Wherever you are and whatever you might be doing, accidents can happen anytime. Being prepared when issues arise is the best way to deal with it. So,  getting the best first aid kit that you can turn to when something inevitable occurs can help save lives and prevent further injuries.

The American Red Cross offers classes and training to help people learn how to administer first aid. According to them, learning first aid will take just a few hours of your time, but it can make a huge difference, especially when crises arise.

Rely On These Best First Aid Kits

Skills in first aid administration are crucial, but they cannot solve the problem alone without the proper tools and equipment. While you can improvise and use other resources to treat an injury, it is still highly recommended you get yourself a reliable first aid kit. This is to ensure that you administer proper treatment to the person affected. Hence, you need to have the best first aid kit in your arsenal.

Kitgo Mini First Aid Kit – 101 pcs

 Amazon 

Hospital-grade supplies are high-quality products. And Kitgo equips their first aid kits with just that! Since some brands supply their kits with just store-bought supplies, they are not as effective as the medical-grade kits that Kitgo offers. Moreover, we like that the case is 100% water-resistant! That means that you can bring it along as you go on water activities such as pedal kayaking! Even if you accidentally slip into the water, your first aid kit will remain as dry as if it didn’t go in the water.

The kit is also very compact and lightweight, which makes it perfect for hiking and camping too. With the trusted quality that meets professionally-set standards, this best first aid kit is a truly remarkable addition to your most important carry-ons.

Pros

• Hospital-grade supplies
• 100% water-resistant
• Compact and lightweight
• Provides 100% satisfaction or get a full refund

Cons

• Limited supplies at 101 pcs only

First Aid Only All-Purpose First Aid Kit – 299 pcs

First Aid Only is a trusted brand when it comes to first aid treatments. With a kit that features an exemplary 299 pcs of first aid supplies that can treat from minor injuries to body aches, surely this is a must-have!

It has fabric and plastic adhesive bandages intended for minor cuts, puncture wounds, and abrasions. The instant cold pack and burn creams are effective initial treatment for minor burns, scalds, and abrasions. It even works well with sunburns after a day out on the beach. Furthermore, it includes aspirin and ibuprofen, which provide temporary relief for common aches and pains.

You can find everything you need during emergency situations without shuffling through the kit because clear plastic pockets organize and divide supplies accordingly. Since it is portable and compact, you can carry it with you anytime and anywhere you go.

Pros

• Impressive 299pcs supplies
• Great for burns, cuts, and pains
• Organized and portable
• Different color for cases

Cons

• Not water-resistant
• Case colors vary depending on availability

Johnson & Johnson All-Purpose First Aid Kit – 140 pcs

Johnson & Johnson’s All-Purpose First Aid Kit is a highly-recommended first aid kit on the market today. Whether you’re at home or outdoors, you can always turn to this kit when emergencies arise. Aside from minor wounds and burns, the kit has supplies intended to treat insect bites and skin rashes.

Like other first aid kits, it has a wide selection of gauzes, bandages, and other wound care supplies. It also includes an antibiotic cream, acetaminophen caplets, and itch-stopping cream. The small Neosporin + Pain Relief cream can be applied topically to prevent infection and ease the pain. Meanwhile, there is also an Extra Strength Benadryl Itch-Stopping cream to soothe itching that may be brought on by allergies or certain insect bites.

It further includes two pairs of gloves and a guide to first aid. This will help you better understand what first aid is all about and how to correctly perform first aid when you need it the most.

Pros

• Comprehensive first aid kit
• Comes in a plastic bag with handle
• Portable
• First aid guide included

Cons

• Antiseptic wash is not included
• Not waterproof
• Some people have issues with the band-aids included in the kit

PRICARE Mini First Aid Kit – 95 pcs

 Amazon 

For the best first aid kit that is also very handy, we recommend PRICARE’s Mini First Aid Kit. It might not have as many supplies as the other kits on this list, but the 95pcs of useful hospital-grade medical supplies it does have can be a great help. It has different kinds of bandages, gauze pads, iodine pads for wound disinfection, burn gel, and even a trauma scissor and a metal whistle, among many other items.

The main reason that we trust this kit in the first place is that it uses products that have international certifications! These certificates ensure that the items included in the kit complied with global standards for first aid.

Moreover, the premium waterproof case is made from EVA material to ensure it is light and handy. The case is also hard and is durable enough to withstand bumps and other forces acting against it.

Pros

• Comprehensive first aid kit
• Hospital-grade supplies
• All products in the kit are internationally certified
• Lightweight and waterproof case
• Perfect for all indoor and outdoor use

Cons

• Limited supplies at 95pcs only

Surviveware Large First Aid Kit – 200 pcs

The Surviveware Large First Aid Kit is made for survival. It comes with 200pcs of basic first aid items that are perfect for your truck or boat. The bag it comes with is made from 600D polyester and is said to be the strongest bag on the market today. The bag’s durability had been tested for over a year to ensure that it can withstand the hardest conditions and protect the first aid supplies it contains.

