Ryan's list
Build your own Dad Kit
Hey dads, Ryan here. I was a paramedic for a long time. Most of the calls weren't dramatic. They were cuts that needed cleaning, wrists that needed a splint, kids with a burn from the stove, and a lot of 4x4s and Kerlix. So this kit is built around what I actually reached for, and then it adds full bleeding control for the day you hope never comes.Ryan review
Every pouch has a color and a job. You can buy it all at once or one pouch at a time. Already own a genuine, CoTCCC-listed tourniquet? Skip the tourniquet, not the rest of red.
Take a class. A tourniquet in a bag isn't the same as having put one on a trainer with an instructor watching. Still, if an arm or leg is bleeding badly enough to kill, put it on right away, class or not. Look for a Stop the Bleed and a CPR class near you.
- Full build
- ~$727.87
- Core (no red)
- ~$606.54
- Bleed module
- ~$121.33
56 lines. Totals are what you'd pay for the packages, not per kit; many boxes stock two or three kits. Optional and alternative lines are left out. Prices seen Oct 19, 2026. They change, so check before you buy.
Some links on this page are Amazon affiliate links. If you buy through my links, the channel earns a small commission. You pay the same price either way. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Bag and pouches
About $98.97
One medic bag, four color pouches. Orange splint gear lives in the main compartment and the black tools ride in the outside pockets.
Medic bag (holds every pouch)
One bag that holds all the color pouches, with dividers so it never turns into a junk drawer.
Qty in kit: 1 · Pick: Lightning X Value Compact Medic First Responder EMS/EMT Trauma Bag (LXMB10), 14 x 9 x 7 in, empty
No MOLLE on this bag.
Color-coded zip pouches (red, blue, yellow, green)
Color tells you where things are when your hands are shaking. Orange and black gear rides in the main bag.
Qty in kit: 1 set · Pick: Lightning X Color Coded First Aid Medical Kit Accessory Pouches, set of 4, clear window, 8.75 x 5 x 3 in
Red MOLLE admin pouch (grab-and-go for the bleed module)
Bright red, opens flat, and has loops and mesh pockets, so the bleeding gear is easy to see and grab.
Qty in kit: 1 · Pick: WYNEX Tactical Molle Admin Pouch, double layer, red, 8 x 3.8 x 10.6 in (shoulder strap not included) · From Ryan's own kit
Red: Bleeding
About $121.33
Grab-first. Everything for a bleed that won't stop. Buy the tourniquet from North American Rescue or an authorized dealer.
Tourniquet, genuine C-A-T Gen 7 · Ryan review
Genuine C-A-T Gen 7. Buy it only if it says shipped and sold by Amazon.com. If the seller is anyone else, get it from North American Rescue or an authorized dealer instead.
Qty in kit: 1 · Pick: North American Rescue C-A-T Combat Application Tourniquet Gen 7, black · From Ryan's own kit
Second C-A-T Gen 7 for the car · Ryan review
I keep one tourniquet in the house kit and one in the car, because bleeding doesn't wait for you to get home.
Qty in kit: 1 · Pick: North American Rescue C-A-T Combat Application Tourniquet Gen 7, black
Genuine C-A-T Gen 7. Buy it only if it says shipped and sold by Amazon.com. If the seller is anyone else, get it from North American Rescue or an authorized dealer instead.
Hemostatic gauze, QuikClot 3 in x 24 in · Ryan review
Helps a deep bleed clot when plain gauze and hard pressure aren't enough.
Qty in kit: 1 · Pick: QuikClot Gauze 3 in x 2 ft
~$19.991
Buy from Adventure Medical KitsEmergency trauma dressing, 4 in (pressure bandage) · Ryan review
A thick pad and a wrap in one pack, so pressure stays on when you need your hands.
Qty in kit: 1 · Pick: North American Rescue Emergency Trauma Dressing ETD, 4 in (30-0031)
Second pressure bandage (ETD) for the car · Ryan review
A pressure bandage keeps pressure on so my hands are free for the next thing.
