First Aid Kits - What To Look For In A Kit

Here is a list of the most important items that your first aid kit should contain. This should mean that you are ready for any situation which may occur. Keep this list in mind when purchasing a First Aid Kit for the first time or when you are stocking up on items in the future. You can find our range of First Aid Kits HERE.

The quantity of items is suggested as the minimum you should have in your kit at any one time, so you may need to increase this for the number of children in your care, and replace items as soon as they are used.

1 – Leaflet giving general guidance on first aid.

1 – Protective face shield for performing CPR.

20 – Individually wrapped adhesive dressings or plasters of assorted size. Only use hypo-allergenic plasters for children, and blue coloured plasters for food handlers.

2 – Sterile eye pads.

4 – Triangular bandages.

6 – Medium wound dressings (approx 12cm x 12cm) individually wrapped.

2 – Large wound dressing (approx 18cm x 18cm) individually wrapped.

5 – Low adherent dressing. (approx 5cm x 5cm) They have a perforated plastic surface which reduces the likelihood of its sticking to the clotting blood. A popular brand is Melolin.

5 – Low adherent dressings (approx 10cm x 10cm) as above.

1 - Roll of hypo-allergenic tape. This can be used to hold a dressing in place or fasten a bandage.

3 – Pairs of disposable gloves.

1 – Pair of scissors, with a rounded edge.

10 – Sterile gauze swabs, approx 5cm x 5cm, for cleaning a wound. Don't use cotton wool because it can eave small particles in the wound.

1 – Finger bandage and applicator.

If you have no clean tap water (e.g. On a day trip)

1 Litre of sterile water for cleaning wounds, washing eyes or immediate treatment of burns.
 

Tips

Do not put sprays, antiseptic wipes, creams, lotions, tablets or medicines in a first aid kit intended for use on children.

Your first aid kit should be easily located by adults, and clearly identified by a white cross on a green background. The contain should protect the contents from dust and damp.