Guides · First aid
First aid for emergencies: kits, medication and potassium iodide
In a crisis, medical help may be delayed and pharmacies may be closed. A well-stocked first aid kit and a supply of regular medication are the basics, and knowing when NOT to take potassium iodide matters as much as knowing when to take it.
These guides follow official public-health guidance and do not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist.
Where to start: Start by checking your home first aid kit against our list.
- Home first aid kit checklist for emergencies
What to put in a home first aid kit: Red Cross quantities for a family of four, medicines to add, car and travel kits, expiry checks and the skills to learn.
7 min · reviewed 26 October 2026 - Potassium iodide tablets: when to take them, dosage and who should not
Potassium iodide tablets protect only the thyroid from radioactive iodine. When to take them (only on official instruction), doses by age and who should not.
8 min · reviewed 18 October 2026