Types of First Aid Kits

Having a good first aid kit is essential for any office or restaurant. First aid can help people treat minor injuries or buy you valuable time in an emergency when you’re waiting for professional medical care. Additionally, having a first aid kit and staff trained in first aid is an OSHA requirement for most industries. Read on to learn more about how to pick the best first aid kit for your business.

First Aid Kit Purchasing Considerations

There are four important factors to consider when purchasing a first aid kit: the intended use of the first aid kit, the quantity and type of supplies within the first aid kit, type of first aid kit container, and the necessary information in each first aid kit. By taking these into consideration you will know what should be in a first aid kit for your business. Having the incorrect supplies in a first aid kit may mean that you don’t have the necessary supplies to properly treat an injury.

1.

First Aid Kit Size and Intended Use

The size of the first aid kit you need will depend upon the number of people working in a facility and the types of injuries that are expected to arise. Having a kit that is too simple or small for your operation may mean you don’t have the necessary supplies to treat an employee’s injury or illness. A first aid kit that is too large and complex may mean that supplies expire before they are used, thus wasting money.

For example, an office that has a few employees may only need a small and simple first aid kit to treat minor injuries such as headaches, nausea, and paper cuts. Large commercial kitchens or manufacturing facilities will require larger, more complex first aid kits that have supplies to treat more serious injuries such as burns, cuts from blades, and mild to moderate pain. If a cardiac emergency arises, having an AED (automated external defibrillator) can save lives, so we recommend investing in one even though they aren’t a required first aid kit item.

Regardless of the size of the kit or number of people who may use it, all general first aid kits should include the following types of supplies:

• Antiseptics: used to clean wounds and destroy disease-causing microorganisms
• Bandages: used to cover wounds and control bleeding
• Medicines: used to treat common ailments such as stomach aches, allergies, and pain
• Basic Medical Tools: include simple tools such as tweezers to remove splinters, trauma shears to cut gauze and bandages, and a thermometer to check patient temperature
• Injury Treatment Supplies: include supplies such as an instant hot or cold pack to reduce swelling, antibiotic ointment to inhibit infection, bandages to control bleeding and cover cuts, and burn creams and sprays to treat and minimize the damage from burns.

2. First Aid Kit Classifications

The classification of a first aid kit will depend on the quantity of first aid supplies, the variety of supplies in the kit, and the kit’s intended use. These standards are maintained by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the International Safety Equipment Association.

There are two first aid kit classifications: Class A and Class B. Additionally, there are many first aid kits that do not fall within these classifications because the quantity of supplies or their intended use.

Class A First Aid Kits Definition:
Class A first aid kits provide a basic range of products to deal with very common injuries such as small cuts, abrasions, and minor burns. Therefore, Class A first aid kits are good choices for low population and low-risk workplaces such as offices.

Class B First Aid Kits Definition:
Class B first aid kits provide a broader range and greater number of supplies to handle workplace injuries. Because of this, Class B first aid kits are the best choice for highly populated, complex, or high-risk workplaces.

