What are the must-have items for a well-stocked first-aid kit? How can you prepare to provide life-saving care until professional help arrives? Discover the key components and practical skills needed to be the help until help comes.

Building a Comprehensive First-Aid Kit: Essential Supplies and Contents

Assembling a first-aid kit is a crucial step in preparing for emergencies. The American Red Cross recommends that a basic first-aid kit for a family of four should include the following items:

• A first-aid guide
• 2 absorbent compress dressings (5 x 9 inches)
• 25 adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)
• 1 adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 inch)
• 5 antibiotic ointment packets
• 5 antiseptic wipe packets
• 2 packets of aspirin (81 mg each)
• 1 emergency blanket
• 1 breathing barrier (with one-way valve)
• 1 instant cold compress
• 2 pairs of nonlatex gloves (size: large)
• 2 hydrocortisone ointment packets
• 1 3-inch gauze roll (roller) bandage
• 1 roller bandage (4 inches wide)
• 5 3 x 3-inch sterile gauze pads
• 5 sterile gauze pads (4 x 4 inches)
• A thermometer (non-mercury/non-glass)
• 2 triangular bandages
• Tweezers

This baseline kit can be supplemented with additional personal needs and bleeding-control essentials, such as a commercial tourniquet, bandages, and a felt-tipped pen. It’s important to regularly check and replace any expired supplies to ensure the kit is always ready for use.

Tailoring Your First-Aid Kit to Your Family’s Needs

When assembling a first-aid kit, it’s essential to consider the specific healthcare needs of your family members. For example:

• If you have a family member with a severe allergy, include antihistamine medicine and an epinephrine injector.
• For elderly family members with fragile skin, a roll of paper tape can be useful for protecting delicate skin.
• If you or a family member lives with diabetes, include a juice box, glucose tablets and gels, and an emergency glucagon injection kit.
• Chewable, baby aspirin might help someone who has coronary artery disease, provided the person is not allergic to aspirin.

Attaching a note to the kit with instructions on where to find other relevant items around the house and how to respond to specific emergencies can also be extremely helpful.

The Importance of Practical First-Aid Skills

While a well-stocked first-aid kit is essential, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Practical skills are equally important in providing life-saving care until professional help arrives. Some key skills to learn include:

• Performing hands-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
• Operating an automated external defibrillator (AED)
• Applying a tourniquet and controlling bleeding
• Administering seizure first aid
• Using the contents of a first-aid kit effectively

These skills can be acquired through various training programs, such as “You Are the Help Until Help Arrives” and “Stop the Bleed.” Investing in this knowledge can empower you to act quickly and confidently in an emergency, potentially saving a life.

The Role of Bystanders in Medical Emergencies

It’s important to remember that in many medical emergencies, family, friends, coworkers, and bystanders are often the first to respond, not professional first responders. EMS specialist Kate Elkins has seen firsthand the impact of bystander intervention:

“One time, we had a patient who had a very bad accident with a circular saw. There was a lot of blood on the floor. The patient’s coworker, who had no formal training, put all his body weight on the wound and used it to slow the bleeding. He yelled for help until others came and called 911. He saved his coworker’s life because he made the right decision and took action.”

This story highlights the importance of being prepared and taking action in an emergency, even without specialized training. With the right first-aid kit and practical skills, anyone can be the help until help arrives.

Maintaining and Updating Your First-Aid Kit

A first-aid kit is a living, evolving tool that requires regular maintenance and updates. Set a calendar reminder on your smartphone to check the contents of your kit every six months, or whenever the healthcare needs of your family change. Remove, replace, or use any expired supplies to ensure your kit is always ready for use.

Conclusion: Empowering Yourself and Others Through First-Aid Preparation

By assembling a comprehensive first-aid kit and acquiring practical first-aid skills, you can play a vital role in emergency situations, potentially saving lives. Remember, you are the help until help arrives. Take the time to prepare, and be ready to make a difference when it counts.

