First Aid Kits are an integral part of First Aid and a well-organised and fitted-out First Aid kit can give you peace of mind in a medical emergency.
First Aid kits are sold in different shapes and sizes and for different uses and can be customised on the activities you do.
A basic first aid kit checklist can include:
A basic first aid kit checklist can include:- crepe bandages of varying widths
- hypoallergenic (skin) tape
- triangular bandages
- adhesive dressing strips in different sizes
- gauze swabs
- combine dressing pads (10cm x 10cm)
- non-stick dressing pads (7.5cm x 10cm)
- sterile eye pad
- alcohol swabs
- stainless steel scissors (sharp/blunt) 12.5cm
- disposable gloves
- stainless steel pointed splinter forceps (tweezers)
- shock (thermal) blanket
- safety pins
- notepad and permanent marker
- sterile saline tubes/sachets
- disposable resuscitation face shield
- antiseptic skin swabs
- stop itch cream
- first aid booklet
Once you have assembled a basic first aid kit, you can customise it according to its intended use. For example, if it is:
For use at home — add extra items according to the number of people in your home and their age, such as thick crepe bandages if you have older children who play sport or for use as a pressure immobilisation bandage
For the car or caravan — add a highly reflective (day/night) safety triangle and vest as you may be near a road and traffic
For camping — add heavy crepe bandages, instant cold packs, disposable poncho, plastic bags, whistle, compass, torch, and glow stick
For use on a boat — add a disposable poncho, plastic bags, whistle, and glow stick. If you are boating in waters where marine stingers are present, include vinegar to pour over potential stings
For babies — add extra items such as a digital thermometer, basic pain reliever medications (such as paracetamol or ibuprofen), and plastic syringes for accurate dosing
For known medical conditions — add extra items, such as medicines and or equipment you normally use to manage the condition.
Where should I keep my first aid kit?
Keep your first aid kit in a safe, dry, and accessible place, and make sure everyone in your family knows where it is. First aid kits for cars, caravans, or boats should be secured so they don’t become ‘projectiles’.
How do I use the items in my first aid kit?
One of the benefits of doing a First Aid course is that you learn how to effectively use your First Aid kit.
Examples include:
- dressing pads cover and pack bleeding wounds
- non-adherent dressings cover wounds and burns
- shock blankets help manage body temperature
- crepe bandages provide light support for sprains and strains
- heavy crepe bandages immobilise joints and provide support
- triangular bandages can be used as a sling to immobilise injured limbs, or as a pad to control bleeding or protect against          injuries
- disposable resuscitation face shields provide personal protection during mouth to mouth resuscitation
- sterile saline tubes or sachets are used to flush debris from eyes and clean minor cuts and grazes
- If you are not sure what the items in your first aid kit are used for, you can:
Should I do a first aid course?
Yes. The best way to know how to use the items in your First Aid kit, and to know what to do in an emergency, is to take a First Aid course.
You can purchase here
