For a purse or bag, this mini-kit is perfect:
http://www.amazon.com/Medique-40038-Pocket-First-38-Piece/dp/B001W6RHVQ/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1343271500&sr=8-9&keywords=mini+first+aid+kit
This is the best soft pack I've ever seen, and the one I own myself. I also bought ones for family members who don't live with me. Trust me, it's worth every penny. Dollar for dollar, I think it's one the very best kits, and can easily be stored just about anywhere. Everyone I know who also has the kit adores it.
http://www.amazon.com/299-Piece-Softbag-First-Aid/dp/B000X1NABW/ref=cm_cr-mr-title
Low-dose chewable aspirin is one thing that should be kept on hand for inflammation, chest pains (it may help save a life), reducing fevers & will help even those who can't stand swallowing pills. Obviously, you don't want to give it to someone allergic or in certain situations with kids, but it's invaluable to keep on hand for the aforementioned times of distress:
http://www.drugstore.com/bayer-low-dose-baby-aspirin-pain-reliever-81mg-chewable-tablets-cherry/qxp10090?catid=183122
I recommend having a first-aid kit in every home, automobile & workplace. If spending $21 is going to give me peace of mind in the event of a medical emergency, I consider it a bargain. I did add a few items to it for completion- a tube of Orajel mouth/tooth/gum pain reliever, Dayquil liqui-gels, Nyquil liqui-gels, Pepto-Bismol tablets, a pen, a small memo pad, a digital thermometer, a small bottle of Aleve & a small bottle of Advil (for those allergic to aspirin, or those who have liver problems, for which neither Bayer aspirin, Excedrin nor Tylenol will be appropriate) & a couple of different-sized Ace bandages. In my freezer I keep additional ice packs, especially because I suffer from fibromyalgia, and the inflammation that comes from that is less-than-enjoyable. I have a microwaveable heat wrap that's fairly big, and works well for injuries needing heat, not cold. My favorite topical pain product which is also cooling is from Walgreen's, and it's called Pain Relieving Ice Blue Gel. I much prefer it to the other brands sold out in stores, and it's cheaper, based on quantity. Absolutely essential for achy legs that come with overwork, aging & standing for long periods of time. It seems to work much better than aloe vera on burns or inflammation, too. The cooling effect is nice, but not intense. You can order it online here:
http://www.drugstore.com/walgreens-pain-relieving-ice-blue-gel/qxp369639?catid=183101
There is no such thing as a perfect first-aid kit available to buy, by the way. You are most likely going to have to include some add-on's. Everyone's household is different. For minor cooking burns, blisters or sunburn, I use & highly recommend the following burn gel, which has no menthol in the product (it makes something normally excruciating actually bearable & it has no discernable fragrance). I keep this in my kitchen at all times:
http://www.drugstore.com/water-jel-burn-jel-for-fast-relief-of-minor-burns/qxp84262?catid=184298
A good sleep medicine that's OTC, has pain-relieving properties & works fairly quickly is not bad to keep on hand, either (don't give this formulation to those with liver problems- it follows the same guidelines as Tylenol). This is a quick-release formula that seems to work best overall with the least amount of side effects. Don't make taking it a habit, though, as you will gain tolerance to it, meaning the product will cease to work for.
http://www.drugstore.com/walgreens-extra-strength-pain-reliever-pm-fast-release-quick-gels/qxp368866?catid=183121
Waterproof bandages are indispensable for cuts on places that get lots of water, like a fingertip. I use them whenever I get a paper cut or something like that. Less water getting in your wound equals a faster healing time & helps prevent infection. Nexcare is the only suitable brand that I've found.
http://www.drugstore.com/nexcare-waterproof-clear-bandages-assorted/qxp164818?catid=184272
http://www.drugstore.com/nexcare-waterproof-clear-bandage-elbow-and-knee/qxp189512?catid=184272
http://www.drugstore.com/nexcare-absolute-waterproof-premium-adhesive-pad-2-38-x-4/qxp85610?catid=184272
Self-closing Ace bandages are less annoying than ones that require the little metal clips to hold them in place. They are good for wrapping knees, ankles, elbows & more.
http://www.drugstore.com/walgreens-ace-self-adhering-bandage-4-inch/qxp369150?catid=184301
Keep a cold compress in the fridge or freezer at all times for inflammation, injury flare-ups & fevers:
http://www.drugstore.com/ace-hot-and-cold-compress-reusable/qxp13112?catid=183100
A microwavable wrap can be a blessing for those with poor circulation, someone who gets cold easily or in a home with less-than-adequate heating. I own Dreamtime's wrap, have given one as a gift to several of my friends, and they ALL love them. This can also be used cold, if you store it in the freezer (it's a big help in that way if you suffer from headaches):
http://www.drugstore.com/dreamtime-aromatherapeutic-warm-body-wrap-lavender-velvet/qxp71844?catid=195859
Here is a basic, printable list that I tucked into my own first-aid kit at home to make sure I wasn't forgetting anything, and to know what's missing if some item is used up:
http://organizedhome.com/printable/household-notebook/first-aid-kit
Below is what I call "The Ultimate First-Aid Kit". I got this list from a paramedic. I don't know how much money you want to put into a first-aid kit, and of course, you need to consider your finances, what is applicable to your loved ones, and what you could live without. I don't own every single item on this list, and some of these items won't be readily available over-the-counter. That said, I wanted to pass it on, because I think it's the best list I've ever seen for a truly complete first-aid kit. If you're involved in civil defense or another similar hobby, hopefully this list will help.
