We should always be prepared for an accident or an emergency with an all purpose first aid kit, travel first aid kit, emergency medical kit, and a clean, treat and protect first aid kit.
- Buy a first aid kit based on how many people it needs to cover.
- Amateur, and professional coaches and athletes should buy a professional first aid kit. Avoid buying basic first aid kits since they do not contain enough supplies when it comes to sports injuries both for frequency and intensity.
- Where do you plan to use your kit? At home, in the car, on the boat or at work? Consider all the possible situations your first aid kit will need to cover. If you are using the kit outdoors look for water resistant, durable bags. A home kit can be larger and hard sided.
- What activities does the kit need to cover? Hiking, biking, camping? Look for kits that are specific to the activity. In cycling kits you'll find sunscreen and extra bandages. Hiking kits usually have insect repellant, antibiotic oinment and band-aids.
- Hard sided or soft sided first aid case? Look for hard sided cases if the kit will be subject to a lot of abuse and space is not an issue. A hard sided case is also good for homes and cars. They are more durable and won't get crushed. If space is an issue look for soft sided cases. They are light weight and easy to pack into any small available space.
- Consider any special needs you might have to tend to? If your kit needs to cover persons who suffer from allergic reactions, diabetes, asthma or chronic illnesses always make sure you include medications and supplies to look after them.
- A few small kits are better then one big kit. You may want to have a small kit in your car, a couple in your home and another in the backpack or desk drawer.
- Every kit needs to have a brief first aid book or note card with first aid instructions for an emergency.
