1. Plain soap
Good ol’ soap and water is still the best way to clean minor cuts and scrapes. It works just as well as antibacterial soap—and it’s less expensive!

2. A compression wrap
If you twist your ankle or wrist, remember the RICE treatment: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation. Elasticated bandages, such as those made by ACE, are the compression component of the RICE equation. “These are excellent for giving support to a sprained joint,” says Jennifer Zimmer, MD, an internal medicine doctor at the Dallas Diagnostic Association and the Baylor Regional Medical Centre in Plano, Texas.

3. Aspirin
Not only for headaches and hangovers, but if you're at risk for something far more serious: “If you have chest pain, chew up 325 mg of uncoated aspirin,” advises Singh. “Heart attacks can happen any time and taking aspirin as soon as possible can help reduce the damage.” Aspirin can help break down the blood clot in your artery and limit the injury to your heart. Talk to you doctor to learn your heart-disease risk.

4. Bandages (assorted sizes)
Not just for kids! You need these, as well, to keep your minor cuts from becoming infected.

5. A thermometer
Experts recommend a digital thermometer over the mercury type (which are just as accurate but difficult to read). “A good thermometer can monitor for temperature elevation that could indicate infection in a wound or worsening of an illness,” says Zimmer.

6. Mild pain relievers
Paracetamol or ibuprofen for minor pain and fever. “Remember to check doses, though, as children take a dose based on their weight,” advises Singh.

7. Antibacterial ointment
Apply after cleaning a wound to help reduce infection risk and increase healing time. See Wound Healing, for more helpful products.

8. An antihistamine
To relieve minor allergy symptoms like sneezing, itching and swelling. Call 911 if you have a severe allergic reaction—such as difficulty breathing, or swelling of the tongue or lip—as an antihistamine won’t help.

9. Hydrocortisone cream
Useful for taking itch out of rashes and insect bites.

10. Phone numbers
Inside the door of your medicine cabinet, adhere contact information for your family members, doctors, chemist, and your local poison control centre. If there is an emergency, this cost-you-nothing strategy can prove to be priceless.

Remember to check the contents of your kit every 6 to 12 months to ensure that medicines haven’t expired, and that your contact numbers are still up to date.

Finally, it's also handy to keep a first-aid kit in your car and your day-trip backpack. And think about other places a kit could be useful. Going on holiday? Remember to take one with you to the cottage, boat, or wherever else your road leads. Go well!