Definitions:
How I define these acronyms and terms that are often seen when discussing First-Aid kits
IFAK = Individual First Aid Kit- for one person
MFAK = Multiple First Aid Kit- for multiple people
AFAK = Advanced First Aid Kit- advanced equipment components
I discuss MFAK and AFAK when discussing Mass Casualty kits.
PPE = Personal Protection Equipment
Loadout = Military use- the contents of a Kit put together prior to a mission
Introduction
Your four-bag roll kit (each small component bag ~12 in × 5 in × 2 in, roughly 120 in3 or 1.97 L per pouch) is a great modular design. Mass casualty kits may have larger bags (each component bag ~12 in x 5 in x 3 in, which is 180 in3 or 2.95 L per pouch). Below are examples of practical, scenario-tailored contents for each labeled pouch-First Aid, Medications, Bandages and Dressings, and Instruments-with intentional “future growth” space in every bag. It is best not to overload your kit. I prefer more color-coded bags than overly packed kits- example: Black for Medical and Red for Surgical. Or, if you want to stick with the same black bag style, use different, optional patch labels on additional bags-Tubes & Airways, Wound Care Supplies, Decontamination, Intravenous, Airway & Antidote, or IV & IO as examples–you design how you want it.
I frequently see EMTs/ Paramedics with overly stuffed backpacks being hauled about. The reason, I suspect, is to cover every possible scenario encountered in as few containers as possible. That is not the objective here. I also see a lot of bags or containers with contents included for sale. Some are excellent; some are mere band-aid kits. I picked one up the other day that was OSHA / ANSI-approved for 25 people. It had enough band-aids for multiple people but only enough bandages, dressings, and OTC medicines for one or two applications on a single person.
My preference, as well as my approach to having such an important kit, is to equip it myself. Why wouldn’t I? It is an important piece of equipment in my life or maybe someone else’s life. First aid kits do save lives in the right hands. By building my own kit, I know the instruments, their quality, and the contents of each kit. If you’re helping one of your patients build out their own first-aid kit, you have a better idea of what they have available during a telephone call or telehealth visit.
The Loadout
I build the baseline “basic first aid” loadout (home/car/day trips) first.
Then add-ons by scenario: examples given here are expedition, yacht (3 days / 1 week / 1 month / 1 year), rancher, and industrial. You should build out a different scenario that relates to you. For instance, a construction worker will have different needs than an office worker. A two week vacation to the Caribbean will have different needs than a two week vacation to Alaska. Living in Phoenix, AZ is different than living in Galveston, TX. The environment will frequently dictate your needs and paint the scenario.
I think of each scenario as “Basic kit + scenario upgrades.” By “Basic Kit,” I mean utilizing all 4 small bags and subdividing based on contents- medications going in the “Medications” bag, instruments like forceps going in the “Instruments” bag. One exception or consideration I make is that the “First Aid” bag is kept loaded with more complete supplies to be able to “tear it off” from the larger kit, attach it to the removable shoulder strap via the pulls and carabiner clips for a quick hiking trip when you would not like to carry the entire kit. Seacross Ventures
How I plan for the four bags:
First Aid bag: bleeding control, pneumothorax treatment, wound cleaning, basic life support, PPE, emergency tools, and airways. Tourniquets can be kept in the bag or separately in a holder outside the bag, within easy reach. I prefer the Combat Application Tourniquet (C-A-T). You can apply it yourself if injured, and with one hand if necessary. Seconds Count! At least one tourniquet should be in all Medical Kits nowadays. If more tourniquets are needed but not handy, improvise with a belt, BP cuff, or article of clothing.
Medications bag: OTC meds, prescription meds, allergy/anaphylaxis, GI, pain/fever, seasickness, etc.
Bandages & Dressings bag: all the dressings, wraps, tape, splinting aids, blister care.
Instruments bag: scissors, forceps, thermometers, irrigation, diagnostic tools, advanced procedural items.
Leave ~20–30% free volume in each pouch so you can add scenario-specific items without overstuffing.
