Best First Aid Kit for Survival

Researching and carefully selecting the best first aid kit for survival should be at the top of your priority list. This is an important requirement for any outdoorsman, survivalist or prepper. After all, you never know when you might need it. 

Whether you’re preparing for a catastrophe, need one for hiking or you’re putting together an Emergency Trauma Kit, we’ve got the insider information for you! 

Although it’s only recommended after proper training, bystander CPR has been found to double a victim’s chance of survival. 

Prior to the commercial distribution of first aid kits in the late 1880s, the best option was to get the injured or sick patient to the nearest neighborhood doctor as quickly as possible. 

Unfortunately, if the doctor was miles away, this often resulted in a long and agonizing unsuccessful journey to get crucial life-saving medical care.

But, why buy a survival first aid kit when you can make one yourself? Believe me, there’s plenty of reasons. 

Firstly, ointments and gels dry out over time and tape and bandages grow brittle, losing their adhesion. This results in you having to re-stock and keep track of what you need on an ad hoc basis.

Switching to a professionally assembled kit will cost you a few more dollars but it will certainly provide you with peace of mind. 

Let’s get started with the kits!

How to Find the Best First Aid Kit for Survival

Your level of first aid or medical experience will have a significant effect on the type of first aid kit that you need.

For example, if you don’t know how to use an Oropharyngeal airway kit, there’s no need for you to splurge on a kit that contains one.

First Aid Experience

Generally, the more experience you have will dictate the range of first aid supplies you’ll want at your disposal in an emergency situation. 

One important rule of first aid is to never take action that MAY make the situation worse.

If you have an educated idea on how to improve a patient’s health, take action. If you’re not educated on the appropriate action, we recommend consulting the Red Cross’ First Aid app. 

Intended Use

It’s important to examine the scenarios you’ll most likely use a first aid kit in. For example, fishermen need a kit that can help them remove fish hooks and patch up the resulting wound. 

Parents may need a kit that has plenty of band-aids and triple antibiotic ointments, while keen backpackers will need a kit that will help them provide care for everything from blisters and hotspots to severe leg injuries. 

If you’re going backpacking, well-documented injuries include blisters, hypothermia, dehydration, and bug bites. It’s important to think ahead about what your risks might be so that you can prepare accordingly.

Your intended use will have a significant impact on the type of first aid kit you choose. How you plan to store your kit must be a deciding factor.

 Take some time to think about whether you want to store it. For example, in a backpacking pack, under the kitchen sink or under the backseat of your car.

Budget

First aid kits are available in a variety of shapes and sizes with more expensive and comprehensive varieties being specifically designed for medical personnel. 

Other first aid kits will solely provide the basic essentials. Ultimately, your choice will come down to how much you’re willing to spend. 

Complications from an infected wound include fever, continual or increased pain, fluid drainage, redness, and swelling. The first step to proper first aid care is to have the correct tools at your disposal.

Some of the high-end first aid kits on the market in 2021 cost over $300. Don’t panic if you that’s not in your budget, you can get a safe and high-quality kit for as little as $15.

Survival First Aid Kit List 

According to The Red Cross, it’s recommended that buy you a kit with these materials or buy a kit and purchase anything missing to supplement it. 

This list is based on four people, adjust as necessary;

• 2 absorbent compress dressings – 5×9 inches 
• 25 adhesive bandages – mixed sizes
• 1 adhesive cloth tape – 10 yards x 1 inch
• 5 antibiotic ointment packets 
• 5 antiseptic wipe packets
• 2 packets of aspirin – 2x 81 mg
• 1 blanket – space blanket
• 1 instant cold compress
• 2 pair of nonlatex gloves – size large 
• 2 hydrocortisone ointment packets 
• Scissors
• 1 roller bandage – 3 inches wide 
• 1 roller bandage – 4 inches wide 
• 5 sterile gauze pads – 3 x 3 inches 
• 5 sterile gauze pads – 4 x 4 inches 
• 1 breathing barrier – one-way valve
• Oral thermometer – non-mercury/non-glass
• 2 triangular bandages
• Tweezers
• First aid instruction booklet

It’s key to remember that the contents of your first aid kit bag should change depending on your activity.

Someone that wants lightweight gear for hiking shouldn’t carry first aid gear because it will prevent them from quickly treating a potential trauma. 

Organize your contents with the bag so that when you need something you can grab it easily. 

Types of First Aid Kits

There are various types of first aid kits that will be suitable depending on your activity;

Survivalist/Tactical

Your survivalist first aid kit must be suitable for bigger injuries and should include trauma equipment in case of serious injury while out or at home.

This kit suitable for prepper or a journey hiker as it covers more than a multipurpose first aid kit. 

Multipurpose

Multi-Purpose first aid kits are perfect if you’re looking for something standard and one-size-fits-all. They’re versatile and weight less than Survivalist kits. 

These kits are perfect for multitasking, whether there is an emergency around the house or a minor trip on a hike.

Home/Work

This kit should include everything you need for emergencies in an easy-to-reach container. 

For the home, we recommend a first aid cabinet instead of a kit. Because you’re at home, the portability of a bag isn’t a necessity. Similarly, it makes sense for business owners to have a lockable cabinet fixed in the place of work. 

Mini

Mini first aid kits are best for packing ultra-light emergency equipment. If you regularly hike, travel or go on boat trips then consider purchasing a mini first aid kit. 

Mini kits are best for short trips. Instead of hauling around a big bag on a 3-hour hike, you could carry a mini which will grant sufficient protection at a lower price. 

When do First Aid Kits Expire?

It’s extremely important to check the shelf life of the products in your first aid kit, however, most kits have a life of roughly three to five years. 

Always remember to regularly check the contents of your kit to check that they remain in good condition and they haven’t expired.

If you provide expired medication or worn-out supplies to a patient then you could experience fatal consequences. 

How do I become Qualified in First Aid?

First aid classes require your full attention and participation in all activities. These course activities could include lectures, DVDs, skill practice, literacy and skill testing. 

Accreditations are awarded to participants who demonstrate 100% proficiency in all required testings and pass the written exams with a minimum passing grade of 80%

Recap

First aid kits come in handy for thousands of civilians every year. 

Our pick for the best first aid kit for survival, is the First Aid Only All-Purpose Kit. The kit comes with a plethora of supplies which will prove invaluable to the person administering the all-important first aid. 

This kit is compact, low price and well organized. The comprehensive wound cleaning supplies include gauze rolls, multiple butterfly strips, several types of bandages. This kit really is the perfect triage for common injuries.

It’s remarkable that this kit comes in at such an affordable price. It’s clear that First Aid Only has recognized that everybody deserves accessible and affordable safety precautions.

The exterior to this kit is soft-sided and is overall the size of a hardcover book. Within the kit, you’ll find the tools to treat burns, heavy bleeding, headaches, and fevers.