Qty in kit: 1 · Pick: North American Rescue Emergency Trauma Dressing ETD, 4 in (30-0031)
Trauma pads (ABD combine pads), 5 x 9 in · Ryan review
Big, thick pad for heavy bleeding under your hand or a wrap.
Qty in kit: 2 · Pick: GauzeCare Sterile Abdominal Pads 5 x 9 in, 20-pack · From Ryan's own kit
Permanent marker (tourniquet time) · Ryan review
Write the time the tourniquet went on. The ER will ask.
Qty in kit: 1 · Pick: Sharpie Permanent Markers, Fine Point, Black, 5-pack
Blue: Wounds and cleaning
About $150.16
The stuff you'll actually use most weeks: gauze, cleaning, and cover.
Sterile 4x4 gauze, 12-ply · Ryan review
The workhorse. Dry it, cover it, press on it.
Qty in kit: 10 · Pick: Amazon Basic Care Gauze Pads, Sterile, 12-Ply, 4 x 4 in, 50 ct · From Ryan's own kit
Sterile 3x3 gauze, 12-ply · Ryan review
The in-between size for fingers, chins, and kid knees.
Qty in kit: 5 · Pick: Amazon Basic Care Gauze Pads, Sterile, 12-Ply, 3 x 3 in, 50 ct · From Ryan's own kit
Kerlix rolled gauze, 4.5 in · Ryan review
Wraps a dressing, holds a splint, and is my go-to for pressure on a heavy bleed.
Qty in kit: 3 (1 goes in red) · Pick: Kerlix Gauze Bandage Rolls, 4.5 in x 4.1 yd, 6-ply, 12 rolls (non-sterile) · From Ryan's own kit
This 12-roll Kerlix bag is NOT sterile. Fine for wrapping and pressure; put sterile 4x4s against the wound.
Conforming stretch gauze, 2 in · Ryan review
Small roll for fingers, wrists, and little arms.
Qty in kit: 2 · Pick: Medline Non-Sterile Conforming Stretch Gauze, 2 in x 75 in, 12 rolls · From Ryan's own kit
These rolls are NOT sterile. Use them to wrap and hold; put a sterile gauze pad against the wound.
Non-stick pads, 3 x 4 in · Ryan review
Covers scrapes and burns without ripping the scab off later.
Qty in kit: 5 · Pick: CURAD Sterile Non-Adherent Dressing Pads, 3 x 4 in, box of 100
Sterile saline wound wash · Ryan review
A clean rinse when you aren't near a tap.
Qty in kit: 1 · Pick: NeilMed NeilCleanse Wound Wash, sterile saline spray, 6.3 fl oz · From Ryan's own kit
Eye wash (sterile eyewash bottle) · Ryan review
For dirt or a splash in the eye, I flush it out with plenty of rinse. For chemicals, call Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) or 911 and keep flushing.
Qty in kit: 1 · Pick: PhysiciansCare by First Aid Only Eye Wash Solution, 4 oz bottle (7-006)
Sterile eyewash. Check the expiry date when it arrives and replace it once it's opened or out of date.
Hydrocolloid bandage roll, cut-to-size · Ryan review
What I use on my boys' cuts. It stays on through pool days. Minor cuts only; clean and dry the skin first.
Qty in kit: 1 · Pick: Yehooheal Medical Grade Hydrocolloid Roll with Storage Case, 2 in x 8.2 ft, 2-pack (16.4 ft) · From Ryan's own kit
Adhesive bandages, assorted · Ryan review
Small cuts happen every week. Buy plenty.
Qty in kit: 40 · Pick: BAND-AID Flexible Fabric Adhesive Bandages, Assorted Sizes, 100 ct · From Ryan's own kit
Kids' fun-design bandages · Ryan review
A fun bandage stops tears faster than anything else in the bag.
Qty in kit: 1 box · Pick: BAND-AID Flexible Fabric Bandages, Wildflower designs, 30 ct · From Ryan's own kit
Large knee and elbow bandages · Ryan review
Bigger scrapes on knees and elbows.