Specifics
BASIC KIT (home / car / day trips)
FIRST AID BAG
2–3 pairs nitrile exam gloves (non‑latex)
1-2 commercial tourniquets
1 – 2 chest seals
1 CPR face shield or pocket mask
Wound care supplies
1 instant cold pack
1 emergency blanket (foil/mylar)
1 small flashlight or headlamp + spare batteries
1 notepad + waterproof pen (for notes, times, meds given) – can be stored in the top pocket in a plastic bag
Printed emergency numbers & medical info cards – can be stored in the top pocket
Emergency drug dosages can be stored in the top pocket
MEDICATION BAG
Pain/fever: acetaminophen and ibuprofen (blister packs)
Antihistamine: diphenhydramine and/or loratadine
Antacid tablets
Anti‑diarrheal (e.g., loperamide)
Antibiotic ointment or cream (small tube or single-use packets)
Alcohol or BZK antiseptic wipes
Hydrocortisone 1% cream (small tube)
Personal prescription meds (non‑refrigerated) in labeled containers
Epinephrine auto‑injector. I carry several syringes and needles with a reusable vial of epinephrine.
(Keep extras in a home/office/vehicle stash; this bag is the “grab-and-go” core.)
BANDAGES AND DRESSINGS BAG
Adhesive bandages: assorted sizes, at least 20–30 total
Sterile gauze pads: 3×3 in and 4×4 in (5–10 of each)
1–2 absorbent compress dressings (5×9 in) for heavier bleeding
Roller gauze: 2 in and 4 in widths (1–2 rolls each)
Self‑adhering wrap (e.g., Coban) 2–3 in width
1–2 triangular bandages (slings, splint ties)
Medical tape (cloth or paper, 1 in width, ~10 yd)
Butterfly closures or wound closure strips
Moleskin/blister pads (pre‑cut shapes ideal)
INSTRUMENTS BAG
Trauma shears or sturdy bandage scissors. I keep one with a tourniquet and a pen in its own holder.
Fine‑tip tweezers (splinter/tick)
Safety pins (assorted)
Irrigation syringe (10–20 mL) + a bottle of sterile saline or wipes
Digital oral thermometer
Future room ideas: add a SAM splint, extra gloves, more large dressings, or a small hemostatic gauze pack.
EXPEDITION KITS/ remote wilderness (multi‑day, far from care)
Start with the basic first aid kit, then upgrade each bag.
First Aid bag (expedition add‑ons)
Additional nitrile gloves (4–6 pairs total)
1–2 hemostatic gauze pads (e.g., kaolin/chitosan) for severe bleeding. Of note, a spray based around chitosan (SEAL Hemostatic Wound spray) is available that is reported to be effective, sold in 1.5 oz containers.
1-2 commercial tourniquet (CAT or similar)
1–2 additional emergency blankets
Waterproof “patient info” card + pen in a dry bag
Medications bag (expedition add‑ons)
Prescription antibiotics if your clinician approves for remote travel. If you are carrying your own medication or prescription, make sure to have a label attached with the appropriate medication name, instructions, prescribing doctor, and date of prescription if you plan to travel by aircraft or internationally.
Oral rehydration salts (ORS)
Extra antihistamine and pain/fever meds (larger supply)
Electrolyte tablets or powder
Sunburn relief gel/spray and throat lozenges
Glucose tablets or sugar source for hypoglycemia
Bandages bag (expedition add‑ons)
Larger quantity of sterile gauze and trauma pads (for prolonged care)
SAM splint(s) or finger splints
Additional self‑adhering wrap and roller gauze
Hydrogel burn/blister pads
KT tape or sturdy athletic tape for blisters/sprains
Instruments bag (expedition add‑ons)
Irrigation syringe (35–60 mL) plus sterile saline for wound flush. If going to salt water/reefs, irrigation with NS/betadine solution and copious irrigation (at least a liter of solution) for coral wounds.
Scalpel (for debridement if trained)
Cotton‑tipped applicators
Magnifying lens or small headlamp with red mode
Emergency communication device info (e.g., satellite messenger) written down
YACHT / BOAT KITS
Marine environments add risks: saltwater contamination (as noted above), limited evacuation, motion, sun, and immersion injuries. USCG/industry marine kits emphasize bleeding control, eye care, burns, and seasickness.
Use the same four-bag structure, but tailor contents and quantities to trip length.
