender benders brake necks and massive roll overs people walk away from you just never know. Cops are horrible at that, they just want to get everyone out of the vehicle. at least in my area they are. Best thing you could do IMO other then CPR and TQ (when properly trained) is communication being able to calmly and accurately describe the scene and what the patient statues is (ie talking or not, breathing, where they are located, major bleeding, open bone fractures). In city's its not to bad help is mins away, out in the country and rural EMS, we have limited resources that may be far away so knowing i need an extraction team, or i need additional transporting rigs is a huge help knowing i can get them rolling sooner then later Now dont get me wrong or think i dont take help if your standing around and i can use you i will grab you to help weather its flagging down other units coming in, helping me carry my stretcher down stairs, Moving the patient on to the gurney, again every area is different
@ThePreparedNorseman
5 жыл бұрын
@@gamingmedic7377 Its exactly things like that, to extract the person from the car or not. Typical signs of those sorts of injuries. And with the MC example i kind of wonder if there is much else to do, other than stuffing their face with a field dressing.
Your channel really needs more recognition, it's awesome!
@PrepMedic
5 жыл бұрын
Thank you!
@user-up3wd4tr5f
3 ай бұрын
@PrepMedic, is there a kit that has all these contents in it already ?
@TacticalMedic9346
2 ай бұрын
@@user-up3wd4tr5fyou should try to stay away from pre made kits and build your own kit.
I don't agree with everything you say in your videos, but I sure do appreciate the time you invest in making them. You're doing a great service. My only serious gripe about your videos is that you never mention the most important factor in successful first aid: training. I could have an EMT-level FAK, but if I don't know how to use the stuff that's in it, I could watch somebody die. I really son't want that to happen.
@heathershields8233
2 ай бұрын
Or you can just read the directions. This isn't for emts. Slapping some cream or a bandaid doesn't take an engineering degree. If you don't know how to use it, at least you have it for let's say, another more qualified person to use. If I don't have my kit with me, I can use yours. We call this team work.
Important things to add are non-adherent pads or island dressings to cover superficial wounds too large for band-aids. Also an elastic compression bandage (e.g. ACE Bandage) for sprains and strains. Sterile splinter probe needles are also a good idea to remove embedded splinters that can't be grasped with tweezers.
Thanks for finally mentioning the gloves! At my school in construction class we had to deal with a arterial bleed without gloves in the first aid kit!
I am living on my own for the first time & trying to build a good first-aid cabinet, had some ideas but you pointed out stuff I never would've thought of. This video helped so much, love that it's simple & straight to the point! Thank you!
@reverse170
Ай бұрын
A working emergency cell phone+ charger.
@tonyad291
Ай бұрын
@@reverse170 what's the 'plus' for? I'm a millennial - have enough phone chargers
• Stethoscope • Pulse oximeter • Blood pressure cuff Being able to check some of your own vitals is nice. I don't want to pay out an absurd amount of money just to get my blood pressure checked. • I found some stainless steel hemostats and bandage scissors in the vet section of CAL ranch if you want a few instruments of that kind. Of course there are plenty of other places to find those. I also like simple Swiss Army knives in first aid kits just because the blades, scissors and tweezers can be very useful, and they all have tiny holes behind the screwdrivers for stainless pins. • Colloidal silver gel like Sovereign Silver if you’re not a fan of antibiotic ointment. It also doesn't expire, unlike antibiotic ointment but it is antibacterial. I actually like to use 3mL syringes to store it in my car kit. • Lavender, clove bud and peppermint essential oils can also be very useful. Essential oils is another subject altogether, and unfortunately the way essential oils are generally portrayed by their more common hippie dippy users makes it easy to discredit them, however, they do have legitimate uses with legitimate science behind them like any medicine. And like any medicine they do have restrictions and cautions. Just make sure to do your research from a knowledgeable source and not some homely mom's blog on how to make your home smell nice. I've used lavender in conjunction with witch hazel like a facial cleanser to treat sunburns frequently and it's been very effective with minimal to no peeling. Lavender can also be very useful for cuts (I don't just use it on any minor cut) and more serious burns and this is something that it's known for. Be aware, even though it is classified as an oil, it absorbs into the skin and is much lower viscosity than cooking oils, so it won't sit on top and trap the burn, so it is safe for this purpose. Peppermint can be used to ease nausea and help with stomach issues by sniffing it. I've taken it on hikes to help with altitude sickness and used it for gas and nausea in the middle of the night. Clove bud is used commonly in dentist offices as part of a topical anesthetic prior to shots and is very useful for dealing with a toothache prior to a dental visit. It's also very useful for numbing the area prior to cutting an ingrown toenail, speaking from experience. Make sure to buy from a good brand. Some name brands more commonly advertised are more expensive and they're not necessary compared to some that you can find at a health food store. Don’t buy essential oils from Walmart. If they all cost the same cheap price they’re garbage. Valerie Ann Worwood has a good book on the subject that gets into the properties and uses, but these few Oils are some of the most common, generally least expensive, and you don't have to get too invested in the subject to use them. They have some other uses as well, but they’re more outside the first aid realm.