Must-Haves for Your First-Aid Kit | Blogs

Posted on May 13, 2021 by Blog Administrator

First-aid kits are nothing new. They go back over 100 years to when, as the story goes, Robert Wood Johnson debuted the first-aid cabinet in 1888.(1)

First-aid kits have changed over the years, but they are as useful as ever. They make it possible for ordinary people to be the help until professional help arrives. You don’t need a special certification to provide first aid, but you do need the right supplies and education.

Kate Elkins is an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and 911 specialist in the Office of EMS and the National 911 Program. An active paramedic, Elkins also responds to 911 calls and serves as a medical specialist with Maryland Task Force 1, a FEMA urban search and rescue team.

First-hand experience has shown her how important having a well-stocked and maintained first-aid kit can be. “There are certain things you need to have at hand in the moment. In a crisis, you’re not going to have time to go to the store to get what you need,” Elkins points out.

The American Red Cross suggests that a first-aid kit for a family of four include the following items:

• A first-aid guide
• 2 absorbent compress dressings (5 x 9 inches)
• 25 adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)
• 1 adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 inch)
• 5 antibiotic ointment packets
• 5 antiseptic wipe packets
• 2 packets of aspirin (81 mg each)
• 1 emergency blanket
• 1 breathing barrier (with one-way valve)
• 1 instant cold compress
• 2 pair of nonlatex gloves (size: large)
• 2 hydrocortisone ointment packets
• 1 3-inch gauze roll (roller) bandage
• 1 roller bandage (4 inches wide)
• 5 3 x 3-inch sterile gauze pads
• 5 sterile gauze pads (4 x 4 inches)
• A thermometer (non-mercury/non-glass)
• 2 triangular bandages
• Tweezers

Supplement basic items with personal needs and bleeding-control essentials. Things like a commercial tourniquet, bandages, and a felt-tipped pen. Take bleeding-control training to use such and prepare for a bleeding emergency.

Remove, throw away, or use and replace any supplies before they expire. Set a calendar reminder on your smartphone to update the supplies in your kit every six months and/or as the healthcare needs of your family change.

Think about the healthcare needs of your family when putting together a first-aid kit. For example:

• If you have a family member with a severe allergy, include antihistamine medicine and an epinephrine injector.
• If you have elderly family members with fragile skin, including a roll of paper tape can be useful for protecting delicate skin.
• If you or a family member lives with diabetes, include a juice box, glucose tablets and gels, and an emergency glucagon injection kit.
• Chewable, baby aspirin might help someone who has coronary artery disease, provided the person is not allergic to aspirin.

Elkins also suggests attaching a note to your kit with instructions on where to find other items around the house and how to act in specific emergencies. For example, you can use a note to remind you where sugary drinks and foods are kept in case of a diabetic emergency.

A person who is using a first-aid kit in an emergency might need to call 911 for assistance. Having the home or office address written on the outside of the kit itself can give users a handy location reference for 911 operators.

A first-aid kit is a tool, but any tool is only as good as the person using it.

First-aid kits are one place where personal needs and practical skills come together. There are ways to prepare for emergencies that have nothing to do with collecting supplies. This includes learning practical skills that you can use to protect yourself and others.

Many practical skills are easy to learn. Some require special certification or formal training. Others just education. Practical skills include learning how to:

• Perform hands-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
• Operate an automated external defibrillator (AED)
• Apply a tourniquet and control bleeding
• Administer seizure first aid
• Use the contents of a first-aid kit

Family, friends, coworkers, and bystanders—not first responders—are often first on the scene in a medical emergency. Elkins has seen this many times in the field. “One time, we had a patient who had a very bad accident with a circular saw,” she recalls. “There was a lot of blood on the floor. The patient’s coworker, who had no formal training, put all his body weight on the wound and used it to slow the bleeding. He yelled for help until others came and called 911. He saved his coworker’s life because he made the right decision and took action.”

