WHAT YOU NEED IN A FIRST AID KIT
First aid kits can be a life-saving addition to residential, commercial and care environments. They contain a variety of items to help reduce chances of infection and limit bleeding and scarring. First aid kits are an essential part of providing care until the patient can be seen by a medical professional.
WHAT TYPES OF FIRST AID KITS ARE THERE?
There are various types of first aid kits, and each is suited to a specific situation or environment.
Family
With family first aid kits and specific options for children, keeping emergency medical supplies in your home or vehicle can help you to provide immediate care.
Business
First aid kits for business can be tailored to the environment they’re required for. As an example, our catering first aid kit includes burn dressings and blue detectable plasters that will be easily identifiable if they come loose.
Office environments and care facilities may benefit from a BSI workplace kit, which can cater for a larger number of people.
YOUR FIRST AID KIT CHECKLIST
There is a great selection of first aid kits available to buy. However, you may also choose to make your own or add to your existing kit to make it better suited to your specific requirements.
Our simple first aid checklist can help to ensure that you don’t forget the essentials, however you can also include additional medical supplies if required.
(1) Plasters
Plasters are an important item for a first aid kit, as they help to stem the flow of any blood loss, as well as keeping wounds dry clean and infection free. Plasters come in a variety of shapes and sizes, as well as being available in a strip where you can cut your own to suit the purpose.
We have a selection of plasters to suit different situations. For example, we supply waterproof, fabric and detectable designs.
(2) Bandages and Dressings
Triangular bandages are also commonly found in first aid kits, and these are designed to support shoulders, arms etc. Tubular bandages, however, are great for holding dressings in place on fingers.
Purchasing standard dressings bandages is an essential part of your first aid kit checklist. We recommend the sterile HSE dressings.
(3) Gloves
When treating wounds, protecting against infection is vital. Keeping sterile gloves in your first aid kit can help you to care for the patient, whilst reducing the risks of you further contaminating the area.
Our range of medical-grade gloves contains both latex and powdered options.
(4) Foil Blankets
Foil blankets can help with the treatment of injury and shock, retaining the patient’s body heat. They’re an extremely cost-effective addition to your kit, and they can be vital in life-threatening situations.
(5) Medical Tape
Medical tape can help to quickly fix bandages and dressings in place.
(6)Â Cleansing Wipes
Sterile cleansing wipes can help to effectively clean wounds that have broken the skin, without causing unnecessary discomfort to the patient.
(7) Medical Advice Leaflet
Including a leaflet that offers guidance on common first aid procedures and situations can help to provide the most effective care to the patient. For example, HSE also provides a printed version of their Basic Advice on First Aid at Work.
SHOULD I PURCHASE A READY MADE FIRST AID KIT OR MAKE MY OWN?
Purchasing a ready-made first aid kit can be much more practical, straightforward solution. You’re less likely to forget certain items, and it can help businesses to comply with relevant HSE regulations. For more advice, please don’t hesitate to contact our team today on 01423 873666.