Qty in kit: 5 · Pick: BAND-AID Flexible Fabric Adhesive Bandages, Extra Large, 10 ct · From Ryan's own kit
Wound closure strips, 1/4 x 4 in · Ryan review
Holds the edges of a small clean cut together on the way to care.
Qty in kit: 1 pack · Pick: Nexcare Steri-Strip Wound Closures, 1/4 x 4 in, 30 ct
Fine-point tweezers · Ryan review
Splinters, gravel, and ticks. Grab the tick close to the skin and pull straight up.
Qty in kit: 1 · Pick: Tweezerman Stainless Steel Ingrown Hair Splintertweeze
Cloth medical tape, 1 in · Ryan review
Holds dressings in place and tears by hand. Spare rolls go in the car and the ski bag.
Qty in kit: 2 rolls · Pick: 3M Durapore Surgical Tape 1538-1, 1 in x 10 yd, 12 rolls · From Ryan's own kit
Self-adherent wrap, 2 in · Ryan review
Sticks to itself, not to skin. Holds gauze snug without tape. Contains latex.
Qty in kit: 1 · Pick: 3M Coban Self-Adherent Wrap, tan, 2 in x 5 yd (F925607) · From Ryan's own kit
~$4.091 roll
Buy from Bound Tree Medical
Orange: Breaks and sprains
About $76.56
Splint it, sling it, wrap it, cool it.
SAM splint, 36 in · Ryan review
My go-to for broken arms and wrists. Mold it on the good arm first.
Qty in kit: 1 · Pick: SAM Medical SAM Splint Flat Fold, Orange/Blue, 36 x 4.25 in · From Ryan's own kit
~$15.001
Buy from SAM MedicalSAM splint, 9 in (kid size) · Ryan review
Fits small wrists and fingers without a lot of trimming.
Qty in kit: 1 · Pick: SAM Medical SAM Splint Small Flat Fold, 9 x 4.25 in, Charcoal
~$5.951
Buy from SAM MedicalTriangular bandages with pins (sling and swathe) · Ryan review
One makes the sling, one binds the arm to the body. That's how a shoulder or arm rides to the ER.
Qty in kit: 2 · Pick: Dynarex 3680 Triangular Bandage, 40 x 40 x 56 in, with safety pins, pack of 12 · From Ryan's own kit
Elastic bandage, 3 in, with clips · Ryan review
Wraps the splint above and below the break, and wraps a sprained ankle.
Qty in kit: 2 · Pick: ACE 3 in Elastic Bandage with clips (1 ct, buy 2) · From Ryan's own kit
~$12.062 x $6.03
View ACE 3 in Elastic Bandage with clips (1 ct, buy 2) on AmazonInstant cold packs, 5 x 5 in · Ryan review
Sprains, bumps, and swelling. Squeeze, shake, wrap in cloth, 20 minutes max. Extras go in every car.
Qty in kit: 2-4 · Pick: Curaplex Cold Pack, small, 5 x 5 in, single use (1431-55000), case of 24 · From Ryan's own kit
Sold as a case of 24. Keep 2-4 in the kit and split the rest between the cars.
~$28.5624 packs
Buy from Bound Tree Medical
Yellow: Burns
About $45.39
Cool running water first, at least 10 minutes. Then cover it.
Hydrogel burn dressing, 4 x 4 in · Ryan review
Cool running water first. Then this covers the burn, keeps it cool, and doesn't stick.
Qty in kit: 2 · Pick: Water-Jel Burn Dressing, 4 x 4 in, sterile, new formula (1 ct, buy 2) · From Ryan's own kit
~$19.502 x $9.75
Buy from Rescue EssentialsBurn gel packets · Ryan review
Small kitchen burns after cool water, unbroken skin only. Not for kids under 2. Contains lidocaine, an OTC drug; follow the label.
Qty in kit: 6 · Pick: Safetec Burn Gel (lidocaine 2%), 0.125 oz single-dose pouches, 25 ct (1524-25500)
~$25.8925 pouches
Buy from Bound Tree Medical
Green: Meds
About $40.65
Over-the-counter basics, plus a spot for your family's prescriptions. No doses here; follow the label.