You can take action today. “You Are the Help Until Help Arrives” and “Stop the Bleed” are examples of training that teach you how to provide first care. A good first-aid kit and the practical skill to use it can help you save someone’s life.

Learn more ways to prepare your health for emergencies on the CDC website.

• #PrepYourHealth: Personal needs
• #PrepYourHealth: Practical Skills
• American Red Cross First Aid
• Stop the Bleed
• Until Help Arrives
• Learn Hands-Only CPR
• Spanish Hands-Only CPR
• How to Use an AED

1. Johnson & Johnson First-Aid Kit History
2. American Heart Association Aspirin Guidance

Thanks in advance for your questions and comments on this Public Health Matters post. Please note that the CDC does not give personal medical advice. If you are concerned you have a disease or condition, talk to your doctor.

Have a question for CDC? CDC-INFO (http://www.cdc.gov/cdc-info/index.html) offers live agents by phone and email to help you find the latest, reliable, and science-based health information on more than 750 health topics.

Posted on May 13, 2021 by Blog Administrator

Categories emergency, General, Injury, natural disasters, personal health, preparedness, response

Tags #prepyourhealth, emergency preparedness, first aid kit, Stop the Bleed, Your Are the Help Until Help Arrives

What Should Be in a First Aid Kit?

Having a first aid kit on hand can save a person’s life in an emergency. If not, the injured individual’s condition may deteriorate before they can reach a hospital and receive medical assistance. Additionally, it is a legal requirement to have a workplace first aid kit under the 2015 Health and Safety at Work Act. This article discusses the first aid kit requirements, contents, and fields of application.

Key Takeaways

• A first aid kit is a bag, box, or pack that contains materials and tools used to treat minor injuries and give emergency treatment.
• The requirements are the essential items that a first aid kit should have.
• Employers are obligated by law to provide first aid supplies to ensure workplace safety.

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What Is a First Aid Kit?

A first aid kit is a bag, box, or pack containing life-saving supplies that can be used to assist a sick or injured person until full medical assistance or emergency services are available. It also includes personal protective aid equipment, medicines, medical equipment, survival supplies, and convenience items. The kit is created based on the types of emergencies in the workplace. The first aid kit should be kept in a cold, dry place. This position should also be out of the reach of children.

Unfortunately, workplace injuries and illnesses are not uncommon. According to the HSE’s Health and Safety Statistics 2020/2021:

• 142 workers were killed at work.
• 0.4 million workers suffered a non-fatal injury.
• 1.7 million cases of work-related illness (new or long-standing) were reported.
• 12000 workers died of lung disease.

What Are First Aid Kit Requirements?

First aid arrangements are legally required in all businesses. First aid supplies, on the other hand, are not mandated by law, but they are a must-have pack.

BS 8599-1 First Aid Kit Standard

All first aid kits in the workplace must meet British Standard (BS) 8599-1, which outlines what is in the first aid kit. By BS 8599-1, a first aid kit’s size and scope are calculated based on the number of employees and the level of risk.

Why is the Standard Changing?

British standards are reviewed every 5 years and can be adjusted according to current conditions. The latest standard BS 8599-1:2019 has been published in January 2019.

Checklist for Basic First Aid Kit Items

Every business, regardless of size, should have a first-aid kit. The first aid kit contents will be determined by the results of a first aid needs assessment. This procedure involves numerous variables, such as identifying potential dangers, the task at hand, and the number of people involved.

Certain factors must be considered while determining the requirements for a first aid kit. For instance, COVID-19 testing should be considered to protect first responders and everyone involved.

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Workplace First Aid Kit Contents: What Should Be in a First Aid Kit?

