First aid kits

Your first aid kit should be organized, properly stocked and available at all times. It is a good idea to keep a kit in several locations, such as at home, in the car and at work. You can buy first aid kits from a pharmacy or from recognized first aid providers, and specialty kits are also available to meet specific needs.

For a workplace, it is best to choose a kit that suits the hazards and number of people at the site, and to follow any local workplace safety guidance. It is strongly recommended that you take a first aid course, so you have the knowledge and skills to use the equipment in a kit to help someone who is suddenly injured or becomes ill.

What goes in a first aid kit#

First aid kit contents vary according to their use. For example, a kit for a farm will contain some different items from a kit for a city-dwelling family. A basic first aid kit should include a resuscitation mask or face shield, and may also include a first aid booklet.

Typical contents of a basic first aid kit include:

• triangular bandages
• crepe (“conforming” or elastic) bandages of varying widths
• non-adhesive (non-stick) dressings of varying sizes
• disposable gloves (medium and large), preferably non-latex
• a thermal blanket
• a notepad and pencil
• plastic bags of varying sizes
• adhesive tape (2.5 cm wide, preferably a permeable tape)
• medium combine dressing pads (9 x 20 cm)
• large combine dressing pads (20 x 20 cm)
• adhesive dressing strips
• medium gauze dressing (7.5 x 7.5 cm)
• four sterile tubes of saline solution (minimum 10 ml each)
• one pair of scissors
• one pair of tweezers

Medications in first aid kits#

First aid is the provision of emergency treatment and life support for people suffering injury or illness. Dispensing medication does not generally fall within this definition, so it is recommended that medicines are not kept in a first aid kit. Workplace first aid kits in particular should not contain medications.

If you keep medicines for yourself or your family, such as paracetamol (acetaminophen) or aspirin for pain relief, store them securely and out of reach of children.

Storing your first aid kit#

Storage suggestions include:

• Keep the kit in a dry, cool location.
• Make sure it is easily accessible and that everyone in the family knows where it is.
• Some items, such as solutions, may have use-by dates. Check regularly and replace when necessary.
• If an item is used, replace it promptly.

Learn how to use your first aid kit#

A first aid kit won’t help if you don’t know how to use its contents. Buy a book on basic first aid to read about how to use the contents or, better still, take a first aid course.

First aid equipment explained#

The various gauzes, dressings and bandages in a first aid kit have different uses. Some of these include:

• Adhesive strip dressings – small strips of gauze attached to a sticky backing, used for minor cuts and skin injuries. Be aware that some people are allergic to the adhesive.
• Non-adhesive dressings – best used for covering burnt or abraded (scraped or grazed) skin. Never use adhesive dressings on burnt or abraded skin.
• Wound dressings – thick pads used to help control bleeding and reduce the risk of infection. Different sizes are needed for different-sized wounds.
• Crepe or conforming bandages – elastic bandages used to create pressure, hold dressings in place, reduce swelling and provide some support.
• Triangular bandages – non-elastic bandages used for slings, to hold splints in place and to restrict movement.
• Sterile eyewash solution – used to flush eyelashes, insects, dust, sand or similar particles from the eye. Never attempt to remove an object that is embedded in or has penetrated an eye; instead, seek urgent medical attention.

Key points#

• First aid is the provision of emergency treatment and life support for people suffering injury or illness
• It is recommended that medicines are not kept in a first aid kit
• Some people are allergic to the adhesive on strip dressings
• Wound dressings are thick pads used to help control bleeding and reduce the risk of infection

Where to get help#