Required First Aid Kit Supplies for Class A and Class B First Aid Kits

First Aid Supply	Minimum Quantity and Size	Used For
Adhesive Bandages	Minimum Quantity for Class A First Aid Kits: 16 Minimum Quantity for Class B First Aid Kits: 50 Minimum Size or Volume: 1″ x 3″	Covering open wounds Controlling bleeding wounds
Adhesive Tape	Minimum Quantity for Class A First Aid Kits: 1 Minimum Quantity for Class B First Aid Kits: 2 Minimum Size or Volume: 7 1/2′	Holding bandages or dressings on wounds
Antibiotic Ointment	Minimum Quantity for Class A First Aid Kits: 10 Minimum Quantity for Class B First Aid Kits: 25 Minimum Size or Volume: 1/57 fl. oz.	Preventing infections in minor cuts, scrapes, or burns Cleansing wounds prior to applying a bandage
Antiseptic	Minimum Quantity for Class A First Aid Kits: 10 Minimum Quantity for Class B First Aid Kits: 50 Minimum Size or Volume: 1/57 fl. oz.	Destroying microorganism growth Cleansing wounds prior to applying a bandage
Breathing Barrier	Minimum Quantity for Class A First Aid Kits: 1 Minimum Quantity for Class B First Aid Kits: 1	Creating a sanitary barrier between patient’s and rescuer’s mouths during CPR and rescue breathing
Gel Soaked Burn Dressing	Minimum Quantity for Class A First Aid Kits: 1 Minimum Quantity for Class B First Aid Kits: 2 Minimum Size or Volume: 4″ x 4″	Treating burns Helping with pain associated with burn
Burn Treatment	Minimum Quantity for Class A First Aid Kits: 10 Minimum Quantity for Class B First Aid Kits: 25 Minimum Size or Volume: 1/32 oz.	Treating burns Helping with pain associated with burn
Cold Pack	Minimum Quantity for Class A First Aid Kits: 1 Minimum Quantity for Class B First Aid Kits: 2 Minimum Size or Volume: 4″ x 5″	Reducing swelling Cooling burns to reduce damage done to soft tissue
Eye Covering (with attachment)	Minimum Quantity for Class A First Aid Kits: 2 Minimum Quantity for Class B First Aid Kits: 2 Minimum Size or Volume: 2.9 square inches	Bandaging an injured eye
Eye/Skin Wash	Minimum Quantity for Class A First Aid Kits: 1 fl. oz. total Minimum Quantity for Class B First Aid Kits: 4 fl. oz. total	Removing contaminants and irritants from the eyes and skin
First Aid Guide	Minimum Quantity for Class A First Aid Kits: 1 Minimum Quantity for Class B First Aid Kits: 1	Providing instruction for proper use of first aid supplies
Hand Sanitizer	Minimum Quantity for Class A First Aid Kits: 6 Minimum Quantity for Class B First Aid Kits: 10 Minimum Size or Volume: 1/32 oz.	Killing germs and microorganisms on hands after caring for patient
Medical Exam Gloves	Minimum Quantity for Class A First Aid Kits: 2 pairs Minimum Quantity for Class B First Aid Kits: 4 pairs	Providing body substance isolation to protect rescuer from contacting blood borne pathogens from patient
2″ Rolled Bandage	Minimum Quantity for Class A First Aid Kits: 1 Minimum Quantity for Class B First Aid Kits: 2 Minimum Size or Volume: 2″ x 12′	Controlling bleeding and absorbing bodily fluids from wounds Covering antibiotic and antiseptics that have been applied to wounds
4″ Rolled Bandage	Minimum Quantity for Class A First Aid Kits: N/A Minimum Quantity for Class B First Aid Kits: 1 Minimum Size or Volume: 4″ x 12′	Controlling bleeding and absorbing bodily fluids from wounds Covering antibiotic and antiseptics that have been applied to wounds
Scissors	Minimum Quantity for Class A First Aid Kits: 1 Minimum Quantity for Class B First Aid Kits: 1	Cutting bandages to the proper size
Splint	Minimum Quantity for Class A First Aid Kits: 0 Minimum Quantity for Class B First Aid Kits: 1 Minimum Size or Volume: 4 1/2″ x 24″	Supporting and protecting broken bones
Sterile Pad	Minimum Quantity for Class A First Aid Kits: 2 Minimum Quantity for Class B First Aid Kits: 4 Minimum Size or Volume: 3″ x 3″	Controlling bleeding and absorbing bodily fluids from wounds Covering antibiotic and antiseptics that have been applied to wounds
Tourniquet	Minimum Quantity for Class A First Aid Kits: 0 Minimum Quantity for Class B First Aid Kits: 1 Minimum Size or Volume: 1″ wide	Constricting and compressing veins and arteries to control bleeding Should only be used for serious, life threatening bleeds
Trauma Pad	Minimum Quantity for Class A First Aid Kits: 2 Minimum Quantity for Class B First Aid Kits: 4 Minimum Size or Volume: 5″ x 9″	Extremely absorbent bandage for treating large wounds
Triangular Bandage	Minimum Quantity for Class A First Aid Kits: 1 Minimum Quantity for Class B First Aid Kits: 2 Minimum Size or Volume: 40″ x 40″ x 56″	Slinging and swathing limbs Wrapping around wounds to make a large pressure bandage

Types of First Aid Kit Containers

First aid kit containers are classified by their portability, resistance to water, corrosion, and impacts, and their ability to be mounted in a single location. There are four different types of first aid kit containers.