The following are the minimum acceptable number and types of supplies for first aid kits. The minimum requirements for workplace first aid kits are:

• Tweezers
• 2 triangular bandages
• Adhesive tapes
• Box adhesive bandages
• One emergency blanket
• Adhesive bandages
• Two elastic wraps
• Directions for requesting emergency assistance
• Two large sterile gauze pads 8 × 10 inches (ca. 25 cm)
• A roller bandage 4 inches (ca. 10 cm) wide
• 2 pairs of nonlatex gloves
• Scissors
• First aid equipment for resuscitation such as pocket mask, airway, or resuscitation bag
• Wound cleaning agents

First Aid Needs Assessment

In terms of workplace first aid kits regulations, there are no hard and fast rules. You’ll be alright as long as you have an office first aid kit that meets your needs assessment.

In order to determine what must be included in a first aid kit in the workplace, a first aid needs assessment must be conducted. It is the employer’s responsibility to conduct this and use the results to determine what adequate and appropriate equipment, facilities, and personnel are needed, including the contents of a first aid kit. The following factors should be considered:

• Nature of the work.
• Hazards in the workplace and the likely risk that they will cause harm (low-risk and high-risk environments).
• Size of the company and number of employees.
• Company’s accident and incident history.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) ensures workplace safety by preventing workplace injuries and illnesses. HSE first aid kit requirements necessitate the inclusion of the following components in your first aid kit for both low-risk and high-risk environments.

Low-Risk Working Environments vs High-Risk Working Environments

The two categories of working settings are low-risk and high-risk. We’ll look at them and the first aid kit contents in this article.

Low-Risk Working Environments

A low-risk work environment is one in which the likelihood of suffering an injury or illness is low. Commercial establishments, such as offices, retail and convenience stores, bars and cafés, are all included in this category. Since work is not particularly hazardous and their staff numbers are often modest, it is easy for them to get medical attention when an accident occurs.

Low Risk First Aid Kit Contents According to HSE

• A leaflet that explains the basics of first aid- HSE offers a free aid leaflet that can be downloaded and printed out
• Plasters of different sizes that are wrapped and sterile
• Triangular bandages that are wrapped and sterile
• Disposable gloves
• Safety pins
• Sterile eye pads
• Wound and burn dressings

COVID-19 regulations require that first aid kits have hand sanitizers, face shields, and protective masks for first aid responders. It is critical to keep in mind that first aid kits should not contain drugs or tablets.

High-Risk Working Environments

Workers who work in high-risk environments are more likely to get hurt or ill than those who work in lower-risk environments. Professional kitchens, hazardous facilities, and construction sites are all included. First aid kits in such high-risk settings must be tailored to the unique hazards that the company faces.

Examples of Additional First Aid Kit Contents

• Disposable aprons
• Adhesive hypoallergenic microporous tape
• Sterile disposable tweezers
• Clothing shears
• Tourniquets
• Foil blankets
• Individually wrapped moist wipes

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Where Do I Need First Aid Kits?

Having suitable first aid provision ensures that employees receive immediate help in the event of an injury or ill health. You can find first aid kits in the following places:

• Office/Workplace
• Childcare
• Hospitality and Catering
• Construction and Vehicle
• Home
• Ambulance

Each industry has different first aid kit requirements. As employee populations and risk levels vary between sectors, there are special regulations and requirements to protect employees from work-related emergencies.

Vehicle First Aid Kit Requirements

A vehicle first aid kit is part of the basic equipment of every driver. It contains the most important materials and equips the driver for emergencies. British Standard BS 8599-2:2014 provides guidance on the size of first aid kits recommended for cars, depending on the number of passengers. In addition, BS 8599-1:2019 suggests that employers provide a medium-sized first aid kit for employees who travel or drive as part of their job.

Vehicle first aid kit essentials are:

• Clothing Cutters
• Burn Dressings
• Sterile Wipes
• Foil Blanket
• Face Shield
• Nitrile Gloves
• Washproof Plasters
• Triangular Bandage
• Trauma and Sterile Dressings

Construction Site First Aid Kit Requirements

The Construction industry is a high-risk industry. Construction workers are at risk of many serious injuries due to the harsh environment in which they work, the substances to which they are exposed, and the type of equipment they use. A first aid kit should therefore contain contents for high-risk environments.

