A Complete Guide to First Aid Kits

A first aid kit contains a range of supplies used to provide medical treatment. They are kept in environments including homes, schools, vehicles, and businesses.

These kits are designed with the first response in mind. They allow those in need to quickly be given medical assistance. They are mostly used for treating minor injuries like cuts, wounds and abrasions. However, they can also help with critical injury while waiting for emergency services to arrive.

It is highly beneficial to maintain well-organised kits, as this provides fast access to what is needed. It is also essential to consider where they are kept to ensure that they are easily visible and accessible to everyone.

Cases can be stored on worktops, in cabinets, or mounted to walls. It is worth bearing in mind that wall-mounted types can make it more challenging to transport required items as compared to an easily moveable portable case.

The importance of first aid kits should not be overlooked. It is vital to have a first aid kit in the workplace, to ensure compliance with the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981. Per these regulations, employers must enable the provision of suitable personnel, facilities, and equipment to make sure that immediate attention can be provided if employees are taken ill or sustain an injury at work. They are applicable for all workplaces, including those with under five employees and anyone self-employed.

• Plasters - in a range of shapes and sizes, including washproof ones
• Sterile dressings and gauze pads - ideally a variety of small, medium and large sections
• Creams and sprays - for antiseptic purposes as well as treating conditions such as skin rashes, insect bites and stings
• Eyewash solution, eye bath, and eye pads - these are used to flush dust, sand, and debris from the eye
• Alcohol-free cleansing wipes
• Safety pins
• Disposable gloves - typically nitrile gloves as these gloves are sterile and efficient
• Tweezers
• Scissors
• Crepe rolled bandages - usually elastic, these are used to apply pressure, secure dressings, provide support, and reduce swelling
• Adhesive tape or micropore tape
• A thermometer
• Triangular bandages - these are rigid and are generally used for slings, securing splints, and restricting movement where necessary
• Adhesive dressings - these are small strips of gauze attached to an adhesive backing. They are used for minor cuts and injuries to the skin
• Non-adhesive dressings - these are intended for covering burned or grazed skin as it is important not to use adhesive bandages on fragile skin
• Wound dressings - these are thick pads which help to control bleeding and minimise the risk of infection
• A first aid booklet and a leaflet containing important safety guidelines and treatment information

The importance of first aid should not be underestimated. Employers are required to complete a risk assessment and a first aid needs assessment, meaning the contents of a particular kit might vary due to specific workplace requirements. The BS 8599-1 standard (June 2011) specification can assist employers and managers with understanding which type is necessary.

The BS 8599-1 standard also provides first aid kit guidelines regarding the container which holds the supplies. A compliant workplace first aid kit should be able to fit all the relevant items inside and close securely, as well as be clean, dustproof, and provide protection in the relevant environment.

The importance of first aid kits in the workplace should not be overlooked. Work first aid kits should be readily available and easily accessible whenever emergencies occur. The most suitable location will depend on the environment and the type of work being done.

You may consider keeping the business' first aid kits in a dedicated area, where they can be quickly accessed. For anyone who drives company vehicles or works out in the field on different sites, workplace kits will need to be taken along in the car. The location, occupation, and potential hazards may also impact what should be in a first aid kit at work. For further information, view our helpful guide on first aid in the workplace.

First aid supplies come in assorted sizes. The size of the box or case will impact the number of supplies contained and the number of employees they can serve. It is also important to consider the level of risk associated with the environment and the tasks being carried out. Here is a guide on which size to use for the number of people:

Low-Risk Environment

This includes low-hazard premises such as offices, schools, and retail.

• Small - less than 25 people
• Medium - 25 to 100 people
• Large - more than 100 people

High-Risk Environment

High-risk environments are areas such as warehouses and production lines, as well as businesses which require employees to work with dangerous machinery or sharp instruments.

• Small - less than 5 people
• Medium - 5 to 25 people
• Large - more than 25 people

When choosing a workplace first aid kit, you should consider these factors:

• The number of employees on the premises, ensuring there are enough supplies for each person
• The amount, size, and complexity of floors at the building or site. It is important to have at least one bag on every floor where employees are working. Where floors are large, multiple kits should be made available
• The level of risk. For example, an office is generally considered to be lower risk than a factory, so this will impact the amount of first aid equipment required

What are First Aid Kits Used for?

These kits contain valuable supplies which can be used to treat minor injuries in the event of accidents or emergencies. These are essential pieces of equipment and should be readily accessible in all workplaces. These kits are typically suitable for treating injuries such as minor cuts, scrapes, stings, and burns.

What Should Not Be in a First Aid Kit?

A first aid box should contain a range of important supplies - but not medication. These are not considered to be first aid items and as such, they should not be included on your checklist. This includes common medications such as ibuprofen and antihistamines. Typically, consumables are not included both for this reason and also due to the risk of allergic reactions.

How to Store First Aid Kits?

To properly store and take care of a medical kit, here are some guidelines to follow:

• Store in a cool, dry location
• Ensure everyone knows where they are and that they are easily accessible
• Check regularly for use-by dates, as certain items such as solutions will expire
• When an item is used, replace it as soon as possible. This applies to disposable products, empty containers, and expired items

The best first aid kits are well-stocked, high-quality, easily accessible, and contain key guidance for users. There is a wide range of types to choose from – browse our top brands by clicking the link to view the full product range. We also stock a wide range of other useful emergency supplies.