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World First Aid Day: 10 best first aid kits

This Saturday is World First Aid Day, so make sure you’ve got the gear to help out, whether you’re at home, in the car or up a mountain

Kate Hilpern
Wednesday 10 September 2014 17:47 BST

It won’t cost you much, but it could save a life and will almost certainly ease someone’s pain at some point. That’s why a ready-stocked first aid kit is such a sound investment. If you can, stretch to more than one, so that you have one at home and on your travels, either in the car or on holiday.

Don’t bother with the kits that contain little more than a couple of adhesive bandages, a few safety pins and a handful of tablets (these really do exist). Then again, don’t be fooled by the quantity of components either. It’s the variety you should look for, so that all the basic categories are covered – antiseptics, injury treatment, bandages and basic instruments.

As your kit is only used in time of need, make sure it’s well organised and clearly labelled and check the quality of components too. Adhesive bandages that don’t stick and poorly shaped bandages won’t be much use in an emergency.

Remember to replace items as you use them or add extras if required so that you are fully equipped. And make sure it’s easy to recognise and find. Keep it away from children’s reach too.

Click on the gallery to see the IndyBest buys

Verdict:

We have two favourites for this one, both with big names behind them – the St John Ambulance Zenith Travel First Aid Compliant Kit and the British Red Cross First Aid Kit for the Home. Both boast outstanding quality when it comes to the components and contain all the essentials in an organised and clearly labelled way.

Buy now

1. Halfords Essentials Compact First Aid Kit , £5

2. Lifesystems Camping First Aid Kit, £23

3. Superdrug Family First Aid Kit, £6.66

4. Boots Travel First Aid Kit, £11.99

5. Lifesystems Mountain First Aid Kit, £30

6. Wallace Cameron General Purpose First Aid Kit, £30.49

7. St John Ambulance Zenith Travel First Aid Compliant Kit, £17.99

8. Kleeneze 77-Piece First Aid Kit, £14.99

9. British Red Cross First Aid Kit for the Home, £20.38

10. Physioroom Sports First Aid Bag, £39.99

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