In addition to the basic supplies, construction employers may consider equipping their first aid kits with such items as:

• Tourniquets for severe bleeding
• Alcohol-based disinfectant
• Finger bandages
• Saline eye wash capsules in case foreign objects or hazardous materials enter the eye
• Foil blankets for hypothermia and shock
• Hydrogel burn dressings and gels
• Clothing Cutters
• Clinical waste bags

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Where Can I Find Emergency First Aid at Work?

The first aid box should be placed at strategic points throughout the building, with posters directing visitors to the location of the kit and providing contact information for the first responder. Additionally, first aid kits should be placed near each workstation, and employees should be introduced to first responders. It’s also important to have a vehicle first aid kit on hand in case of an emergency.

How Many First Aid Kits Do I Need at Work?

According to BS 8599-1, every workplace should have at least one first aid kit of the appropriate size. These policies are adjusted to the needs of the organization based on the number of employees and potential hazards in the workplace.

Low-Risk Environments Should Adhere to the Following Guidelines:

• For more than 25 personnel, a single small kit is required.
• For companies with between 25 and 100 workers, one medium kit is required.
• A single large kit is needed for companies with more than 100 people.

For High-Risk Workplaces, the Following Rules Apply:

• A small kit is needed for fewer than five employees.
• One medium first aid kit is required for high-risk jobs with 5-25 personnel.
• A large first-aid package is essential for workplaces with more than 25 employees.

Monitoring First Aid Kits

Workplace first aid kit requirements recommend that the boxes be checked regularly. This ensures:

• No damage is done to the kit’s container or its first aid kit contents.
• Items that are sterile and have not expired can be used.
• The kits do not include any unapproved materials, such as pills.

How to Become a First Aider

Every workplace with more than five employees is required to have one adequately qualified first aider for every 50 workers. Given that first responders take holidays, sick leave, and even lunch breaks, organizations must have a backup first responder.

Numerous organizations provide a first aid course, and upon completion, first aiders are awarded first aid certificates. They are also reminded to take refresher first aid training. All first aiders must renew their certification. The cost of first aid courses is determined by the number of courses taken and the hazard level of your organization.

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Conclusion

First aid in the workplace is critical because it can mean the difference between life and death. Employers are legally required to offer adequate and suitable first aid materials to prevent injuries and diseases from worsening. All workplaces, regardless of size, are expected to keep at least one modest first aid box on hand.

Before deciding on the number of kits, their contents, or additional equipment, it is necessary to complete a first aid needs assessment. The kits must be compliant with BS 8599-1, and the supplies must meet the specifications.

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FAQ

What Are the Requirements for a First Aid Kit?

The requirements are the essential items that should be contained in a basic first aid pack like plasters, sterile gauze dressings, sterile eye dressings, triangular bandages, crepe rolled bandages, safety pins, disposable sterile gloves and tweezers.

What Are OSHA Requirements for First Aid?

OSHA compliance standards require different industries to provide first-aid training to their employees. Employers are also responsible for ensuring that medical personnel are available. In addition, businesses should have adequately trained first responders on hand in the event of an emergency.

Is It a Legal Requirement to Have a First Aid Kit?

Yes. Any business is required by law to have first aid arrangements. All businesses should offer adequate and suitable first aid supplies.

Where to Buy a First Aid Kit?

There are numerous vendors of first aid kits on the market, and it is crucial to buy from a reputable supplier, such as Safety First Aid, whose products comply with British Standard BS 8599-1.

What Are First Aid Kit Levels?

WorkSafeBC recognizes five levels of first aid equipment; personal first aid kit, basic first aid kit, level 1 first aid kit, level 2 first aid kit and level 3 first aid kit
The Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Guidelines list the minimum recommended contents for each level of first aid kit.

