Outdoor First Aid Kits for Families: Be Prepared for Minor Injuries
- Fab Training
- Jul 22
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 23
What Every Family Should Have This Summer
As summer kicks into full swing, families across the UK are heading out on day trips, holidays, and outdoor adventures. Whether you're spending time at the beach, going for a hike, or enjoying a local festival, accidents can happen when you least expect them. That’s why a well-stocked first aid kit is a summer essential for family safety.
In this blog, we’re shining a spotlight on first aid kits: what you need, why you need it, and how to make sure you’re always prepared.
Why a First Aid Kit Matters for Family Safety
It sounds simple, but in an emergency, having the right equipment at your fingertips can make a huge difference. From treating minor cuts and insect bites to responding quickly to more serious incidents, a properly stocked kit gives you confidence and buys you valuable time until professional help arrives.
What Should Be in a Family First Aid Kit?
What Should Be in a Family First Aid Kit?
Every family should have a well-stocked first aid kit ready for adventures, day trips, and everyday accidents. From grazed knees to unexpected stings, having the right supplies can make all the difference. Your kit should include sterile dressings, waterproof adhesive plasters, bandages including crepe and triangular types, antiseptic wipes, microporous tape, scissors, tweezers, disposable gloves, burn gel or burn dressings, cold packs, a thermometer, a CPR face shield, and a basic first aid guide. Don’t forget to include any personal medications specific to your family’s needs. Make it a habit to check expiry dates regularly and replace any used or out-of-date items so you're always ready just in case.
Here’s our recommended checklist:
Sterile dressings in various sizes
Adhesive plasters (waterproof if possible)
Bandages (crepe and triangular)
Antiseptic wipes
Microporous tape
Scissors and tweezers
Disposable gloves
Burn gel or burn dressings
Cold packs
Thermometer
CPR face shield
First aid manual or guide
Any personal medication
Don’t forget to check expiry dates regularly and replace used items after each use.
Have More Than One First Aid Kit
When it comes to family safety and preparedness, one first aid kit might not be enough. Keeping multiple kits tailored to different environments ensures you always have the right supplies at hand. Whether you're heading out on a family road trip, spending time outdoors, or simply managing everyday mishaps at home, having more than one kit helps you stay organised and ready to respond.
🚗 First Aid Kit for the Car
Keep a dedicated car first aid kit in your glove box or boot for holidays, day trips, and everyday travel. It should include essentials like plasters, dressings, antiseptic wipes, and a thermal blanket. Add items like a flashlight, reflective vest, and a small bottle of water to cover breakdowns or emergencies on the road. A car-specific kit means you're always prepared, even miles from home.
🏠 First Aid Kit for the Home
Your main household kit should be fully stocked and easy to access. Include a full range of dressings, bandages, burn care, cold packs, scissors, tweezers, and any medications regularly used by family members. Store it in a central location, away from damp areas, and check it regularly. This kit supports everyday accidents, kitchen mishaps, and childhood bumps and scrapes.
🎒 First Aid Kit for Outdoor Activities
If you enjoy hikes, beach days, or afternoons at the park, a lightweight, compact first aid kit for outdoor use is essential. Choose a waterproof pouch or rucksack-friendly tin filled with plasters, antiseptic wipes, gloves, and bite cream. Include burn gel, tweezers, and blister pads for longer walks or sports activities. This portable kit ensures you’re ready for minor injuries wherever the adventure takes you.
Ready-Made vs DIY Kits
Ready-made kits can be a great starting point, but always check what’s included and top up with family-specific needs, such as antihistamines, child-friendly pain relief, or asthma inhalers. DIY kits give you full control over what’s inside, but take more time to assemble.
Learn to Use Your First Aid Kit with Confidence
Packing a first aid kit is important, but knowing how to use it could make all the difference in an emergency. Our practical first aid courses show you exactly what to do, using real-life scenarios and hands-on techniques.
✅ CPR – Basic Life Support (BLS)
This course teaches you how to perform effective CPR and use a defibrillator in an emergency.
✅ Baby and Child First Aid
Gain essential skills to recognise and respond to common injuries and emergencies in babies and young children.
✅ Paediatric First Aid – Level 3
A full, accredited course designed for anyone responsible for the care of children in professional settings.
✅ Emergency Paediatric First Aid – Level 3
A one-day course that covers key first aid topics for those working with children or caring for them informally.
Every member of the family plays a role in safety. Whether you are a parent, carer, grandparent, or teacher, learning first aid builds confidence and helps protect the people you love. At FAB Training, we come to you and guide you through the skills you need to feel prepared.
Before You Head Out
When you're planning time away with your family, first aid might not be the first thing on your mind. But a little preparation now can give you peace of mind later. Checking your first aid kit and brushing up on your skills helps you stay ready for anything from grazes and sprains to more serious emergencies.
If you're unsure which course is right for your family or setting, the team at FAB Training is here to help. We’ll guide you to the training that fits your needs and gives you real confidence.
Stay safe, stay prepared and enjoy your summer. Explore our courses and get started today.
FAB Training – Saving Lives Together
Danny Phillips
Founder & Director
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