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Crafting the Perfect First Aid Kit for College & University Students
Date Published: August 26, 2024
Getting your student ready to go back to school? Remember to add a first aid kit to your back-to-school checklist!
First aid kit items for schools are an important step in preparing students to take care of themselves in case of an injury or first aid emergency. This is especially true for students headed off to campus. To make your back-to-school preparation a breeze, we’ve compiled a first aid kit for schools checklist.
What to Include in a First Aid Kit for College
Depending on the location of the university or college campus, students may not have immediate access to a store or pharmacy to get necessary supplies. Having a complete college student first aid kit supports them when they need it the most.
A first aid kit for school should be customized to include personal items like prescription medications, over-the-counter medications—think pain relief, anti-diarrhea, cold or cough, antihistamines — as well as emergency phone numbers, and other items your health care provider recommends.
Here are some college first aid kit essentials to include:
- Adhesive bandages in various sizes
- Antibiotic cream
- Antiseptic wipes
- Cotton swabs and balls
- CPR mask
- Digital thermometer
- Disposable mask
- Disposable non-latex gloves
- Elastic bandages
- Eye drops
- First aid guide
- Gauze pads or rolls
- Hand sanitizer
- Hydrocortisone cream
- Instant ice packs
- Medical tape
- Medications
- Rubbing alcohol
- Scissors
- Tweezers
If you prefer to buy a first aid kit for college or a classroom first aid kit, the American Red Cross offers several specific first aid kits for college students and options for a teacher first aid kit. The convenient options can provide peace of mind for parents, knowing their child is prepared for any health emergency.
Treats common injuries such as cuts, scrapes, swelling, sprains, strains and more.- Height: 9"
- Width: 3"
- Depth: 12.5"
- Weight: 2.05lbs
In case of an emergency and can be used at home or on-the-go.- Height: 9.5"
- Width: 2.125"
- Depth: 7.15"
- Weight: 2.05lbs
Essential first-aid supplies to treat most common injuries, including cuts, scrapes, swelling, sprains, strains and more.- Height: 9"
- Width: 2.5"
- Depth: 7.5"
- Weight: 0.88lbs
Comprehensive first aid kit for the dorm, home, car or small office.- Height: 3"
- Width: 8.5"
- Depth: 6"
- Weight: 1.5lbs
Perfect for the dorm, home, car or workplace.- Height: 7"
- Width: 2.88"
- Depth: 9.25"
- Weight: 1.5lbs
Why You Need a First Aid Kit for College
Attending a college or university can be a fantastic period for academic and personal development, but it also presents a unique set of health risks. Students deal with various medical issues, from minor injuries to the common cold and beyond.
Some common injuries or illnesses college students can experience include:
- Allergic reactions
- Asthma attack
- Choking
- Concussion
- Dehydration
- Fractures
- Minor cuts and scrapes
- Muscle, bone, and joint injury
- Nosebleeds
- Unresponsive and breathing person
- Vomiting
While many colleges have a health clinic on campus, having a first aid kit for dorm rooms ensures students can respond immediately to an injury or illness. And if something more serious, a first aid kit for the dorm helps them manage symptoms until advanced medical intervention becomes available.
Teacher First Aid Kit
A classroom first aid kit empowers teachers to respond to students' needs until they receive advanced medical help or make their way to the nurse’s office. Consider packing these essentials in your kit:
- Adhesive bandages in various sizes
- Antiseptic wipes
- CPR mask
- Disposable non-latex gloves
- Elastic bandages
- First aid guide
- Gauze pads or rolls
- Hand sanitizer
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Instant ice packs
- Medical tape
- Rubbing alcohol
First Aid Courses and First Aid App
Having a college student first aid kit or teacher first aid kit is only part of being prepared when heading back to school. Knowing how to effectively use the items in the first aid kit for college is also crucial. Consider taking a first aid training course to enhance college student first aid preparedness.
The free First Aid mobile app by the American Red Cross puts expert advice for everyday emergencies in the palm of your hand — from the latest first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) techniques to the nearest hospital location. The First Aid App keeps you updated on your lifesaving skills and complements a college first aid kit. It also provides step-by-step instructions for common first aid scenarios, which can be invaluable in an emergency.
Or text: "GETFIRST" to 90999
What to Read Next
Find first aid kits for your dorm, home, workplace, car or even travel-sized kits.Ensure the safety of your students and staff with First Aid Kits and Bleeding Control for Schools.Read our guide on CPR and first aid training for parents to learn the lifesaving skills to ensure your child's safety.Take a Course and Refresh Your First Aid Skills
About Red Cross Training Services
Training Services is a division of the American Red Cross with the mission to spread knowledge and educate as many members of the national community in lifesaving procedures. Our services include training courses for CPR and AED, First Aid, BLS (Basic Life Support), babysitting, Caregiving, Lifeguarding Water Safety, and more.