First Aid Cabinet

A well-stocked first aid cabinet is the medical foundation of your household. In an emergency — whether a power outage, storm, or local disaster — it can take hours before emergency services arrive. With the right supplies, you can treat wounds, relieve pain, and stabilize life-threatening situations during that critical period.

Store your first aid cabinet in a cool, dry location that is out of reach for children. Check the contents at least twice a year for expiry dates. Write a note inside listing which medications you take regularly and where they are stored — in an emergency, helpers may also need to use the cabinet.

Bandaging & Wound Care

• Bandaging MaterialEssential

  Bandaging material is the cornerstone of every first aid cabinet. Treating wounds properly prevents infection and can limit blood loss for more serious injuries. A complete supply includes wound dressings in various sizes, sterile compresses, gauze bandages, elastic bandages, and at least one pressure bandage. Replace bandaging material every three years, even if unopened — sterility decreases over time.

• DisinfectantEssential

  Disinfectant prevents wounds from becoming infected. Even small, superficial cuts can lead to dangerous infections in stressful situations without wound cleaning. Use antiseptics based on octenidine or polyhexanide — these are gentler on skin than hydrogen peroxide and more effective than simple iodine. Stock at least a 250 ml bottle or equivalent single-dose packs. Alcohol-based disinfectants are suitable for hands and surfaces, but not for open wounds.

• ScissorsRecommended

  Bandage scissors with rounded tips are essential for safely cutting bandaging material, clothing, and plasters. In an emergency, you may need to work quickly and one-handed — good scissors make this possible. Paramedic scissors made from stainless steel are the best choice: sturdy, sharp, and easy to clean. Keep the scissors easily accessible in the cabinet, not buried in a compartment.

• TweezersRecommended

  Tweezers are essential for removing splinters, thorns, glass shards, and other foreign bodies from wounds. Foreign objects in wounds significantly increase the risk of infection and should be removed as early as possible. Choose a pointed stainless steel pair with a firm grip. Disinfect the tweezers before and after use with alcohol. A small magnifying glass is a useful complement, especially for tiny splinters.

Hygiene & Protection

• Disposable GlovesEssential

  Disposable gloves made from nitrile or latex protect both the person being treated and yourself from infection when applying dressings. Blood and bodily fluids can transmit pathogens — barrier protection is standard in first aid. Nitrile gloves are suitable for people with latex allergies and are the better choice for emergency cabinets. Include at least 10-20 pairs, as you may need to change gloves multiple times in an emergency.

• Emergency BlanketEssential

  An emergency blanket is not only important for an emergency backpack — at home it can also be used for shock, hypothermia, or sudden chills. Shock is a medical emergency in which the body tends to lose heat — an emergency blanket stabilises body temperature until the paramedics arrive. Store two or three in the first aid cabinet; they are extremely affordable and take up very little space.

Medical Devices

• Fever ThermometerRecommended

  A fever thermometer is a fundamental diagnostic tool. Fever is a key symptom of many illnesses and its severity provides important clues about the seriousness of the condition. Modern infrared ear thermometers deliver an accurate result within seconds. For households with children, a forehead thermometer is a practical alternative. Occasionally calibrate your thermometer by comparison with a known reference device.

• Blood Pressure MonitorOptional

  A blood pressure monitor is especially valuable for households with individuals who have high blood pressure or cardiovascular risk factors. In an emergency, monitoring blood pressure can be life-saving — extreme readings indicate when immediate medical care is required. Automatic upper-arm devices are more reliable than wrist devices. Learn to interpret the readings correctly: values above 180/110 mmHg require immediate medical attention.

• Eye Rinse SolutionRecommended

  An eye rinse solution is essential for chemical contact or foreign bodies in the eye. The eye is a highly sensitive organ — quick rinsing for chemical burns (household chemicals, cleaning agents) can prevent permanent vision damage. Use sterile saline solution (0.9% NaCl) for eye rinsing. Rinse for at least 10-15 minutes in the case of chemical contact and see a doctor immediately afterwards. Store the solution cool and observe the expiry date.

Personal Medications

• Personal MedicationsEssential

  Personal medications must always be readily available during an evacuation or emergency. For people with chronic conditions — diabetes, heart disease, epilepsy, or asthma — an interruption of medication can be life-threatening. Always keep a 7-14 day supply of your long-term medications in the first aid cabinet, separate from your daily supply. Write the active ingredient name, dosage, and treating physician on a card in the cabinet — helpers need this information in a medical emergency.