First aid kit basics

St John Ambulance stocks a range of first aid kits for all occasions (check out: stjohn.org.au for info).

Until you get one, here's what St John Ambulance's Stephen Van Gerwen recommends you keep on hand for emergencies (at the very least):
-A bandage, some bandaids and gauze.
-Saline for cleaning wounds.
-Gloves. Handy for protecting your mits and the wound, plus for cheering up the casualty with your Michael Jackson impersonation.

If you're faced with an emergency, but you don't have a first aid kit, think like a 'survivor' and improvise with:
-Ice. Can be used for stings and sprains as well as cocktails. Frozen peas make a top treatment for black eyes.
-Shirts and belts can be crafted into slings.
-Clean material can be used as pressure bandages.
-Bicarb soda and water can be mixed to make a soothing poultice for beestings.