What Should You Include in Your First Aid Kit?

Imagine this scenario: you're out on a hike in the wilderness, enjoying the fresh air and stunning views when suddenly, you or someone in your group gets injured. In these situations, having a well-equipped first aid kit can make all the difference between a minor inconvenience and a potentially life-threatening situation. In this article we will explore the essential items you should include in your first aid kit.

The Basics of Emergency First Aid Kits

A first aid kit is a collection of supplies and equipment that is used to provide medical treatment in the event of an injury or medical emergency. Whether you're at home, in your car, or at work, having a first aid kit readily available can help you administer immediate care while waiting for professional medical assistance.

This is what the Health and Safety Executive recommend to keep in a standard workplace first aid kit:

Essential Items for Your First Aid Kit

1. Plasters and sterile dressings

Plasters are perfect for covering minor cuts and scrapes, while sterile dressings come in handy for larger wounds that need to be dressed and protected. Make sure to include a variety of sizes to cater to different types of injuries.

2. Scissors, tweezers, and safety pins

Scissors can be used to cut through clothing, gauze, and can even be used as an improvised tourniquet along with a triangular bandage! Tweezers are handy for splinters, and safety pins can be used to pin away excess clothing and to secure a sling.

3. Triangular bandages

Triangular bandages are usually used to create a sling to secure a broken arm, but can also be used as a head dressing and to pack open wounds, as well as an improvised tourniquet.

4. Disposable gloves & CPR face shield

It is important to keep as clean and sterile as possible when administering first aid. Wearing gloves and using a CPR face shield to deliver rescue breaths can be very useful in preventing cross-infection.

5. Gauze swabs/antiseptic wipes

Gauze swabs and antiseptic wipes are used to clean wounds before applying a sterile dressing or a plaster to prevent cross-infection, which can lead to sepsis.

6. Emergency Contact Information and First Aid Manual

Include a list of emergency contact numbers, such as your doctor, local hospitals, and emergency services. Additionally, a first aid manual can guide you on how to administer basic first aid in different situations.

Anything else?

Any other items you may wish to include could be sterile fluid (saline) to clean wounds or as an eye wash. Cool packs can be part of a first aid kit, or kept in a fridge. You may want a separate burns kit if you work in a kitchen or near open flames.

What doesn't go in a first aid kit?

We do not put any tablets or medications of any kind in a first aid kit (including inhalers and auto-injectors) - as first aiders we do not dispense medication, however the patient may wish to bring and use their own medication - this is fine so long as it doesn't go in the first aid kit.

Conclusion

In conclusion, having a well-stocked emergency first aid kit is a simple yet crucial step towards ensuring the safety and well-being of yourself, your loved ones, or anyone in need of medical assistance. By including the essential items mentioned above, you can be better prepared to handle unforeseen emergencies with confidence and efficiency.

Remember, a well-prepared individual is a proactive one, so take the time to assemble your emergency first aid kit today. You never know when it might just save the day!

If you would like to learn more about your workplace first aid requirements, you can always book one of our many first aid courses, find out more by visiting our website.