Antibiotic ointment packets · Ryan review
Single-use packets stay clean. OTC; follow the label.
Qty in kit: 6 · Pick: First Aid Only Triple Antibiotic Ointment Packets, 25 ct · From Ryan's own kit
Antiseptic wipes (BZK) · Ryan review
Cleans the skin around a wound. OTC; follow the label.
Qty in kit: 10 · Pick: PhysiciansCare Antiseptic Wipes, 25 individually wrapped towelettes
Lidocaine sting-relief wipes · Ryan review
Takes the sting out of bug bites and stings. OTC drug; follow the label.
Qty in kit: 10 · Pick: Safetec Sting Relief Wipes (lidocaine), 10 ct carton (52015)
Labeled for insect bites and stings.
~$3.8910 wipes
Buy from Bound Tree MedicalAlcohol prep pads · Ryan review
Cleans skin around a wound and cleans your tweezers. Not for inside the wound.
Qty in kit: 10 · Pick: Curad Alcohol Prep Pads, 2-ply, medium, 200 ct · From Ryan's own kit
Children's diphenhydramine (Benadryl), dye-free liquid · Ryan review
Hives and itching. Not for kids under 6 unless your pediatrician says so. It does not replace epinephrine or 911 in a severe reaction. Follow the label.
Qty in kit: 1 · Pick: Children's Benadryl Dye-Free Allergy Liquid, 4 fl oz · From Ryan's own kit
Adult diphenhydramine (Benadryl) · Ryan review
Same reason, adult form. It does not replace epinephrine. Follow the label.
Qty in kit: 1 · Pick: Benadryl Allergy Ultratabs, 24 ct · From Ryan's own kit
~$5.9824 tablets
View Benadryl Allergy Ultratabs, 24 ct on AmazonKeep your family's prescribed epinephrine auto-injectors here · Ryan review
For anyone with a known severe allergy. Use it, then call 911. It rides with the person, not in a hot or cold car.
Qty in kit: As prescribed · From Ryan's own kit
Prescription. No link.
Keep your family's prescribed albuterol inhaler (and spacer) here · Ryan review
For anyone with asthma. It only helps if it comes with you.
Qty in kit: As prescribed · From Ryan's own kit
Prescription. No link.
Keep your family's other prescribed rescue medicine here · Ryan review
Whatever your family's doctor has already prescribed for emergencies.
Qty in kit: As prescribed
Prescription. No link.
Medication and allergy card
Tells a sitter, a grandparent, or EMS what's in the pouch and who it belongs to.
Qty in kit: 1 · Pick: Free printable (site checklist)
Black: Tools
About $194.81
Cut, see, glove up, stay warm.
Trauma shears · Ryan review
Cuts clothing, tape, and dressings without cutting the person.
Qty in kit: 1 · Pick: North American Rescue Trauma Shear, 7.25 in, black (ZZ-0063) · From Ryan's own kit
~$10.991
Buy from North American RescueTrauma shears upgrade: Leatherman Raptor Rescue (folding, with strap cutter and glass breaker) · Optional · Ryan review
Cuts clothing, seat belts, and dressings without cutting the person. Folds small enough for the outside pocket.
Qty in kit: 1 · Pick: LEATHERMAN Raptor Rescue 6-in-1 Trauma Shears, Black, with utility holster (832168)
Nitrile gloves (pick your size) · Ryan review
Keeps blood off your hands and germs out of the wound. Stash pairs in every pouch.
Qty in kit: 1 box; 2 pairs in each pouch · Pick: Medline AloeTouch Ice Nitrile Exam Gloves, powder-free, aloe-coated, box of 200 (Medium shown) · From Ryan's own kit
Aloe-coated. Pick your size on the listing.
CPR face shield (keychain) · Ryan review
A barrier for rescue breaths. Pair it with a CPR class.
