Introduction
Agricultural work involves daily risks. Having a well-stocked and easy-to-access first aid kit on your farm or ranch allows you to respond quickly to accidents and injuries. Whether someone has a minor cut, burn, or a more serious injury, first aid kits make a positive difference when medical help is far away.
Store your kit in a sturdy, clearly labeled container in tractors, trucks, or work areas, and make sure everyone knows where it’s located and how to use it.
First Aid Kit Container
- Durable, dust / moisture / sunlight-resistant material (approx. 10”x 9”x 3–5”)
- Easy to access and store in tractors / vehicles
- Add reflective tape for visibility in the dark
Cutting Tools
- Trauma shears (7–8” long, safety tip, wire cutter notch, ambidextrous)
- Small straight-edge scissors (better for cutting gauze)
Protection & Cover
- Mylar foil blanket (50”x80”, reflective, protects from cold / damp)
- Lightweight plastic sheeting (ground cover or shelter)
- Nitrile gloves (infection and contamination protection)
Cold/Heat Management
- Instant cold packs (reduce pain/swelling)
Eye Care
- Purified eye wash bottles (4 oz, 2–3) for flushing / rinsing wounds
- Not sufficient for anhydrous ammonia exposure (use a hose or eyewash station)
Creams & Ointments
- Avoid applying creams / ointments if sutures or wound debridement may be needed
- Burn cream packets (6)
- Antibiotic ointment packets (6)
- Water-gel packs (approx. 4”), wrap loosely, and seek medical attention
Emergency Response Tools
- CPR Face Shield
Wound & Injury Management
- Resealable plastic bags (for digit recovery)
- Wrap the amputated part in damp gauze or a clean paper towel
- Seal it in a watertight bag, then place that bag inside a second sealed bag on ice
- Do not allow direct contact with ice
- Transport immediately to emergency care
- Tweezers – for splinter removal
- Tourniquet – available in various styles. Be sure you know how to use it safely BEFORE an emergency happens
Using a Triangular Bandage as a Tourniquet:
- Fold the bandage until it is about 2 inches (5 cm) wide
- Tie it firmly around the upper arm or leg, just above the injury
- Place a sturdy object (e.g., stick, metal tool) over the knot
- Twist the object until bleeding slows/stops
- Secure the object in place
- Do not loosen or remove until medical professionals arrive
Dressings & Bandages
- 8” x 10” Combine dressings – 2 to 3
- 4” x 4” Gauze dressings – 2 per pack (4 total)
- 4” x 3” Non-stick dressings – 3
- 4” Roller gauze – 2
- 2” Paper tape – preferably on a dispenser
- Elastic bandages – 3”, 4”, and 6” (1 each, with clips or Velcro)
- Bandages – large (4–6), standard 1” x 3” (12), knuckle (6), fingertip (6)
- Wipes – alcohol (12) and antiseptic (12)
Additional Safety Gear and tips (Outside the Kit)
- Flashlight (in addition to phone light)
- One-gallon container of potable water
- Safety glasses
- Lip balm (SPF 30)
- Sunscreen (SPF 30–50) and brimmed hat
- Secure shoes / boots (no loose soles, secure laces)
- Clothing without entanglement risks (no ragged jean edges, hoodie strings)
- Reliable communication — let someone know where you are
- Keep important phone numbers listed and accessible in case of emergency
- Have accurate directions for emergency service personnel
Additional Resources
Purchase a pre-made farm first aid kit from the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety (NECAS). Learn more and order yours at www.necasag.org/farmfirstaidkits/
For more information and resources, visit AgriSafe’s website at: www.agrisafe.org