First Aid Kits

The first commercially produced first aid kit dates back to 1888, and it was originally made for railroad workers. Railroad construction was dangerous work, and injured crews were often stranded far from medical help, so companies kept surgeons on standby. A railroad surgeon crossed paths with Robert Wood Johnson, a co-founder of what's now Johnson & Johnson, and the idea for a portable, pre-packaged kit of sterile gauze, bandages, and dressings was born — the same basic supplies still found in first aid kits today.

Why a Stocked Kit Still Matters

More than a century later, cuts, scrapes, burns, and sprains remain a fact of everyday life at home, on the road, and at work. Having the right supplies within reach turns a minor injury into a quick fix instead of an emergency room trip.

What a Well-Stocked Kit Should Include

• Adhesive bandages in multiple sizes and sterile gauze pads
• Antiseptic wipes and antibiotic ointment
• Medical tape, trauma shears, and disposable gloves
• An instant cold pack and elastic wrap for sprains
• Any personal or family-specific medications

Workplace First Aid

Employers have their own requirements here — OSHA's 29 CFR 1910.151 requires adequate first aid supplies be readily available, and compliance with the ANSI/ISEA Z308.1 minimum-fill standard is a common way to meet it. See our OSHA Workplace Safety Laws & Regulations guide for more.

Shop First Aid Kits

Browse our full range of first aid kits, from home and travel sizes to ANSI-compliant workplace kits.