First aid kit. What you should always keep at hand – an article on the website Aptechestvo, Nizhny Novgorod

Everyone can suddenly feel bad, regardless of age, general health, occupation. Not only playful children, adults are also at risk of injury on a daily basis at home or at work. A first aid kit should be at hand in every home, car, office. After all, you don’t know where and when the malaise will overtake you. About what should be in the box with the red cross – in detail below.

Basic first aid kit:

• Antiseptics – iodine, brilliant green, hydrogen peroxide.

• A tourniquet for fixing blood vessels in case of bleeding.

• Dressings – cotton wool (cotton pads, swabs), sterile and elastic bandage, antiseptic plaster for cuts and medical for fixation.

• Gloves and masks.

• Scissors, tweezers, several syringes of various sizes, a thermometer.

• Panthenol (Bepanten, “Rescuer” and analogues) – anti-burn, wound healing agent.

• Pain reliever/antipyretic. paracetamol, ibupoprofen, eferalgan.

• Antispasmodics – no-shpa, spazmolgon.

• Remedies for intestinal disorders – Smecta, activated charcoal, Atoxil for diarrhea, Gutalax, glycerin suppositories for constipation.

• Moisturizing and vasoconstrictive nose drops – Nosol, Nazivin).

• Syrups, sprays and lozenges for sore throat and cough – Alteyka, Prospan, Septolete, Strepsils.

• Strong painkillers – Analgin, Ketanol, Nimesil (for toothache)

• Cardiac drugs – Validol, Corvalol, Nitroglycerin.

• Nimid in the form of an ointment as a remedy for joint and muscle pain.

• Antihistamines for allergies – Diphenhydramine, Suprastin.

• Ammonia for fainting.

Home first aid kit can be located wherever you want. Usually housewives place a drawer in the bathroom or in the kitchen, most importantly – in a place inaccessible to children and pets. In a car, a first-aid kit is usually located in the glove compartment, unless a special compartment is provided. At the enterprise, according to the law, a responsible person is appointed. This employee, if necessary, provides first aid to the injured.

If the enterprise is large, as well as the work team, there are several responsible persons. Their duties include monitoring the location of the first aid kit, its filling, using it for its intended purpose, as well as providing first aid.

What else is desirable to invest

The composition of the first aid kit is largely determined by its purpose. If we are talking about a first-aid kit in production, you need to consider:

• Kind of activity;

• The degree of risk of injury to employees;

• Their age, gender, features;

• Team size.

In schools, for example, there should be heart drugs that regulate blood pressure, sedatives, because in educational institutions most of the staff are of middle and retirement age. A tonometer will not be superfluous – a device for measuring pressure.

First aid kit for workers of industrial enterprises must contain in sufficient quantity:

• means of individual protection and hygiene;

• protective masks and masks for artificial respiration;

• gloves, bandages and dressings of various types;

• remedies for bruises, burns, inflammation;

• painkillers.

Violations of safety and hygiene requirements at work fall under criminal liability. Not having the most necessary home in case of misfortune is dangerous for the lives of those around you. If you find it difficult to independently form the necessary pharmacy kit, contact the Pharmacy. Here you will quickly pick up and buy everything you need at the best prices in Nizhny Novgorod.

First Aid Kits – First Aid

• First aid kit (car)

  Designed to provide first aid to victims of road traffic accidents (the new composition was approved by Order of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation dated October 8, 2020 No. 1080n “On Approval of the Requirements for Completing First Aid Kits with Medical Devices for Providing First Aid to Victims of Road Traffic Accidents (Automobile)”. The approved new composition of the first aid kit is designed to provide first aid in case of injuries and life-threatening conditions and is mandatory (replacement of first aid kit components is not allowed). At the same time, the driver may, at his discretion, additionally store medicines and medical products for personal use in the first-aid kit, taken by him independently or recommended by the attending physician and freely available in pharmacies.0003

• Composition “First Aid Kits for Employees”

  Approved by Order of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation dated December 15, 2020 N 1331n “On Approval of the Requirements for Completing First Aid Kits with Medical Devices for Employees”.