What to keep in a first-aid kit
You can find most of these things at a pharmacy, if not they are easy to find online. Some of these times you can make cheaper substitutes for, here's how.
General:
- Something clean and dry to keep everything in (bag, box, etc.)
- Scissors (for gauze, medical tape, etc.)
- Hand sanitiser (to clean your hands, not wounds)
- Isopropyl alcohol (to clean tools, not wounds)
- Pain killers, some pain killers can make bleeding worse. Acetaminophen/Tylenol does not.
- Anti-biotic ointment (only use for infected wounds!)
- Petroleum jelly/Vaseline
- Medical tape (latex free tape can be a good alternative if you have an adhesive allergy)
- Saline
- Leaflet or written down info on first aid for infections
- If you're trying to avoid self-harm, a list of alternatives or items that help you avoid self-harm (e.g. a journal, stim/fidget tools, body markers)
For cuts/scratches:
- Leaflet or written down info on first aid for cuts/scratches
- Non-fuzzy cloth, gauze, or gauze sponges to stop bleeding
- Plasters/bandaids
- Non-stick gauze
- Tefla/non-adherent dressing pads (sticks less then non-stick gauze)
- Steri-strips, zip-stitches, and/or butterfly bandages
- Bandage wrap
For burns/scalds:
- Leaflet or written down info on first aid for burns/scalds
- Clingfilm, can be used as a bandage for burns
- Hydrocolloid bandage