Important Tips for When you Need to Restock your First Aid Kit

Check expiry dates

Some of the items in a first aid kit have expiry dates, and they should be inspected routinely by a designated staff member who has a valid nationally accredited first-aid certificate. Expired products need to be disposed of, and any that are close to their expiry should be reordered so that when they do expire, they can be swapped out straight away. For your first aid kit at home, you can simply check the expiry of the items yourself and purchase replacements when needed.

Replace stock immediately after use

There’s no point in having a first aid kit if it doesn’t contain the necessary contents that you need to help someone. If you’ve used something out of the kit, it needs to be replaced immediately. A workplace should always have spare items for replenishing when needed, and it should be noted when stock is getting low so that more can be ordered.

If contents in the kit have been contaminated or damaged

If any of the first aid contents packaging is opened, it’s considered contaminated and it shouldn’t be used. The same applies if they have been exposed to potentially hazardous pathogens or bodily fluids such as blood, and sufficient sterilisation cannot be carried out in accordance with AS/NZS 4815:2006.

Ensure your kit is fit for the working environment

Some work environments are more high-risk than others, and the first aid kits need to be catered to suit. For example, a workplace that sees workers exposed to potential high-risk hazards is more likely to need a comprehensive kit whereas a small office with only a couple of staff may only need a basic first aid kit as their risk level is low.

Maintain the kit

The style of first aid kit you have will depend on the place that it will be used. There are various types, from wall mounted to travel kits and everything in between. One thing they have in common is that they protect the contents from dust, dirt, and moisture. It’s important that your first aid kit is intact and in proper working order. If it doesn’t protect the items inside, they can get damaged, and you may not be able to use them when you need to. The kit should be inspected regularly, and if it is broken in any way and risks contamination to the contents, you should replace it as soon as you can.

Consider changes in staff levels and the level of risk in the workplace

Safe Work Australia states that all staff should have access to a first aid kit. If your workplace has recently hired quite a few extra staff members or you now perform more risky duties, your first aid needs to be updated to reflect that.

Going to a remote area

If you’re going away camping or moving to an area that is remote and puts you at higher risk of injury due to the conditions, you should update your kit accordingly. While you may already have a first aid kit at home, does it have snake bandages or a thermal blanket in it? While we hope to never have to use our first aid kits, having the right products on hand can provide peace of mind.

Only high-quality products should be used

To ensure your first aid kit is safe to use, make sure that you are only sourcing and using products that are designed for administering first aid. Using items that you have made up yourself or aren’t up to standard, may see the injury worsen and the risk of infection is increased.

Remove any items that shouldn’t be in the first aid kit

What’s not supposed to be in your first aid kit is just as important as what’s supposed to be in there. At home, you can customise your first aid kit to suit you and your families health needs however, a workplace first aid kit should only contain the items that come with it. Medications or prescriptions shouldn’t ever be left in the first aid kit. If they are, ensure they are removed to prevent an illness or injury from occurring.

Here are some basics every first aid kit should have

The riskier your environment, whether it’s at work or home, the more comprehensive your kit will need to be to accommodate. Here are some basics that all kits should contain:

1. Dressing pads
2. Bandages in a variety of sizes and shapes, including stretch and non-stretch
3. Medical-grade scissors
4. Medical-grade tweezers
5. Disposable gloves
6. A selection of Band-Aids
7. Antiseptic ointment, liquid, or spray
8. Alcohol wipes
9. Medical tape
10. Eye pads
11. Saline satchels
12. Cold packs
13. Disposable CPR mask
14. Hand sanitiser
15. First aid booklet
16. Notepad and pen

First aid kits should be easily recognised with a big cross on the front of them. Ensure everyone knows where the first aid kit is kept and that everyone in the home or workplace can access it.

If you are unsure of what kind of first aid your workplace requires to be compliant, you can get all the information you need on this topic at the Safe Work Australia website. For at home, you can purchase pre-made kits in various sizes and price points. For all your first aid kit supplies, check out our vast selection here at The First Aid Shop, we have kits for every setting.