The Top 5 First Aid Items Everyone Should Have in an Emergency
Emergencies never come at a convenient time, and if things go sideways, having the right gear prepped and accessible can mean the difference between life and death. While having a basic first aid kit with band-aids and alcohol wipes is important, those items aren’t going to cut it in a traumatic injury situation. We believe everyone should be prepared to handle a serious injury should one arise. So if you’re serious about being prepared, here are our top 5 first aid essentials that should be accessible in every home, vehicle, or “go bag”.
- Tourniquet – Stop Major Bleeding
Massive bleeding is the #1 preventable cause of death with traumatic injuries—one can “bleed out” within 90 seconds of injury - far faster than EMS can reach you. A genuine, windlass-style tourniquet, like the CAT GEN7 or SOFT-T, is an absolute necessity in any emergency kit. When it comes to massive bleeding, a properly applied tourniquet can save a life.
2. Pressure Bandage & Wound Packing Gauze – Control Major Bleeding
While a tourniquet is a must have for serious limb injuries, it cannot be utilized for wounds to the junctional area. That’s where a pressure bandage and wound packing gauze comes in. Wound packing gauze, such as the Forward Z Fold Compressed Gauze, can be utilized to fill a wound and create pressure on the bleeding vessels/artery, effectively stopping blood loss in areas where a Tourniquet cannot be utilized. Emergency Trauma Dressings, or ETDs, such as the OLAES bandage can help to keep pressure on the wound once packed. These two items go hand in hand and are an invaluable addition to any trauma kit.
3. Chest Seals – Treat Puncture Wounds
Gunshots, stab wounds, or any penetrating trauma to the chest, aka pleural space, can lead to a collapsed lung (tension pneumothorax), one of the leading causes of preventable death. Vented chest seals (like HyFin or Halo seals) prevent air from being sucked into the wound while allowing trapped air to escape, buying precious time until advanced medical care is available.
4. Medications – Critical Backups for Survival
If you rely on a specific medication, it is imperative to consider prepping a back up supply if possible. In an emergency, missing a dose can be a life threatening issue. Having a backup supply of essential prescriptions—whether it’s insulin, heart medication, or an EpiPen, I can be life saving. Additionally, over-the-counter meds like ibuprofen, antihistamines, anti-diarrheals, and electrolyte packets help manage pain, allergic reactions, dehydration, and illness when medical help is out of reach.
5. Emergency Airway Management – Keep Them Breathing
A blocked airway is another fast killer. Whether due to an allergic reaction, choking, trauma, or unconsciousness, an obstructed airway can turn deadly in minutes. A simple tool like a nasopharyngeal airway (NPA) helps maintain an open airway when someone can’t do it themselves. If you’re trained, a bag-valve mask (BVM) or even a pocket mask for rescue breaths can be critical in a respiratory emergency. A Life Vac or similar can be an invaluable tool in a choking situation as well.
Final Thoughts, preparedness isn’t just about having gear—it’s about knowing how to use it. Get hands-on training, keep your kit stocked and accessible, and make sure your family or team knows where to find it. A well-prepared first aid kit isn’t just a convenience—it’s a responsibility.
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