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The HSE does not publish a mandatory list of contents for first aid kits and does not endorse the use of particular products, which is why the first aid kit session covered by First Aid Training Courses is so useful.
For although it may seem fairly simple to establish a first aid kit, the contents can vary greatly depending on the type of work undertaken in the workplace. Kits should be established once a risk assessment has been undertaken in order to ensure that the contents are appropriate.
First aid kits also need managing. Some products will have use by dates that must be respected, while other items will need replenishing as they are used. The first aiders responsible for the first aid kit will need to ensure that staff members are aware of their existence and who to contact in the case of an emergency.
The HSE’s example of a first aid kit is below, although qualified first aiders will be well-equipped to ensure their first aid kit is well-stocked and adapted to their specific activity.
• a leaflet giving general guidance on first aid;
• 20 individually wrapped sterile plasters (assorted sizes), appropriate the type of work;
• two sterile eye pads;
• four individually wrapped triangular bandages, preferably sterile;
• six safety pins;
• two large, individually wrapped, sterile, non-medicated wound dressings;
• six medium-sized, individually wrapped, sterile, non-medicated wound dressings;
• a pair of disposable gloves.