First-Aid Kit 101: What All Coaches Need to Know

A first-aid kit is a necessity to help you respond effectively to common injuries and emergencies while coaching. Commercial kits generally don’t cover the specific needs of athletes and are relatively expensive compared to custom-made kits. The contents can vary, but there are some basic guidelines when building your first-aid kit.

How to assemble your team’s first-aid kit

Medical bags come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The main consideration should be that the bag is lightweight, portable and durable. A backpack may be a good choice. Within the bag, transparent plastic containers are a useful way to keep the bag organized and easily identifiable.

First-Aid Kit “MUST HAVES”:

Emergency items

• Emergency cards – These should include parent/guardian phone numbers for each athlete, emergency contact information, information about medical conditions, allergies, other concerns, current medications, insurance information and physician information
• CPR mask
• Exam gloves
• Splint – SAM splints are common in many athletic trainer’s bag; they are easy to use and can be re-used
• Triangular bandage
• Safety pins (large and small) – Can use to secure triangular and elastic bandages
• Elastic bandages (2, 3 and 4”) – For wrapping sprained or strained joints and wrapping splints
• Disposable instant cold packs

Wound care items

• Sterile gauze pads of different sizes – For covering and cleaning wounds; can also be used as a soft eye patch
• Roll gauze
• Antiseptic solution (like hydrogen peroxide)
• Antibiotic ointment
• Adhesive bandages in several sizes
• Non-stick wound pads
• Cotton-tipped applicators – Q-tips work fine
• Alcohol wipes

Ointments/solutions

• Petroleum jelly
• Sterile eyewash, such as saline
• Hand sanitizer

Taping supplies

• Adhesive tape in various sizes
• Tape underwrap
• Tape adherent

Instruments

• Bandage scissors
• Tweezers
• Hand mirror

Miscellaneous items

• Plastic re-sealable bags
• Change for payphone
• Contact lens case
• Insect repellant
• Sunscreen
• Trash bag – If the kit is not waterproof, this can be used over the kit to protect it from rain

Read more articles for coaches of young athletes.