What Are the 5 Different First Aid Kits: Which Is Right for You?

Answer this riddle – what is something you should always have but hope you never need?

A first aid kit!

Whether you are camping in the forest, at home with your kids, or on a job site, you should have a first aid kit available and ready to use. But did you know that there are several types of first aid kits?

Keep reading to learn about the 5 different first aid kits and which one you need.

1. EMT-Style First Aid Kits

An EMT-style first aid kit or first responder kit includes emergency items that traditional first aid kits don’t have. They come in different sizes and styles including a portable soft bag kit, fanny pack, and water-proof hard case. An EMT-style first aid kit will typically the following items:

• Survival/rescue blankets
• Bite sticks
• Portable splints
• Tooth preservation system
• Snakebite/insect sting kits
• First aid guidebooks/manual
• Bandages/Gauze/trauma dressing

This is the best first aid kit if you are camping, hiking, or doing any kind of outdoor recreation sports. They are designed for emergencies big and small. The first aid kit may not have everything you need but it allows you to address the situation until a medical rescue team arrives or the injured person can be taken to a hospital.

2. Industrial First Aid Kits

An industrial first aid kit is commonly used for businesses and construction sites. They can be mounted to the wall or kept in a cabinet. The industrial first aid kit comes with a metal case and a handle for easy transportation and use.

There are two types of industrial first aid kits – Class A and Class B. Class A has first aid items for common workplace injuries while Class B has items for serious injuries. Class A is suitable for an indoor office and most organizations while Class B might be used for a construction site where there are more potential hazards that could cause injury.

Industrial first aid kits come in a few different sizes. Some of them come with medicine like ibuprofen or acetaminophen and others have no medication. If your first aid kit does have medication, keep track of the expiration date because they will have to be replaced periodically.

If you work in the foodservice industry, consider investing in a restaurant/food first aid kit. It comes with high visibility bandages, finger cots, stop bleeding powder as well as burn dressings for typical kitchen injuries.

3. Baby First Aid Kits

If you are expecting a baby, have an infant at home, or work in a place with infants you’ll need a baby first aid kit. Many of the standard first aid kits only have supplies suited for adults.

A baby first aid kit should include:

• Nasal aspirator
• Baby thermometer
• Medicine dropper
• Emery board/baby nail clippers
• Gauze
• Infant band-aids
• Emergency contacts (pediatrician, other caregivers, etc.)

You can buy a baby first aid kit or add these supplies to an existing first aid kit you use at your home. Consult a pediatrician if you have questions about supplies on the baby first aid kit list.

4. Portable First Aid Kits

A portable first aid kit has everything you need on the go. Portable first aid kits can be small enough to fit in a backpack or purse which is great for jogging, hiking, backpacking, or travel. If you’re really looking to save space, check out this pocket first aid kit!

Your portable kit may come in a soft case or metal box case. The soft case portable first aid kits come with or without roll outs. The portable first aid kit will most likely include the following supplies:

• CPR, AED, First Aid Guide
• Assorted bandages
• Antiseptic wipes
• Adhesive Tape
• Non-latex gloves
• Burn Gel/burn dressing
• Gauze
• Instant ice pack
• Hand sanitizer

Portable first aid kits are great to keep in your home or office. They also are great for a car first aid kit.

If you are a youth sports coach or play in an adult sports league, these portable first aid kits are convenient and useful. And if you are sending your child to summer camp or to college, consider buying a portable first aid kit for them too!

5. Waterproof/Indestructible First Aid Kits

If you work at a construction site, national park, or aquatics arena you might need a special kind of first aid kit. You can purchase waterproof, indestructible first aid kits that can handle pretty much any conditions.

These first aid kits are also great for camping, backpacking, and RV trips. Depending on what you need and how many people you’re with you can get an indestructible kit in a small, medium, or large size. The contents inside the first aid kit are pretty standard – it’s the outside that makes it special.

Replenishing Your First Aid Kit

The most important thing about a first aid kit is that it is well stocked with functional items. Anything you remove from the first aid kit should be replaced as soon as possible.

Make a point to check your first aid kit every 3 to 6 months to check for expired medications or materials. Even first aid kit bandages have expiration dates! If you’re worried you won’t remember to restock items or throw away expired supplies, purchase a first aid kit refill kit. That way, you will always have extra stock of the most essential items in your kit.

Always Be Prepared

Emergencies happen. And while you can’t always prevent an injury or medical emergency, you can be prepared for one. Having a first aid kit allows you to give proper medical care to a person or to prevent the situation from getting worse while you wait for medical professionals.

You have several options when it comes to first aid kits – EMT-style, industrial, baby first aid kit, portable, and waterproof/indestructible. The choice is up to you. Consider the number of people that could need it and where you will be using it when you make your choice.

Shop from a wide selection of first aid supplies on our website!