This channel will save lives if it hasn't already. Thank you for your service!
A permanent marker may be useful thing to add.
@learnshareevolve1842
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks
@jackchn23
2 жыл бұрын
I make sure I always have a fresh tube of Preparation H because everyone says I’m a huge asshole.
@j.w2000
2 жыл бұрын
yes, that's such a good idea, so then it will give you a marker to see if the wound is getting infected! so you can draw a circle around the wound!
@samuelteo5767
2 жыл бұрын
I would say add 2 diff colours but if u only have one then sure
@dennykitchens8598
2 жыл бұрын
You for got a knife a letterman type tool and a good pair of shairs
Everyone should have some first aid training and keep it updated. Many community organisations will offer free first aid courses and they are usually held over a few nights or even a weekend. Knowing what to do to help someone before an ambulance arrives can help a loved one survive a scary situation. Also check your first aid kits every 3 to 6 months and restock after you use items.
The bag I use is a red tackle box. Cheap, plenty of room with dividers and plastic walls protect contents.
Killin' it man. Future video ideas, have some vlog-ish types videos where you show a day in a life as a reserve deputy, SWAT medic, or paramedic!
I have a kit and it’s bulging with supplies 😂 People ask me why I have it, but are grateful when I do!
@jordanamcfarland7645
3 жыл бұрын
Can you please tell me everything you put in it😁 please🥺-that is if your not busy though😅.
I really like your 3 tier approach. The idea of being able to customise a portion of a kit to handle most likely scenarios is great. It also makes storage and travel more manageable. I have been watching videos about people building trauma kits but haven't found anything that meets my requirements. My kids are my priority and I live in a rural area. Really big bugs, everything bites, lots of stinging nettle. My wife burns herself every time she uses the oven. I get lots of slivers from woodworking. I have several chain saws which I use around my property. We shoot at Bisley very often, but it is a world class facility and very closely supervised. New shooters go through a rigorous membership course and certification process. I don't think there has been a serious range incident since WWII. Here in the UK, my chances of running into a gun-shot induced trauma situation are about the same as getting hit by lightening. We do have lots of flooding due to climate change and we do have social health care. Roads get closed. The wait time for an ambulance can be quite long, especially in my area (20 miles from nearest hospital). I think your kit would be a great starting point for my home. Storing it in 3 bags would work for me. Depending on the activity and risk, I could take 1, 2 or all 3 kits with me. I could always duplicate the 'minor' kit and keep one in my EDC bag. That would probably deal with 99% of what I would require. The core kit would stay at home most of the time. I think your approach is quite flexible. Thank you very much for this! PS. I might add a cold pack as I have sprained my ankle a couple of times this year.
Icepacks Cheap ring cutting tool Some high glucose paste/snack Some isotonic type drink for vomiting or diarrhoea NSAIDs can be funky with some larger burns too
@76irodriguez
4 жыл бұрын
Wrapping a string around the finger could help to get a ring off if your finger is swollen
Thank you very much for taking the time to educate me, this is great advise. Everybody should have a well equipped first aid/trauma kit.
