Deadly Mushroom Survival

First aid guide

Build a first aid kit

The American Red Cross list for a family of four. Add personal medications and emergency phone numbers, and check expiry dates.

Last reviewed 9 November 2026. Sources: American Red Cross. Links are at the end of this page.

Infographic titled Build a first aid kit: the American Red Cross list for a family of four, grouped into dressings, wraps and tape, clean and treat, medicine and cold, protect, and tools and extras. The full text is below the image.
Open the image for the full-size version. The same points are written out below.

Key points (text version)

What goes in the kit

Dressings

  • 2 absorbent compress dressings, 5 × 9 in (13 × 23 cm)
  • 5 sterile gauze pads, 3 × 3 in (7.5 × 7.5 cm)
  • 5 sterile gauze pads, 4 × 4 in (10 × 10 cm)
  • 25 adhesive bandages, assorted sizes

Wraps and tape

  • 1 roller bandage, 3 in (7.5 cm) gauze roll
  • 1 roller bandage, 4 in (10 cm) wide
  • 2 triangular bandages
  • 1 adhesive cloth tape, 10 yd × 1 in (9 m × 2.5 cm)

Clean and treat

  • 5 antibiotic ointment packets (about 1 gram each)
  • 5 antiseptic wipe packets
  • 2 hydrocortisone ointment packets (about 1 gram each)

Medicine and cold

  • 2 packets of aspirin, 81 mg each
  • 1 instant cold compress

Protection

  • 2 pairs of nonlatex gloves, size large
  • 1 breathing barrier with a one-way valve

Tools and extras

  • Tweezers
  • Oral thermometer (non-mercury, non-glass)
  • 1 emergency blanket
  • Emergency first aid instructions

Make it yours

  • Add personal items such as medications, emergency phone numbers and anything your health-care provider recommends.
  • Inspect the kit regularly, check expiration dates, and replace anything used or expired.
  • Keep a first aid kit at home and one in your car. See the car emergency kit guide.

Sources

General information only. Adjust for your health, family, pets and local conditions, and follow advice from your local emergency authority.

More guides