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First Aid Kit Checklist: Should you build your own or buy a pre-made kit?

Every household needs a medical kit. But when you look at the price of quality gear, you face a dilemma: Should you buy a box of Band-Aids and build it yourself, or spend $200 on a professional trauma bag?

The Truth: “Building” is usually more expensive because you cannot buy one Iodine wipe; you have to buy a box of 100.
Unless you are building 10 kits for a group, buying a high-quality pre-made kit (like MyMedic) is often cheaper and provides better organization.


A “Boo-Boo Kit” (Cuts/Scrapes) is NOT a Trauma Kit.

You need both: One for daily ouchies, one for life-saving.

Don’t forget the “Ouch” meds (Ibuprofen/Tylenol).

The Master Checklist

If you decide to build your own, here is the minimum standard for a “Tier 2” Home Medical Kit.

1. Massive Bleeding (Trauma)

  • Tourniquet (x1): CAT Gen 7 or SOF-T Wide. (Mandatory).
  • Pressure Dressing (x1): 4″ or 6″ Israeli Bandage.
  • Hemostatic Gauze (x1): QuikClot or ChitoGauze (to stuff wounds).
  • Chest Seals (x1 pair): HyFin Vent (for puncture wounds).

2. Airway & Resuscitation

  • NPA (Nasopharyngeal Airway): The “nose hose” (requires training).
  • CPR Face Shield: One-way valve mask.

3. Minor Wounds (The Boo-Boo Stuff)

  • Fabric Band-Aids: Assorted sizes (Plastic ones fall off).
  • Steri-Strips: Butterfly closures for deep cuts.
  • Antibiotic Ointment: Neosporin or Bacitracin.
  • Burn Gel: Lidocaine/Aloe vera packets.

4. Medications (OTC)

  • Ibuprofen (Advil): Anti-inflammatory/Pain.
  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol): Fever reducer.
  • Diphenhydramine (Benadryl): Allergic reactions (critical).
  • Loperamide (Imodium): Anti-diarrheal.

5. Tools

  • Trauma Shears: To cut clothing/seatbelts.
  • Nitrile Gloves: Blue or Black (2 pairs minimum).
  • Permanent Marker: To write time on tourniquet.
  • Headlamp: You can’t fix what you can’t see.

The “Build vs. Buy” Math

If you buy all the items above individually on Amazon, you will spend roughly $350 because you have to buy bulk packs.

A comparable MyMedic MyFAK Pro costs around $250 and comes with a durable, organized bag.

Verdict: BUY the base kit to get the bag and the small items. Then BUILD (add) the specific items you need, like extra Tourniquets or Prescription Meds.

Top Recommendations

Best “Done For You”: MyMedic MyFAK

The easiest button. Highly organized, tear-away panel, and stocked with quality components. Great for cars and homes.

Best Heavy Duty: Refuge BearFAK

If you want fewer “Band-Aids” and more “Trauma Gear,” get this. Made in the USA and bombproof.

Best DIY Bag: Vanquest FATPack

If you insist on building your own, this is the best empty medical pouch on the market. High-visibility interior.

Related pages

CAT vs. SOF-T Tourniquets

The first item you should add to any kit.

Emergency Antibiotics

The one thing you can’t buy at CVS. Add these to your kit.

Dental Kits

Don’t forget tooth pain. Add Clove Oil and Dentemp.

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Medical Disclaimer: We are not doctors. This checklist is based on standard recommendations for civilian preparedness.