The bag itself is water-resistant. However, the manufacturer still added another layer of protection to the supplies by putting all first aid items in durable laminated pouches to ensure that they are greatly protected from the water just in case something punctures the bag. The kit is also self-floating. It is a unique feature that not all first aid kits have. You can be assured that if you drop it into the water, you don’t have to swim down to get it.

The kit is also properly labeled according to its function. This feature is very helpful, especially when people panic during emergencies and can’t think clearly about what items to use. Furthermore, the portable molle system is a bonus as you can easily attach it to your car’s headrest or roll bar. With all of these amazing and unique features, we guarantee that this is the best first aid kit you can trust and rely on.

Pros

• Bag is large enough to hold some of your personal items
• Bag floats
• All first aid items are protected by laminated pouches
• Organized according to function
• Includes a 50-pc mini kit
• Comes with an advanced first aid handbook

Cons

• Size of the bag may be too large

Swiss Safe Professional First Aid Kit – 200 pcs

$13.99 Amazon 

A well-stocked first aid kit is crucial during emergencies. There is a recommended list of supplies you need to include in your kit. However, if you try to make your own homemade kit, you might forget some important items. Buying yourself a professionally-prepared first aid kit is a better option. The Swiss Safe Professional First Aid Kit contains all the necessary and important items you need for emergency situations.

The premium first aid supplies are fit in a compact kit that you can easily squeeze into your backpack or your car’s glove box. It also features upgraded gear that includes a fishing line, mylar blanket, wire saw, and fire starter rod. With these upgrades, you can be assured that it can cover your needs when the time arises.

Moreover, the company also guarantees high assurance and satisfaction when you buy their kit. If you are not satisfied with what you have, they’ll issue a 100% full refund to you.

Pros

• Lightweight and compact kit
• Water and moisture resistant
• Comes with emergency outdoor survival gear
• Comprehensive first aid manual

Cons

• Items inside the bag are generic and not branded

SHBC Compact First Aid Kit – 228 pcs

With SHBC’s Compact First Aid Kit of 228 pcs, the supplies inside guarantee primary treatment can be effectively implemented. This first aid kit is designed for family emergency care to ensure that your family gets the first aid treatment they deserve. The items inside the kit are manufactured in a modern aseptic facility that complies with the safety standards for emergency first aid.

The kit is made from EVA, making it lightweight. It is also a hardened case that is shockproof and cannot be deformed easily. The surface of the kit is waterproof. But to ensure that all supplies have an added extra layer of protection, they are placed inside waterproof laminated bags.

Another feature that this best first aid kit has is the inclusion of selected advanced emergency supplies like whistles, scissors, first aid blankets, and even multi-purpose saber cards. This guarantees higher chances of survival during unwarranted circumstances. The company also offers a money-back guarantee or a full replacement of the kit if there are issues with your first order.

Pros

• Comprehensive first aid kit
• Waterproof and durable case
• Supplies enclosed in laminated plastics
• Additional emergency supplies increase chances of survival
• Money-back guarantee

Cons

• Items are not hospital-grade
• Some customers claim the case isn’t waterproof

Rapid Care First Aid 10 Person Kit – 106 pcs

Rapid Care’s First Aid Kit is ANSI/OSHA Compliant. This means that the American National Standards Institute and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration approve of this first aid kit’s reliability. It includes 106 pcs of medical supplies that are enough to give first aid treatment to 10 people. However, if you want something more, it also comes in kits for 25 and 50 people with 166 pcs and 233 pcs, respectively.

The white polycase that holds the supplies is moisture-resistant. It is also compact and very portable, with a size of 3 x 8.75 x 5.75 inches. If you do not know how to administer first aid, you can depend on the first aid booklet to guide you during emergency situations. Moreover, it is suitable for wall-mounting in case you need to use it inside establishments and offices.

Pros

• Wall-mountable
• ANSI and OSHA compliant
• Compact and portable
• Comes with a first aid booklet

Cons

• Not water resistant
• Supplies limited for only 10 people

Total Resources International First Aid Kit – 326 pcs

$37.99 Amazon 

This is another first aid kit we strongly recommend because it has an impressive amount of supplies. It is the first aid kit from Total Resources International. Their tagline “Be Smart, Get Prepared” should serve as a motivation to many to prepare for any circumstances and emergencies. Regardless of the types of emergencies that you may encounter, you need to equip yourself with the right tools and mindset to ensure that you can deal with it well and save lives in the process.

TRI’s first aid kit meets or even exceeds ANSI and OSHA 2009 guidelines intended for the first aid treatment of 100 people. It further meets the regulatory standards of the United States Food and Drug Administration as a medical device. It is generally ideal for most establishments and businesses. Moreover, it is also the best first aid kit that you can depend on for your personal needs, whether at home or on outdoor activities.