First Aid bag (marine core)
Nitrile gloves (6–10 pairs; more for longer trips)
CPR pocket mask
Tourniquet (1–2)
Hemostatic gauze (2–4 packs for offshore)
Trauma dressings / large absorbent pads
Emergency thermal blankets (2–4)
Waterproof bag for used/contaminated items
Medications bag (marine)
Pain/fever meds in larger quantities
Antihistamines (include non‑drowsy option)
Anti‑diarrheal and antacids
Motion sickness meds (e.g., dimenhydrinate or meclizine)
ORS (oral rehydration salts) packets
Burn gel packets and aloe burn gel
Personal prescriptions, plus epinephrine if indicated
Bandages bag (marine)
Waterproof/fabric adhesive bandages (saltwater resistance)
Large sterile dressings and trauma pads (multiple)
Roller gauze, self‑adhering wraps, cloth tape
Triangular bandages (2–4)
Eye pads and eye shields
Burn dressings (non‑adherent)
Wound closure strips and butterfly closures
Instruments bag (marine)
Waterproof Marine First Aid Kit
Bandage/EMT shears (rust‑resistant if possible)
Splinter/tick forceps
Irrigation syringes + sterile saline or seawater‑compatible wound rinse supplies
Eye wash solution (1–4 oz bottles) and/or eye bath
Thermometer
Safety pins, tape, marker for labeling limbs/times
Needle nose pliers with wire cutter for fish hook impaled
By excursion length (what to scale)
Think in terms of more redundancy, more chronic‑care capability, and more environmental protection as duration increases.
3‑day excursion (coastal, near help)
Use the basic marine amounts above.
1 tourniquet, 1–2 hemostatic gauze, ~6–8 pairs of gloves, 1–2 large trauma dressings.
3–5 days of OTC meds per person; basic seasickness supply.
1‑week excursion (offshore or remote coast)
Double the consumables: more gloves (10–15 pairs), more large dressings, additional hemostatic gauze.
Add: second tourniquet, extra thermal blankets, more ORS, more burn and eye care supplies.
Expand meds to 7–10 days per person; include a small course of antibiotics if medically appropriate for offshore travel.
1‑month excursion (live‑aboard, remote routes)
Treat as a small clinic:
First Aid: 2+ tourniquets, 4+ hemostatic gauze, multiple trauma dressings, several thermal blankets.
Bandages: large stock of gauze, wraps, tape, eye pads, burn dressings, splinting material (SAM splints).
Instruments: robust irrigation setup, extra syringes, more diagnostic tools (thermometer, BP cuff, stethoscope).
Medications: 30‑day supply of personal meds; broader OTC range (GI, respiratory, pain, allergy, skin).
Add: written emergency plan, med log, and contact plan for telemed/evac.
1‑year excursion (world cruising, very remote)
Essentially a comprehensive offshore medical kit: consider a dedicated “medical locker” with your roll kit as the rapid‑response core.
Scale all consumables dramatically; add:
Advanced airway adjuncts (if trained)
Suture kits or wound closure kits (if trained and legally allowed)
More robust splinting and immobilization gear
More extensive meds (including standby antibiotics, antimalarials if relevant, etc., under physician guidance)
Emphasize organization: clearly labeled sub‑pouches by body system or injury type inside each of your four bags. Clear plastic resealable bags work well.
For marine use, keep everything in waterproof or highly water‑resistant pouches, and consider a dry box or, as I prefer, a waterproof bag for the whole roll kit even though the bag is water-resistant.
RANCHER KITS (rural/agricultural setting)
Ranch work involves heavy machinery, animals, crush injuries, lacerations, punctures, and delayed EMS. Emphasize bleeding control, large dressings, eye protection, and rugged instruments. Stings and bites are also a consideration.
