5 First Aid Mistakes Families Make (and How to Avoid Them)

When emergencies happen, families often discover too late that their first aid habits aren’t as strong as they thought. A scraped knee, a kitchen burn, or a sudden allergic reaction can quickly turn stressful if you’re unprepared. Here are five of the most common first aid mistakes families make—and how to avoid them.

1. Not Having a Kit Within Reach

Many families own a first aid kit, but it’s buried in a closet, the garage, or the trunk of the car. In an emergency, every second counts.

Tip: Keep a compact kit in the places you spend the most time—at home, in the car, and in your bag when traveling.

2. Using Expired or Incomplete Supplies

Bandages lose their stick, antiseptic wipes dry out, and scissors go missing. An incomplete kit is almost as bad as no kit at all.

Tip: Check your kit twice a year. Replace expired items and restock anything you’ve used.

3. Guessing Instead of Knowing

In stressful moments, it’s easy to panic and “wing it.” But guessing can make injuries worse.

Tip: Take a short family first aid course or watch certified tutorials together. Even children can learn the basics of cleaning a wound or calling for help.

4. Forgetting Everyday Scenarios

Families often imagine dramatic accidents, but most first aid needs are everyday mishaps—cuts, burns, splinters, or nosebleeds.

Tip: Build your kit around the likely scenarios, not just the extreme ones. A wellchosen kit should cover both.

5. Treating First Aid as a OneTime Task

Buying a kit and putting it on a shelf isn’t enough. Preparedness is a habit, not a checkbox.

Tip: Make first aid part of your family’s routine—teach kids where the kit is, practice simple steps, and keep it accessible. Always keep it in your garment

Prepared Families Are Safer Families

Avoiding these mistakes doesn’t take much—just the right tools and a little preparation. That’s why we designed MyKit Universal: compact, complete, and always ready and with you when you need it.

Explore MyKit Universal and make sure your family’s next emergency is just another moment you’re prepared for.

Kind regards,

Bjørn Hovdenakk

My Kit: Prepared for life - Always with you.