The kit is wonderfully organized into different compartments to ensure that you can access the things that you need during emergencies quickly. Moreover, there are two separate layers inside the kit. The first layer is intended for small items, whereas the second layer has the large first aid products. The shelves can also be tilted so that you can easily access and refill it. On top of all these features, the impact-resistant and high-density plastic case ensures that the kit’s supplies are well-protected.

Pros

• Made in California
• FDA-Approved
• OSHA and ANSI Compliant
• NSF-ISR Certified
• Easy slide latches
• Good for up to 100 people

Cons

• Not water-resistant
• Tweezers are made from flimsy and light plastic

Adventure Medical Kit Waterproof Marine 600

For the most premium and best first aid kit of all, we recommend the Marine 600 from Adventure Medical Kits. This kit is the best to have on boats, especially the large fishing ones. Though it can be a bit bulky, you’ll be the safest with this kit as it contains supplies not only good for minor injuries but also fractures, bleeding, and even hypothermia attacks.

The case is very durable and can withstand high-impacts. It also has a gasket seal that keeps the medical supplies inside safe and dry. Moreover, waterproof bags with labels for specific injuries and treatments encapsulate the items for added protection. And since it is the best first aid kit for water use, it features a pressure-release valve that can put up with pressure differences brought about by varying elevation and depths.

The most important part of this kit is the comprehensive guide for marine first aid. The US Sailing Association also highly recommends this manual guide. The manual, titled “Comprehensive Guide to Marine Medicine,” contains very relevant information with 40 first aid categories as well as 50 subcategories. They have very specific and extensive sections that talk about the different injuries at sea. It further includes information about marine communication, lifeboat survival tips, and treatment of wounds from common sea/ocean predators.

With all of this information and high-quality first aid supplies, we firmly believe that this should be your go-to best first aid kit. Not only will it be useful for minor emergencies, but it can save lives.

Pros

• Best to use for people traveling on boats
• Treats hypothermia and other water-related conditions and injuries
• 100% waterproof
• Items are sealed in waterproof bags
• Comes with the Comprehensive Guide to Marine Medicine field manual

Cons

• Only good for 6 people
• Expensive

How to Choose the Best First Aid Kit

A first aid kit is an essential part of our everyday lives. It may be small, but this small bag can do amazing things to save a life. For this reason, you must get yourself the best first aid kit on the market but purchasing a kit can be tricky. You need to consider several factors to ensure that what you are buying is full of the right and high-quality medical supplies to treat injuries. Buying a low-quality first aid kit can prove useless and may lead to ineffective treatments.

The following considerations are vital so that you can get an effective first aid kit that you can rely on during emergency situations:

Wide Range of Supplies

There are small kits that only provide supplies to treat minor wounds and burns, while there are also those with additional items for insect bites and pains. The best first aid kit needs to have a wide range of supplies intended for any emergency situation. Some of the kits nowadays even include survival packs with whistles and blankets to ensure that you can survive even without medical intervention for a short time.

Some of the more basic supplies you may find in the average first aid kit include:

  • Relief pads
  • Adhesive tape
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Cold compress
  • Nitrile gloves
  • Medication
  • Antiseptic cream
  • Medical tape
  • Alcohol wipes
  • Scissors
  • Adhesive bandages
  • Antiseptic towelettes
  • Antibiotic ointment

All of these items are good for treating common injuries. A more advanced first aid kit might also contain an emergency blanket, triangular bandage, CPR mask, safety pins, and a trauma pad. These are also items you should have in a survival kit as well.

Quality of Supplies

Just because you got a first aid kit with hundreds of items inside does not necessarily mean you can use them. Make sure that what you buy is of good quality and, if possible, has hospital-grade materials. After all, you do not want to buy a first aid kit whose bandaids won’t even stick, right? It defeats the purpose of protecting the wound from harsh elements. More so, it defeats the purpose of providing effective first aid treatments.

Waterproof Case

A first aid kit with a waterproof case is an added bonus. Though you do not necessarily need a waterproof case, especially when you would use it at home, it is still advisable to get one. Floods and other water-related accidents may happen at least expected times. Knowing that you have a handy and first aid kit that is water-resistant and waterproof can put your mind at ease.

Number of People

The number of people that the first aid kit can serve must also be taken into consideration. Since first aid kits are refillable, you do not need something good for 50 people unless you run an establishment or deal with that many people. Smaller kits are already good for personal and family use. However, if you own a big boat or a professional medical responder, then having a large first aid kit can be useful.

There are many first aid kits available, but you need to know your considerations when choosing what to buy. Most importantly, you need to understand the importance of first aid and read the manuals that come with the kits so that you can use it properly. Be equipped, be prepared, and save lives in the process!