Type of First Aid Kit Container	Portable and Mounting Requirements	Other Notes
Type I	Intended to be stationary or mounted	For general indoor use, office settings, or manufacturing facilities Best for areas where the chance for damaging the contents from environmental exposure or rough handling is low
Type II	Portable and should have a carrying handle	For indoor use such as office settings or manufacturing facilities Best for areas where the chance for damaging the contents from environmental exposure or rough handling is low. Generally smaller and less expensive than other first aid kits
Type III	Portable with a mounting option	For mobile, indoor, and sheltered outdoor use Should have a water resistant seal For areas where the chance for damage from the environment is not probable.
Type IV	Portable but must have a mounting option	For mobile industries, indoor, and outdoor use. Commonly found in construction, utility industry, and transportation industry Must be waterproof For areas where damage from environment and rough handling is likely Meets special performance requirements for corrosion, moisture, and impact resistance

First Aid Kit Information

Because of the varying degrees of first aid training among staff, including an information card on how to treat basic injuries and illnesses should be included with first aid kits. These instructions should be easy to read and understand, include diagrams or pictures to help visualize first aid treatment skills, and cover usage instructions for all the supplies contained within the first aid kit.

Most pre-assembled first aid kits include this information in a booklet or pamphlet. If you add supplemental information to your first aid kits, make sure that it is from a credible source such as ANSI or ISEA. Regularly checking information contained in the first aid kits is necessary to make sure that it up to date with the latest medical best practices.

The following information is great to include inside a first aid kit or as a poster near the first aid station:

• How to perform the Heimlich maneuver
• Instructions on how to perform CPR
• Directions for controlling bleeding
• How to immobilize a broken limb
• Ways to treat stings and bites
• First aid kit list of supplies

Other Types of First Aid Kits

First Aid Burn Relief Kits

Burn relief kits contain all the supplies necessary to treat burn injuries. Proper use of burn supplies help reduce patient pain as well as minimize scarring. Most burn kits contain ointment to sterilize the burned area and reduce pain, burn dressings and gauze to cover burns, and burn gel to cool the burned area and promote healing.

First Aid Emergency Kits

Emergency kits contain the necessary first aid supplies to handle most common first aid injuries and illnesses as well as some additional supplies which can be helpful in survival, search and rescue, or disaster events.

In addition to medical supplies, these kits may include rescue supplies such as whistles, flashlights, food and water ration packets, and emergency blankets. Emergency kits generally come in large duffel bag style containers with carrying straps, secure closure buckles, and reflective emblems for visibility.

First Aid Travel Kits

First aid travel kits generally come in a small container size making them perfect for placing in vehicles or luggage. These kits have fewer first aid supplies than other types of first aid kits as their main purpose is to be a compact first aid kit used to treat minor injuries or illnesses.

Travel kits come in a variety of containers too. Some come in plastic or metal cases that can be mounted inside cars. Others are small, zippered cases that are perfect for sliding in a glove compartment or suitcase.

Frequently Asked Questions About First Aid Kits

Do I need to consult a physician or medical professional to approve first aid supplies in my business?

According to OSHA regulation 29 CFR 1910.151, first aid kits and first aid supplies do not need to be approved by a physician prior to use in a business. It is recommended to have the kits and supplies be selected by someone who is both competent in first aid and aware of the hazards found in that workplace.

Should first aid kits be regularly inspected to ensure the contents are complete and up to date?

Yes, first aid kits should be routinely inspected to make sure that they are not missing supplies or have medicines that are out of date. Additionally, the contents list for the first aid kit should also be reviewed to make sure the kit still meets the needs of the workplace.

Can over-the-counter medicines be put in first aid kits?

If over-the-counter medicines are put in first aid kits they should be in single-dose, tamper-evident packages and labeled per FDA requirements. Products known to cause drowsiness should not be included in first aid kits.

Types of First Aid Kits

With so many medical supplies that are useful for treating various injuries, ailments, and medical afflictions, the potential for variation among first aid kits is practically infinite. However, there are also several descriptors that are broadly applied to types of first aid kits. These are the first aid kit classes (Class A and Class B) and the four types of first aid kits (Type I-IV). 

