It is impossible to know when an emergency will occur. Having a first aid kit on hand can bring some peace of mind. Not all kits are created equal, however. Whether you are buying a kit or creating your own, there are certain things you should make sure it includes.

Emergency GPS Locator

For backpackers, these are extra important. However, these devices can be helpful for a first aid kit carried in your vehicle. There may come a time when you are injured, lost or stranded on an unfamiliar roadway. An emergency GPS locator can alert emergency services. These devices use satellite signals and give emergency services your coordinates.

Wound Disinfectant

There are many kinds of disinfecting and antimicrobial sprays, ointments, wipes and gels. Your first aid kit should contain at least one of these. Preferably, your kit will have either a wound spray or sterile fluid to rinse wounds and a disinfecting ointment to apply to a wound after cleaning.

Sterile Gauze Bandages

Gauze bandages are important for treating wounds too large to be covered by adhesive bandages.

Sterile Absorbent pads

Absorbent pads can be used to staunch blood flow and to absorb other fluids. These should be placed over wounds before bandaging.

Medical Tape

Medical Tape is required for adhering gauze bandages to the skin.

Scissors

Emergency Scissors are vital for cutting away clothing and cutting bandages.

Elastic Bandages

Elastic bandages provide support for sprains, strains and fractures.

Anti-inflammatory/anti-fever Medicine

Aspirin or non-aspirin anti-inflammatory and anti-fever tablets are important to remember. In an emergency, you may not be able to get quick medical help for these conditions.

Thermometer

High fevers can be dangerous. Keep a thermometer in your kit for assessing the temperature of an ill or wounded person. Use a thermometer with disposable tips, or sterilize it after each use by wiping it down with an antiseptic.

Disposable Gloves

Disposable vinyl or rubber gloves protect against diseases when treating wounds.

Emergency Blanket

Emergency blankets reflect body heat to the body – this is important for preventing or treating hypothermia or shock. Adding these is most important if you are creating a first aid kit for your vehicle or for backpacking.

Mini Flashlight

Emergencies can happen at any time and anywhere. You may need to provide first aid during a power outage or when stranded outdoors at night. A mini flashlight provides illumination to make treating wounds easier.

Burn Gel

The quicker burns are treated, the less chance there is for infection and scarring. Burn gel soothes burns and helps prevent infections.

Styptic Powder

This special powder helps control bleeding of superficial wounds. It usually works quickly.

Cold Pack

Instant cold packs can provide relief to sprains and other injuries that cause swelling. Cold packs can also help in cases of heat exhaustion.

Hot Pack

Instant hot packs may help in cases of hypothermia and muscle aches.

Antihistamines

These are used for mild allergic reactions to various substances, including insect bites or stings. If you know you have a severe allergy to an insect or a substance, remember to pack your prescription allergy medicines and, if applicable, your epinephrine injector.

Written by Paula Andriano. Paula Andriano is a Canadian based blogger who enjoys writing about the importance of first aid. When shopping for first aid supplies, she visits The First Aid Zone at http://www.firstaidzone.ca