Building a Home First‑Aid Kit in Nigeria: What to Keep and How to Use It

Reviewed by: Amela Pharmacy team, Uyo Last updated: 3 Feb 2026

You know that moment when someone says, “Is there plaster?” and the whole house goes quiet.

That’s the moment a first‑aid kit earns its keep.

A quick story from the counter: one Saturday after a long market run, a mum came in asking for cotton wool and spirit because her son grazed his knee on a rough step. She had the bandage at home… but no clean wipes, no gloves, and nothing to keep it in place. We see this often.

A good kit isn’t fancy. It’s small, organised, and ready.

What your kit should do

Think of your kit as “first response.” It should help you clean, cover, and calm minor injuries while you decide if you need further care.

It is not a mini‑hospital. It’s a smart starter pack.

Core home kit checklist (simple but complete)

Use this as your base for most Nigerian homes.

• Assorted adhesive plasters (different sizes)
• Sterile gauze pads and a small roll of gauze bandage
• Adhesive tape
• Antiseptic wipes or solution
• Antibiotic ointment (small sachets or tube)
• Pair(s) of non‑latex gloves
• Scissors and tweezers
• Digital thermometer (non‑mercury)
• Triangular bandage or elastic bandage (for support)
• Instant cold pack (or a clean cloth you can wrap around ice)
• Emergency blanket
• A small first‑aid guide or printed instructions

Practical add‑ons that make life easier in Uyo

These are not “extra”; they’re realistic for our context.

• A small torch and spare batteries (NEPA can surprise you)
• Two ORS sachets (for sudden stomach upset or dehydration)
• A clean bottle of water or saline for rinsing eyes or wounds
• A simple list of emergency numbers and any family medical notes

A few smart rules for medicines in your kit

Medicines can help, but they also cause mix‑ups if you keep too many.

• Keep only medicines you already use safely as a family.
• Store paediatric items separately if you have children.
• Avoid loose tablets without labels.
• Check expiry dates every 3–6 months.

If you’re unsure what is safe for your household, ask your pharmacist for age‑appropriate options.

How to store your kit so it actually works

The best kit is the one you can find quickly.

• Use a clean, waterproof container with a lid.
• Keep it somewhere easy to reach, not hidden behind old cartons.
• Keep it away from heat, humidity, and direct sun.
• Put a small “restock list” inside so you know what’s missing.

Red flags: when to seek urgent help

First aid is for first steps. Seek urgent care if any of these happen:

• Heavy bleeding that won’t stop after firm pressure
• Trouble breathing, swelling of lips/face, or widespread hives
• Loss of consciousness, repeated vomiting, or confusion after a head injury
• Suspected broken bone or severe burns
• A baby under 3 months with a fever
• Seizures, severe weakness, or sudden chest pain

If you’re unsure, it’s safer to be checked promptly.

Quick reset: refresh your kit monthly in 3 minutes

Pick a simple rhythm you’ll stick to.

• Open the box and remove anything expired
• Replace what you used last month
• Check your thermometer batteries
• Confirm your emergency numbers are still correct

Small habits keep your kit reliable.

Final word

A home first‑aid kit won’t stop every emergency, but it makes the first few minutes calmer and safer—especially when help is a keke ride away.

Disclaimer: This article is general health information and does not replace professional medical advice. If symptoms are severe, worsening, or you’re worried, seek professional care promptly.

Sources & further reading

• American Red Cross: Make a First Aid Kit
• HSE: What to put in your first aid kit
• Johns Hopkins Medicine: First‑Aid Kit

Stay ready, not worried.