Here at ProStat First Aid, we offer first aid kits of every type and class. Our kits are designed for quality and reliability, and we also offer custom first aid kits that include your own logo and branding. You can learn more about the types of first aid kits below. If you have any questions, please reach out to us! And for a complete list of our first aid kit offerings here at ProStat, we invite you to take a look at our product catalog. <link to catalog>

Class A and Class B First Aid Kits

One key way that first aid kits differ from one another is their class. First aid kits come in two classes, Class A and Class B. The minimum required contents for both classes of first aid kit, as defined by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA), can be found at this link.

Class A

The Class A first aid kit <link to Class A page> is intended for the treatment of common minor injuries, including burns, cuts, scrapes, splinters, and stings. This makes them ideal for workplaces and other environments where the chances of major injuries are relatively low. They may be found in office settings as well as locations such as a hotel, church, or school.

Class B

The Class B first aid kit is for higher-risk work environments where injuries are more common or life-threatening injuries are more likely. Class B kits contain medical supplies above and beyond that of a Class A first aid kit, such as a padded splint and tourniquet. These first aid kits are typically found in areas such as factories, warehouses, construction sites, or outdoor workplaces.

Types of First Aid Kits

In addition to the two major classes of first aid kits, there are also four general types that first aid kits can fall into. The “type” of a first aid kit depends primarily on the durability and portability of the kit. Different environments can be more or less harsh for equipment such as first aid kits; for instance, a first aid kit is much more likely to be damaged on a construction site than in a traditional office.

The four basic types are:

• Type I  – Designed for indoor use in settings where damage potential is minimal. Not portable. 

• Type II – Designed for indoor use in settings where damage potential is minimal. Portable. 

• Type III – Intended for use in settings where there is some risk of damage due to environmental factors. Should have a water-resistant seal and be able to be mounted. 

• Type IV – Built for use in harsher environments and settings where the potential for damage due to environmental factors is significant. Fully portable.

ProStat Can Help Determine the Right First Aid Kit for You!

With so many types of first aid kits available, choosing the right one for your workplace, business, or property may seem like a daunting task. Each industry and workplace has unique demands, and some are even subject to OSHA requirements and other regulations. 

That’s where the experts at ProStat First Aid come in! Our friendly service staff has many years of experience in the first aid industry, and we’re standing by to put our knowledge to work for you. We can help determine which type of first aid kit is best and answer any other questions you may have about our process, custom first aid kits, or any other topic. Get in touch with us today to get started!

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 a first aid kit with medical products for 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 the components of the first aid kit 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 that he takes independently or recommended by the attending physician and freely available in pharmacies.

• 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”. The first aid kit contains all the necessary tools with which you can provide first aid in organizations, enterprises, etc. The first aid kit must be replenished as its components are used up and/or their expiration date has expired.

These first-aid kits include the following components:

In the Russian Federation, several more compositions of first-aid kits and packs have been approved that can be used by special groups of first aid participants (employees of the Russian Emergencies Ministry, the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs, Russian Railways, etc.) when they perform professional responsibilities.

Hemostatic tourniquet (designed to stop severe arterial bleeding)

Sterile and non-sterile medical gauze bandages of various sizes (intended for applying various dressings and fixing injured limbs)

Sterile dressing bag (intended for applying bandages for wounds)

Sterile medical gauze wipes (used to close wounds when applying bandages)

Bactericidal adhesive plaster (used to close minor wounds, abrasions, scratches)

Roll adhesive plaster (intended for fixing dressings)

Mouth-Device-Mouth Resuscitation Device (used during cardiopulmonary resuscitation to reduce the risk of infection for both the first responder and the victim, reduces disgust)

Scissors (used to open packages and dressings, if necessary, can be used to cut the victim’s clothing to facilitate access to injured areas of the body)

Medical gloves (used to protect the first aid participant from contact with the victim’s blood and other body fluids to reduce the risk of infection)

Antiseptic wipes made of paper textile-like material, sterile alcohol (only in the first aid kit for workers – used to treat areas of the skin of a person providing assistance, contaminated with blood and other biological fluids of the victim)

Medical 3-layer mask of non-woven material with elastic bands or ties (only in the first aid kit for workers – used to reduce the risk of infection of the person providing first aid)

Isothermal rescue blanket (only in the first aid kit for workers – used to wrap the victim with a severe injury or hypothermia with the silver side to the body in order to keep warm and warm the victim)

Steel safety pins with a spiral (only in the first aid kit assistance to workers – used to secure bandages and improvised materials when applying bandages and immobilizing limbs)

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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.