What should I have in my First Aid Kit? | Your Questions Answered

Our Expert First Aid Trainers know everything there is to know about First Aid. From teaching our excellent First Aid Courses and administering first aid themselves, they know the ins and out of a first aid kit like the back of their hands! In this blog, our First Aid Trainer Britt Goddard answers your frequently asked first aid kit questions, so you can be sure your home or workplace is prepared for any emergency.

What is a First Aid Kit?

A First Aid Kit is a small box, case, or pouch that contains items that would aid treatment in the eventuality of an accident or emergency in the workplace, whilst traveling, or at home that requires First Aid Treatment.

First Aid Kits are often used to treat minor injuries such as cuts and scrapes but can also be used as part of the initial treatment for more complicated injuries like broken bones.

What is in a First Aid Kit?

Cleansing Wipes

Cleansing wipes enable you to clean the skin around a wound, protecting the skin from potential infection before using a plaster/wound dressing.

Wash proof Plasters

Having a varied supply of plasters enables you to treat minor cuts, scrapes, blisters, and more. If you work in a kitchen, it’s also very important to have Blue Catering Plasters, in case of an injury whilst working with food.

Latex-Free Powder Free gloves

Gloves should be worn every time you dress a wound. This is to prevent contamination from your hands to the patient. These gloves should be latex-free as people can be allergic to latex.

Large Medium Small Roller bandages

Roller bandages are the most effective for supporting injured joints, combating swelling, maintaining pressure on wounds, or securing dressings.

Mouth Shield for CPR

In the eventuality that you are performing rescue breaths on someone, you must use a mouth shield to prevent cross-infection between yourself and the injured person.

Triangular Bandage

These large bandages are made out of cloth and easily folded to make slings for arm injuries.

Foil Blanket

Foil blankets are used to retain body heat to keep someone warm in first aid situations such as when someone is in shock.

Additional Items for your kit

• Microporous Tape
• Scissors
• Finger Dressings
• Safety Pins
• First Aid Guide Card

Depending on where you think you’ll be using your first aid kit, you might want to add other items to it. For example, if you’re traveling, you might want to include insect bite treatment or antihistamines, or if you’re working in a customer-facing environment you might want to have a thermometer.

Does my workplace need a First Aid Kit?

Every workplace should have a First Aid Kit. Buying a First Aid Kit is a precautionary measure that every business should take in case an accident occurs.

Quantities and size of a First aid box can vary regarding the number of people in a workplace or other venues such as sports facilities catering venues (kitchens) and schools. If your workplace is large, you may want a first aid kit for each department.

If you travel or drive frequently for your job, ensure you have a first aid kit in your car.

Do First Aid Kits Expire?

Yes, they do, most first aid kits have a shelf life of anything between 3-5 years, so all first aid boxes must be checked regularly. Certain materials can be compromised in terms of their useability or sterility so it’s important to check the use-by date on items like alcohol wipes and wound dressings and swap out items that aren’t safe to use anymore.

Sometimes, the area where we store our first aid Boxes can also affect the content if the area is humid, damp, too hot, or cold, so be sure to store your first-aid kits somewhere safe.

You must check your first aid kit at least once every three months.

Where Can I Buy A First Aid Kit?

First-aid kits can be purchased online from reputable websites such as the FAIB, Wholesalers, and even supermarkets. First aid kits can be purchased for working environments, and schools, as well as sports and travel first aid kits. All first aid kits must adhere to HSE standards if it is to be used to treat people, as using unsafe first aid kits can lead to potential infections.

Did you know?

We cover all of this and more in our First Aid Courses! Our FAIB Approved First Aid Courses include First Aid at Work, Emergency First Aid at Work, Paediatric First Aid, and Mental Health Awareness sessions. You can also receive discounts on First Aid Equipment, including defibrillators, first aid kits, and more through our collaboration with the FAIB.

Contact ann.poolton@busybees.com for more information.