A first aid kit does not need to be expensive to be effective.
The main difference between cheap first aid kits and expensive ones is the amount of equipment they contain.
The quality of bandages, tape, and antiseptics varies little according to price.
Cheap first aid kits will contain the equipment necessary to deal with simple emergencies.
Common uses for first aid kits are to treat lacerations and abrasions.
Having a portable stock of loose and self adhesive bandages of various sizes will guarantee that these medical conditions can be dealt with effectively.
Non-sterile gauze coupled with an antiseptic solution will be included to wash and clean wounds, freeing them of dirt and anything that can get in a wound and make it worse.
An essential part of any first aid kit is antiseptic solution, either in the form of hydrogen peroxide, iodine, or an anti-bacterial ointment.
Sterile gauze pads and self adhesive bandages should be used to prevent infection and kits include these as individually packaged items to prevent cross contamination.
Larger wounds will require sterile pads to protect the wound.
These are secured by bandages or adhesive tape.
Some cheap first aid kits include paper tape for affixing gauze pads.
While this is a suitable choice that is easy to remove when proper medical attention can be obtained, cloth or plastic tape will offer a more secure fit, especially when an accident happens under adverse conditions.
Most first aid kits contain both, but waterproof cloth tape is recommended.
When putting together items for emergencies, you may want to consider dual purpose items.
For example, a bandana can be worn while hiking to keep the sun off the back of the neck, but in an emergency, it can stop blood flow or become a sling for a broken arm.
You will also want to consider where you are going and what you will need there.
If you are camping in the summer, be sure to include burn care from the sun and campfires as well as insect bite ointment.
If you are exploring a cave, you won't run into any of these things.
Other first aid items that can be included are tweezers, a magnifying glass, alcohol pads, protective gloves, or a space blanket.
They are all handy things to have in an emergency.
These things will help you suppress the physical trauma until the professionals can provide treatment.