First Aid

Think about who will use it and where: family kits address cuts, minor burns, and allergic reactions and often include pediatric items and basic supplies like 3x3 and 4x4 gauze. For remote travel, prioritize backcountry kits with trauma items rather than a larger household set.

For workplace use, look for ANSI/ISEA Z308.1 compliance—Class A kits provide the 16 minimum item types while Class B kits meet a 24-item minimum for higher-hazard settings. Most compliant kits will include basics plus larger trauma dressings (5x9 inches) and multiple adhesive bandages to match your workplace needs.

Most kits include adhesive tape at about a 1-inch width, elastic wraps around 4 inches, and gauze pads in 3x3 and 4x4 inch sizes for dressing wounds. You’ll also find finger splints, triangular bandages that work as slings, and SAM splints that require choosing the right length for effective immobilization.

Many backcountry-focused kits prioritize lightweight, trauma-capable items like hemostatic gauze and a tourniquet; models often feature proven tools such as the C-A-T tourniquet and HyFin Vent Compact Chest Seal. These packs commonly carry 2–4 large trauma dressings (5x9 inches) to control major bleeding without adding excessive bulk.

Modular systems let you mix and match dedicated modules—burns, eye wounds, trauma, and even snake-bite kits—so you only carry what’s relevant to your activity. Brands and modules like BurnTec for burns or eye wound modules include purpose-built items and waterproof instruction booklets to simplify field treatment.