first aid kit checklist
by William Samuels·
every family needs a well-stocked first aid kit at home — and a smaller one in the car and nappy bag. check your kit every 6 months and replace anything that's expired or used up.
home first aid kit
- •adhesive bandages (assorted sizes) — including kid-friendly designs
- •sterile gauze pads and rolled bandages — for larger wounds
- •adhesive tape (paper or cloth) — to secure dressings
- •triangular bandage — for slings and support
- •elastic bandage — for sprains and strains
- •antiseptic wipes or solution — for cleaning wounds
- •saline solution — for cleaning wounds and eyes
- •tweezers — for splinters and ticks
- •scissors (blunt-nosed) — for cutting tape and bandages
- •disposable gloves (non-latex) — at least 2 pairs
- •digital thermometer — for checking temperature
- •children's paracetamol (Panadol) — check expiry date
- •children's ibuprofen (Nurofen) — check expiry date
- •oral rehydration solution (Hydralyte/Gastrolyte) — for gastro and dehydration
- •saline nasal spray — for blocked noses
- •calamine lotion — for itchy rashes, bites, chickenpox
- •sunscreen SPF 50+ — check expiry date
- •insect repellent (DEET-free for young children)
- •cold pack (instant) — for bumps, bruises, and swelling
- •first aid manual or guide — quick reference in emergencies
- •emergency phone numbers list — see below
car first aid kit
- •adhesive bandages (assorted)
- •sterile gauze and tape
- •antiseptic wipes
- •instant cold pack
- •disposable gloves
- •children's paracetamol — check heat hasn't expired it
- •sunscreen SPF 50+
- •emergency blanket (foil)
- •torch with batteries
nappy bag mini kit
- •small pack of adhesive bandages
- •antiseptic wipes (individually wrapped)
- •children's paracetamol (single-dose sachets)
- •oral rehydration sachets
- •sunscreen SPF 50+ (travel size)
- •saline nasal spray (mini)
emergency phone numbers
save these in your phone and print a copy for your first aid kit:
emergency services
ambulance, fire, police
000
poisons information centre
24/7, Australia-wide
13 11 26
13 HEALTH
health advice line (QLD — check your state)
13 43 25 84
healthdirect
24/7 health advice (national)
1800 022 222
pregnancy, birth & baby
free, 7am–midnight AEST
1800 882 436
Australian breastfeeding association
24/7, free
1800 686 268
kit maintenance
- •check your kit every 6 months — set a calendar reminder
- •replace expired medications (paracetamol, ibuprofen, sunscreen)
- •restock anything you've used
- •check batteries in your torch
- •update the emergency numbers list if anything has changed
- •as kids grow, adjust the kit — add age-appropriate medications and supplies
related guides
this checklist is a general guide. consult your pharmacist for recommendations specific to your family. in an emergency, always call 000.