What I find my self using all the time is gauze balls to swab gravel and dirt out of wounds. Comes in real handy.
Damn dude. I’ve been a medic for 5 years, EMT 3 before that. Every motorcycle crash I’ve ever been to, when the patient is conscious, the first thing they do is scream not to cut their gear. You must have been jacked up lol glad you’ve recovered.
@PrepMedic
4 жыл бұрын
Lol I tried to not have it cut but the second they tried to pull the jacket off I knew it wasn't going to happen
Very informative and helpful in preparing my family for the unexpected. Thank you; much appreciated.
Excellent information! Thank you for doing this video. I'm putting my kit together and this is a great starting point. Looking forward to the other two kits. It was a surprise to me that aspirin isn't a blood thinner. Best medical channel I know of on KZread.
Awesome vid man. One thing I would add, and you touched on this briefly is to only carry equipment you feel confident using. And...everyone should take at least some formal first aid training.
This is hands down one of the best YT channels there is.
Hi Sam. Love your videos and their content. Great in helping me expand my knowledge - especially in the field of remote trauma. As a British Mountain Leader, my FAK is now more trauma biased. I love your passion for your work too. It comes through in your videos. Great Job.
Thank you so much for informing those of us who want to learn! I have pages of organized notes from many of your videos as a go to. Take care, much love
A well organized presentation that was engrossing and went by rapidly. Thanks!
A fine video; many thanks for uploading. Everybody should have general knowledge of first aid, resuscitation skills and having a first aid kit. Best wishes from an Australian paramedic.
If you do alot of woodwork or are just active I highly recommend splinter out. A great thing.
@doubleganger2
2 жыл бұрын
Stainless Steel Lancets are exactly the same thing just a different name and are way cheaper.
Video was pretty great! seems the home kit can also be possibly used as part of a work kit. i work in a EDC and seems someone is always getting hurt. we are always asking for certain basic medications . I can't wait to see the other videos !
Great video! Looking forward to the other ones, especially those in this series.
Thanks so much, as usual! Your videos teach me a ton and it’s great!
love me the C.A.T tourniquet got a lot floating around the house from my Marine Corps days lol
I bought a Recon tourniquet and it works great. I tried on myself several times.
The best first aid video out.
Great idea to have a series can’t wait!
Excellent advice. Everyone should follow it.
Excellent video! Very thorough!
The only thing I might recommend is 4x4 gauze it's just handy to have as it can be used to cover wounds and can be cut down or folded for smaller wounds .
Thanks, I am building up my own home first aid station at home. You have given me ideas in what to get.
Excellent and interesting issues. Your videos teach us a lot!!
excellent, insightful and informative!
When you mentioned your shoulder dislocation I remembered my knee disclocation. Ofc my pants needed to be cut but the sad thing is they asked my parents permision to cut my pants. They were literaly screaming yes and so on. Its just that when theres an emergency its neccesary to do what you have to do. I waited 30 minutes for the ambulance to arrive, 10 or 15 to load me into the ambulance from the 2nd floor, 15 min to get to the hospital, waited 20 minutes for x-rays, took 2 in 10 minutes and then one hour of putting my knee cap back in. It took more than 2 hours to get it in, 2 x-rays and 2 teams as well as 2 trys from each team. I did not recive any painkillers I did get an inhaler which somewhat helped me not be 100 % present. Then I waited another 3 hours to get my strech bandage and walking sticks. The moral of the story is how some health systems are so bsd and corrupted. The only actual nice people was the ambulance team. They deserve more respect. My second dislocation happend 2 months ago. This time I waited 15 min before it was done. Im glad we have such great ambulance teams.
Love the videos keep them coming
Outstanding video brother! 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾
this video is just what I was looking for!
Loved it! Thanks, good tips!
I am loving the content! Keep up the good work
i need one of those supply rooms!
Very good and detailed video! Thank you!
please do the 'don't plug holes with tampons' vid, a lot of people need to know it and coming from a paramedic they might actually listen. Good vid btw buddy from across the pond
Super useful, thank you very much.