First Aid bag (ranch)
Heavy‑duty gloves (nitrile plus work gloves)
1–2 tourniquets
Hemostatic gauze (2–4 packs)
Large trauma dressings and absorbent compresses (multiple)
Emergency blankets
Eye wash (if chemical exposure possible) or at least sterile saline for irrigation
Medications bag (ranch)
Pain/fever meds, antihistamines, antacids, anti‑diarrheals
Tetanus status note and plan (not in kit, but documented)
Personal prescriptions; consider discussing standby antibiotics with a clinician for remote settings
Insect sting treatment (antihistamine, hydrocortisone, epinephrine if prescribed)
Bandages bag (ranch)
Lots of large sterile gauze and trauma pads
Roller gauze (2 in and 4 in), self‑adhering wraps
Triangular bandages (2–4) for slings/splints
Cloth tape and duct tape (for splints, improvised repairs)
Eye pads/shields
Burn dressings and burn gel
Instruments bag (ranch)
Heavy trauma shears
Strong tweezers/forceps. I carry a foreign body/splinter removal kit, which I find very useful and use frequently
Irrigation syringe + saline
Flashlight/headlamp
Safety pins, marker, notepad
Consider a basic splint (SAM) and finger splints
Future room: add more large dressings, additional tourniquets, a pelvic binder (if trained), and extra PPE.
INDUSTRIAL KITS
(workplace / shop / construction)
Industrial kits should align with OSHA/ANSI expectations: adequate supplies for the number of workers, shifts, and types of hazards (cuts, burns, eye exposures, sprains).
ANSI defines Class A (common injuries) and Class B (higher risk/more complex) kits; your modular kit can be built to meet or exceed these by adjusting quantities.
First Aid bag (industrial core)
Medical exam gloves (ANSI minimums: 4 pairs for Class A, 8+ for Class B)
Breathing barrier/CPR mask
Instant cold packs (2–4)
Burn dressings (4×4 in) and burn treatment packets
Trauma pads and large sterile dressings
First aid guide/printed instructions
Medications bag (industrial)
OTC pain relievers, antihistamines, antacids, anti‑diarrheals (if allowed by company policy)
Hydrocortisone cream, antibiotic ointment
Personal meds stored separately per policy; many workplaces restrict non‑prescription meds in shared kits—check your rules.
Bandages bag (industrial)
Adhesive bandages: at least 16 (Class A) to 50+ (Class B)
Sterile pads (3×3 in) and trauma pads (5×9 in) per ANSI guidance
Roller bandages (2 in and 4 in)
Triangular bandages (1–2 minimum; more for higher risk)
Adhesive tape (2.5 yd rolls minimum)
Eye coverings and eye wash (especially where chemicals are present)
Instruments bag (industrial)
Scissors (trauma or bandage)
Tweezers/forceps
Irrigation supplies for eyes/wounds where chemicals or debris are a risk
Thermometer (optional, depending on policy)
Hand sanitizer and antiseptic wipes
Future room: add more trauma dressings, extra eye wash, additional PPE (face shields, extra gloves), and specialized items for your specific hazards (e.g., more burn care for hot‑work areas).
Practical packing tips for your 4‑bag roll
Consider dividing the contents further with small, clear envelopes or bags with small labels for quick identification under stress.
Keep frequently used items (gloves, small bandages, antiseptic wipes) near the top or in the pocket.
Store liquid meds and saline in sealed bags to prevent leaks soaking other contents.
Review and rotate contents every 6–12 months: check expiration dates, replace used items, and adjust for new risks.
For each scenario, create a one‑page checklist tucked into the pocket or First Aid bag so anyone can restock correctly.
For each scenario, when building out a kit, keep in mind how many people you will be traveling with and the setting you will be in.
For example, am I building this for a 3-day backpacking trip for two people?
Will this be for my home and daily car use for a family of four
Is this in preparation for a month-long sailing trip with a crew of six
Is this to equip it for industrial site safety for a small team
Is this for a remote ranch setting with two adults and two kids.
Take into account that some people may have special needs like Diabetes or Hypertension or CAD.
These are just a few examples of different scenarios and the approach I take in building out a kit. You will have different scenarios, with different needs, different skills, and different approaches. You will see that the Seacross Medical bag can be equipped and built out for multiple scenarios and custom-designed. Guard against “band-aid” kits that don’t necessarily meet our needs or the needs of our patients or family. Avoid pre-made first-aid kits that lack the necessary supplies to treat a true emergency. Most high-end factory-built kits have plenty of supplies and cover a wide array of emergencies but often don’t match your particular needs. A well-built custom kit will provide you with everything you need and nothing you don’t need. As professionals, we should be the best at designing kits for the varied scenarios we may anticipate and can help our patients design their own kits as well.
Evert Randall Bentley, DO, MS, FACOI
