Types of First Aid Kit Equipment and Their Uses
No matter what your situation, putting together a first aid kit is a must if you want to keep yourself, your loved ones, or your staff safe. Equipment used in first aid can help to fully treat minor injuries on the spot without needing to go to the doctor, help to manage injuries so damage is minimised later, and even save lives.
So what are the types of first aid supplies? This guide will help you identify first aid equipment needed for your kit and detail the safe use of first aid equipment.
Read our Definitive First Aid Equipment Checklist to see some comprehensive first aid kit contents lists to follow when making yours.
Containers
A container is necessary to keep your first aid items clean and in good condition until you need to use them. A first aid container should also keep first aid supplies organised into separate areas. This will help keep specific categories of items, like bandages and dressings, separate from other items, making them easier to locate.
- Depending on your needs, a first aid container can be a protective hard shell box or a compact soft case.
- You may also need a wall bracket, especially if you’re sourcing first aid items for a workplace.
- Workplaces could also benefit from first aid kit stations, so supplies are easy to find and use quickly.
Read our article Warehouse Signage and First Aid: UK Legislation Business Owners Need to Know to find out what first aid signage you need in your warehouse, factory, or plant.
Dressings
At the very minimum, a first aid kit is used to treat minor wounds like cuts and grazes. Having an assortment of wound dressings in your kit is important to deal with wounds in a wide range of severities. Here are some we recommend.
It’s always good to have some sterile dressings in your first aid kit to care for wounds with a high risk of infection.
A round dressing with a strap attached to it, designed to be put over an eye and held in place with the strap to protect an injured eye.
A double-sided dressing that won’t adhere to the wound bed, keeping it protected and maintaining a moist environment.
A dressing impregnated with a sterile water-based gel that cools, soothes, and promotes healing with antibacterial actives.
A small dressing designed to wrap about the finger.
An assortment of large and small plasters may be the most used item in your first aid kit. Plasters should ideally be hypoallergenic and water-resistant. If you run a food handling business and need a kitchen first aid kit, you may need blue plasters.
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Bandages
Bandages can be used to hold dressings in place, provide added support, cushioning, and protection, and compress swollen soft tissue injuries.
A lightweight bandage with flexibility and stretch that easily hold dressings in place and gently compress.
A multifunctional woven or non-woven bandage that can be used to immobilise an injured limb, bandage a wound, and even as a makeshift tourniquet.
Infection Control
Infection control is vital in first aid. Ensure you maintain a hygienic environment when cleaning and treating a wound. Keeping your hands clean and cleaning wounds should be the first step in dealing with injuries.
Disposable vinyl gloves protect your hands from coming into direct contact with bodily fluids and prevent the transfer of bacteria to an open wound.
Sterile wipes can be used to clean wounds before dressing them.
When you don’t have access to a sink with running water and soap, hand sanitiser is a good way to disinfect your hands.
Use ampoules of sterile wound wash solution to dislodge dirt and clean wounds before dressing them.
Bandaging and Dressing Tools
Tools and supplies to ensure you can clean and properly dress wounds.
Versatile and useful for fixing and fastening bandages, including triangular bandages.
A porous tape that holds dressings and bandages to the skin and is easy and painless to remove.
For precisely removing grit from wounds to thoroughly clean them before dressing.
Tuff cut scissors capable of cutting through thick layers of fabric and seatbelts as well as bandage rolls and cutting dressings to size.
Visit our
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Find everything you need, from first aid kits, plasters & bandages to hot & cold therapy.
Other Essentials
First aid essentials that make an excellent addition to any kit, helping to deliver life-saving medical attention.
An endothermic ice pack that negates the need for a freezer. Used to soothe painful soft tissue injuries and reduce swelling.
A compact and insulating foil blanket to help deal with exposure and keep a casualty warm if they are in shock.
A leaflet showing how to carry out essential first aid such as CPR can be the difference between life and death for someone. You may also need an accident report book.
A valved face shield designed to provide protection from direct skin-to-skin contact when performing mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
Read our blog for expert guidance on first aid legal requirements, provisions, and practices for business and personal use.
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