I am a former RN. Great job! 👍🏻
Great video, THX. How about including hand sanitizer, ace bandages, synthetic ice packs, coflex, iodine, hemostatic gauze, burn gel,
Thank you this video was very helpful!
Love this video
Great information. Thank you.
Your videos are great. I have several small camera Cases. Use those to toss in backpacks or even your kid Backpacks. I took my PPE gloves and crumpled them up into a ball & used a small hard plastic shell/ ball from a vending machine. The ones in stores with candy or small kids toy. It works perfectly Add a plain white facemask, fits.
Thank you for another great video.
You may want to add something like loperamide for diarrhea. In addition consider meds for abdominal cramps and nausea. For periods I would suggest sanitary pads instead, can be used as a trauma dressing as well. I'm in two minds about cotton wool, although I do have that. Depending on the size/age group within the family you may want to get a smaller NPA as well as the adult size.
Trying to make a IFAK at the moment and your vids are clutch
Childrens chewable 81mg aspirin instead of the 325 adult. A digital thermometer and tweezers/hemostats.
@beppegallagher
5 жыл бұрын
A) children under 16 years of age must not use ASA; B) with that dosage, you only have the anti-clotting effect, you won't have any significant anti-inflammatory or pain-killer effect.
@pl5861
5 жыл бұрын
@@beppegallagher 81mg chewable is for adulsts suffering from Myocardial Infarctions (Heart Attack)
@beppegallagher
5 жыл бұрын
@@pl5861 yes so not children
Awesome Man! Thank You!
Could you do something along a similar theme but specifically for parents? Infants especially but children in general do have some different medical requirements. They also tend to share infectious illnesses with each other.
Great video for the lay man, however just one point to note, Tylenol is also great for temperature control such as fevers. (Given that you said this was for the lay person, it is worth mentioning that point. Ok Moving on, I like your style of presentation, its very clear an concise, with enough detail to give a great understanding but not too much to be confusing. Furthermore the editing is great, Thanks for sharing.
One again great video.
Thanks for the video. 👍🏻
I used to apply triple action polysporin as a Barrier against dirt underneath a bandage
Useful information!
I love something I used in the veterinarian field it’s a tissue adhesive basically a superglue for closing small wounds.
Are you able to do a video on your intensive care ambulances, if there any different to the normal ones
@EBMisKing
5 жыл бұрын
PrepMedic sweet can’t wait man!
Love the intro! Another great video prepmedic,...
Love your video's and the details provided are usually spot on. I am NOT a medical professional my comments are based only on my research and some of the training provided for firearms training. On your video "Build a Life Saving Kit for Under $25" on • Mar 28, 2018 you kinda blew off the CAT and although I understand your emphasis was on the money spent on the kit at $25, I think your point on the "Home First Aid Kit" was spot on when you mentioned the TCCC tourniquets and ONLY those are recommended. Which I agree with you on that point. I just think you may have unintentionally misled others to buy the SWAT-T based on price alone. Keep up the content, and thank you for your service to your community as a medic now more than ever in COVID-19 environment.