* (1) Poison/Venom Guide with Pics
* (6) 3"x3" Gauze dressing pads, (3) 2-pks
* (20) 4"x4" Gauze dressing pads, (10) 2-pks
* (25) Transprent Waterproof Bandaids
* (1) Hydrogen Peroxide 16oz - Stop Bleeding
* (1) 12"x30" Multi-trauma dressing
* (2) Emergency pressure dressings
* (2) 4" Conforming gauze roll bandages
* (1) 6" Conforming gauze roll bandage
* (4) 36" Triangular sling/bandage, w/2 safety pins
* (24) Alcohol cleansing pads
* (12) Povidone-iodine infection control wipes
* (1) .5"x10 yd. Waterproof tape, plastic spool
* (2) 1"x10 yd. Waterproof tape, plastic spool
* (1) 3"x10 yd. Porous cloth athletic tape roll
* (2) 1"x10 yd. Porous cloth athletic tape roll
* (1) 4"x5" Instant cold compress
* (2) 6"x9" Instant cold compresses
* (1) Burn relief, 4 oz. plastic squeeze bottle
* (2) 2"X2.2yd Steril Gauze Roll
* (8) Eye wash fluid (6-.68oz, 1-8oz, 1-4oz)
* (12) Dramamine - Motion Sickness
* (1) 24"x24" Biohazard bag, 10 gallon capacity
* (4) 10"x12" Ziplock bags
* (2) CPR one-way valve faceshields, latex free
* (8) 52"x84" Emergency blanket
* (8) Exam quality vinyl gloves, 4 pairs
* (1) 7-1/4" Utility shears
* (1) 3-1/2" Deluxe tweezers, stainless steel
* (2) Benzocaine spray - Numbing Spray
* (1) Steril surgical stapler with 35 staples
* (30) Steri-strips skin closures
* (1) Steril surgical staple remover tool
* (50) Assorted fabric bandaids
* (12) Sudafed - Nasal Decongestion
* (12) Advil - anti inflamitory
* (25) Aleve - anti inflamitory/pain relief
* (4) Gas-X Strips - Gas and Bloating
* (12) Tylenol PM - pain medication
* (1) Neosporin - heal fast/reduce scars
* (1) Merthiolate Anticeptic - Infection Control
* (2) Iodine Tincture Anticeptic - infection control
* (1) Hydrocortizone Cream - Itchiness
* (10) Ammonia Inhalant
* (5) Bee Sting Swabs
* (1) Surgical Scissors
* (2) Orajel
* (2) Forceps
* (2) Curved tip Oral Syringe
* (90) Blood Lancet
* (1) 4-Way Nasal Spray
* (1) Stethascope
* (1) Blood pressure cuff
* (1) Neuro-PenLight
* (1) Neuro knee tapper
* (1) Hand sanitizer
* (4) Scalpels
* (1) Snake Bite Kit with pump
* (1) Cotton Balls
* (1) Lotramin spray
* (1) Quick clot sponge
* (40) Advil Migraine
* (6) Finger splint
* (3) Aluminum Splint
* (8) DenTemp
* (1) Digital Thermometer
* (1) Visine - Dry Eyes
* (1) Chapstick - Dry Lips
* (1) Floss
* (13) Cotton Swabs
* (30) Q-tips
* (6) Cottonelle Wipes
* (10) X-Large Bandaids
* (1) Ear Drops - Ear Aches
* (1) Ring Relief - Ringing Ears
* (10) Ibuprofen - Pain/Fever
* (42) Prilosec - Heart Burn
* (2) Surgical Mask
* (1) Alcohol 16oz
* (1) Eye Patch
* (36) Tums - Upset Stomach
* (1) Lotramine - Fungiside
* (25) Mickey Mouse Bandaids
* (2) Suture Kit
* (1) Toothache kit
* (10) Tongue depressors
* (2) Oral airway kit
* (3) Light Sticks
* (1) Swiss Army Knife
* (1) Angiocatheter
* (3) Steril needles
* (1) 1cc syringe /w needle
* (1) 3ml Luer Lok
* (1) Nylon suture
* (2) 1 X 18 Tourniquet
* (1) ReCapIt
* (25) Breathe Right Strips
* (25) Knuck/fing Bandaids
* (10) Imodium AD
* (40) Nitrile Gloves
* (10) WetOnes
* (10) Sunblock spf30
* (10) Insect Repellant
* (10) Hand Warmers
* (10) Nail Files
* (1) Toothbrush
* (1) Sensodyne Toothpaste
* (10) DayQuill/NyQuil caps
* (2) Bandanas
* (1) Radiation Detector
* (2) Chinese Patch
* (75) Floss Picks
* (1) 6"X6" Adhesive Pad
* (4) Sterile eye pads
* (10) Large Adhesive pads
* (10) 3"X4" non-stick pads
* (6) 8"X4" adhesive WtrPrf
* (1) Albuterol Inhaler (new)
* (12) Allegra
* (1) Dental Scraping Set
* (1) Tiger Balm
* (10) Cottonelle wipes
* (1) Voltaren Gel
* (10) Excedrin Migraine
* (20) Piroxicam
* (4) Super Glue
* (2) emergency water pak
* (1) Benadryl Cream - Allergic Reaction
* (1) Benadryl Spray - Poison Ivy
* (1) Anbesol - Cold Sore/Canker Sore
* (10) 3"x5 yd. Latex free elastic bandages
* (20) 6" Steril Q-tips
* (2) Epipen (Adrenalin for anaphelactic alergic reaction)
* (1) Tape Measure
* (1) Cotizone 10 - anti itch
* (3) 5"x9" Trauma pads
* (2) 8"x10" Trauma pads
* (1) First aid guide
* (1) Eye wash cup
* (42) Iodide tablets
Here's to being a prepared organized minimalist,
Liz
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