Qty in kit: 1 · Pick: PrimaCare RS-8631 CPR Barrier Keychain with One-Way Valve
Emergency blankets · Ryan review
Keeps a hurt person warm while you wait for the ambulance. Shock gets worse when they're cold.
Qty in kit: 2 · Pick: SOL Emergency Blanket, 90% heat reflective, 56 x 84 in (1 ct, buy 2) · From Ryan's own kit
~$19.982 x $9.99
Buy from SOL (Adventure Medical Kits)Cold weather: SOL Emergency Bivvy · Ryan review
A bivvy holds heat better than a flat blanket for a long wait in the snow.
Qty in kit: 1 · Pick: SOL Emergency Bivvy with Rescue Whistle, orange, 84 x 36 in
Instant hand warmers · Ryan review
A couple of warmers in the car help keep a cold, hurt person warmer while we wait. Never put one straight on skin; keep it over clothing or wrapped in cloth.
Qty in kit: 2 pairs · Pick: HotHands Hand Warmers, bulk pack, 40 pairs
~$24.2540 pairs
View HotHands Hand Warmers, bulk pack, 40 pairs on AmazonHeadlamp · Ryan review
I can't treat what I can't see, and a headlamp leaves both hands free.
Qty in kit: 1 · Pick: Energizer PRO-400 Rechargeable Headlamp, IPX4, USB cable included
Charge it every few months.
Penlight
See into a cut, a mouth, or a dark car floor.
Qty in kit: 1 · Pick: MDF Instruments LUMiNiX Illuminator Diagnostic Penlight (MDF611-29), batteries not included
Emergency whistle · Ryan review
A whistle carries farther than my voice. One for each car and the home kit.
Qty in kit: 3 (one per car and the home kit) · Pick: Fox 40 Classic Whistle with Breakaway Lanyard, 3-pack
Breakaway lanyard. Not a toy for little kids.
~$22.993 whistles
View Fox 40 Classic Whistle with Breakaway Lanyard, 3-pack on AmazonWindow punch and seatbelt cutter (keychain) · Ryan review
If I'm stuck in a car, this cuts the belt and breaks a side window. It won't break the windshield, and some newer cars have laminated side windows it can't break either.
Qty in kit: 1 · Pick: resqme The Original Car Escape Tool, seatbelt cutter and window breaker, 2-pack
Keep it on your keychain or within reach of the driver, not in the trunk.
Reflective vest · Ryan review
On the shoulder of a highway, I want drivers to see me.
Qty in kit: 1 · Pick: TICONN High Visibility Reflective Safety Vest, ANSI Class 2 (pick your size)
Hand sanitizer, travel size
Clean hands before and after. One for every bag and car.
Qty in kit: 1 · Pick: Purell Advanced Hand Sanitizer, 1 fl oz travel bottles, 8-pack · From Ryan's own kit
Emergency info card + quick-reference card · Ryan review
911, Poison Control 1-800-222-1222, allergies, address. Anyone can make the call with the right facts.
Qty in kit: 1 · Pick: Free printable (site checklist)
Pen and notecard · Ryan review
I write down times and what happened, because EMS will ask.
Qty in kit: 1 · Pick: Any pen and notecard (pairs with the free printable site checklist)
Affiliate disclosure
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
If you buy through my links, the channel earns a small commission. You pay the same price either way.
Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you buy through them, Dad Kit Check may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Links to North American Rescue, Adventure Medical Kits, SOL, SAM Medical, Rescue Essentials, and Bound Tree are plain links with no commission. Nobody paid to be on this list, and a commission never changes a pick or a grade. More on the disclosure page.
Medical disclaimer
This list is education, not medical advice, and it doesn't replace 911, your doctor, or a hands-on class. If someone is badly hurt, bleeding in a way you can't control, not breathing normally, or a child isn't acting like themselves, call 911 first.
No medication doses appear here on purpose. Follow the label on over-the-counter products, and your prescriber's instructions for anything prescribed. Diphenhydramine does not replace epinephrine in a severe allergic reaction. Read the full medical disclaimer.