@PrepMedic
4 жыл бұрын
I appreciate the feedback but I disagree. While the SWAT-T is not a CoTCCC approved TQ it still holds an ample amount of evidence for it's use (one such study attached below). The reason it has failed and will continue to fail to gain the stamp of approval from the CoTCCC is the difficulty of self application on upper extremities. Its width and securing mechanism and versatility are what sets it apart from TQs such as the RATS which has exceedingly high occlusion pressures. watermark.silverchair.com/milmed-d-12-00150.pdf?token=AQECAHi208BE49Ooan9kkhW_Ercy7Dm3ZL_9Cf3qfKAc485ysgAAAokwggKFBgkqhkiG9w0BBwagggJ2MIICcgIBADCCAmsGCSqGSIb3DQEHATAeBglghkgBZQMEAS4wEQQM3MdEIjZfywNuIKAYAgEQgIICPPYOhu0YbASmGY4K9Zoiww-T1nHczz8lImFOyXHIcu3Y3-Hfp2XL7DDYr9dVC4KOyxSWo84KZvycpC8aUXlM1hNkvXSs6gMJre04UU9KwmR8ZQfRj5Cpv8UGAdosH-zNk2FYBXPd4thylcy4XDaXNGAtjVCEP0LpyfYbVODiwNHDE-pPjTP8-BUgLxcxZKU-cFlPgLW_bm7e9DPzElhJFH0uReJOnNeDfj-X6bJhsL3xAhX9GzoYde-JyK3yu_FmVRXLGKBt4_YYzqKp8ndL38JWNJQWL3fpSAEfg63Y4on4UmGTNPI-fIRo087is5eVkP41B22AZcKDEYbhf7nKfsLN3tdnO7iISYp4lp5ttkZxHH-emN-_CGI6RXO_1CuFiErg0vX81747aAc1ed5g2-HnEStCjnsdH7RfMKUKBSfHg6Yz-EXuWjCcxuCG8O3ax0lqRWboHDwirHz77QUC0fa_w6H7bO3FWi3TooujZNk6ytMSmcw2Rl4r14g1tUDE7ILK4iGJ8TocYt7hMTvpzl9mGdEAwvON7QHceCWWZ0Dnizyy_swIgYD9Vf97SV0WJR60ZzTZM7j71Tfs-VDamfmYGuoEv0WPZZnTC6WK-yxGvMdDUvafZ500EPUW1-TxnHZxNY-Y-II-gfqRjGdPbD7wTgKXW1_0W5tKYyKbQraBva7z1AjUnApO7Bm_1PqH7edN6Z40Kol9st8FvkhlZqwF8DKxhIPO15cQMQqTEC0zyZjaonDhifR35zmt
Very important video. Great job. 👮
Everyone posts kits and supplies. What do you recommend for resource/ training on first aid. Like reading and refresher. I'd like to have something on hand but am not finding people recommending that. Really appreciate this channel!
Great video, thanks!
This is amazing 🤩
A really good pair of tweezers
Something like Imodium is good to have on hand
Thanks for the information, good video!
I wear a tactical backpack rush with lvl 4 with a kit molle to add I appreciate the tips
Great video.
Hey man. I got a 2nd degree burn at work. I'm taking good care of it and its healing....just leaking a lot of plasma? Either way it's trying to scab up etc. . I still went online and looked up some vids and found some of yours and just want to say thanks. You have a clean delivery and get to the point while adding other tidbits all while staying on point. I watch a lot of youtube. So.. appreciate it.
Man your channel is awesome!!! Love your content. Question, Brand and model of the jacket you are wearing? Thanks brother and cheers from Texas!
I just found your videos and subscribed. Great and very informative. I been wanting to get a fingertip puls and oximeter, there are so many in the market ranging from 14 to 200 dollars. Any recommendations which one to get? Thank you
i think a good addition to this bag would be a mylar blanket for many reasons
@nickolasstephens6211
4 жыл бұрын
I have a wool blanket and inflatable pillows in my car trauma kit to treat shock as well as several mylar blankets. The wool blanket is too bulky for an on-body first aid kit, but the mylar blankets are not. Shock should always be considered for all first aid scenarios. Well, maybe not for an upset stomach.
Very good!
Awesome video
Just found this channel, outstanding I'm prepping and although I know some first aid I'm looking to increase my knowledge. Boyscouts didn't teach us about chest seals.
thank you sir best regards from Chile
I jUst gratduated Infantry school, and is CLS certified, we were taught all of this in my training, been thinking about doing EMT
Great video. Would add magnifying glass with the tweezers in house kit. Us old people need some help with splinters. Oh and cheap anti septic cleaning pads.
I appreciate you!
Thank you.
I've been looking for a resource like this to work on assembling a better home first aid kit! I will also probably include ACE bandages in mine, as someone who's had a few sprains, I've found them to be easy to self-apply (and usually what the doctor will recommend anyway). I'm also considering getting naloxone training and keeping that in my car kit, now that it's available OTC
for your PPE I would add safety glasses and gloves.This is standard procedure when working in our trauma center.
Could you do a video on bag valve mask training?
thankyou so much