First Aid Kit

Introduction

What should be in a First Aid Kit? This depends upon what environment you are in and what risk assessments have been completed. For the work based environments the HSE say they do not recommend the contents, only suggest a basic list which can then be added to. The kit for your home or car can be more wide ranging.

Work First Aid Kit

Suggested: Plasters, Eye Pads, Triangular Bandages, Dressings, Gloves, Safety Pins and a Guidance Card
Optional: Microporous tape, Antiseptic Wipes, Blanket, Space Blanket, Clingfilm, Eye Wash, Face Shield, Tuff cut scissors, Forehead Thermometer, Plastic Tweezers
Not permitted: Creams such as After Sun Cream or Savlon, Prescription Medications, Tablets such as Paracetamol, Cotton Wool or Cotton Buds, Needles or Syringes

Home First Aid Kit

I Suggest: Plasters, Eye Pads, Triangular Bandages, Dressings, Gloves, Safety Pins and a Guidance Card, Tuff cut scissors
Optional: Microporous tape, Blanket, Space Blanket, Clingfilm, Eye Wash, Face Shield, Thermometer, Plastic Tweezers, Creams such as After Sun Cream or Savlon, Tablets such as Paracetamol, Antiseptic Wipes
I recommend against: Prescription Medications, Cotton Wool or Cotton Buds, Needles or Syringes

Car / Travel First Aid Kit

I Suggest: Plasters, Eye Pads, Triangular Bandages, Dressings, Gloves, Safety Pins and a Guidance Card, Tuff cut scissors, Antiseptic Wipes
Optional: Microporous tape, Blanket, Space Blanket, Clingfilm, Eye Wash, Face Shield, Thermometer, Plastic Tweezers, Creams such as After Sun Cream or Savlon, Tablets such as Paracetamol
I recommend against: Prescription Medications, Cotton Wool or Cotton Buds, Needles or Syringes

Considerations

Plasters – The word Plaster is a trade name such as Band-Aid or Elastoplast and as such may be referred to as ‘an individually wrapped self adhesive dressing’. You should also use hypo-allergenic plasters and if you deal with food, they should be blue

Burns Treatment – Often misused, burns need to be cooled thoroughly before applying. They have limited benefit and are not necessary for an effective treatment. I don’t have them in my first aid kits

Gloves – Powder free and non-Latex

Aspirin – Aspirin is suggested as part of a treatment for someone suspected of having a heart attack. At work you need to have a company policy and the Aspirin should not be stored in the First Aid Box. Aspirin can have side effects, especially if the casualty is allergic

Box – All this kit is usually kept in a green container which is clearly labeled. The container should protect the kit from the environment such as dust and water. The box should not be locked away and should be available to anyone who needs it

Dates – First Aid consumables such as bandages should all have a manufactured and use by date. The plastic packaging can breakdown and the kit would no longer be sterile. New kit should have five years life and expired kit should not be used at work