First Aid Kits.... important things to remember

As the population becomes ever vigilant in terms of making sure that everyone is safe, First Aid kits can be seen almost wherever we go.  The increase in population, and the more movement that we as individuals are afforded, the more the likelihood you will be to find a First Aid Kit, whether it be in a public place or in a workplace.  It is absolutely best practice to make sure that at the very least there is a first aid kit.

View Astral Hygiene’s full range of First Aid Kits here.

Differing work environments have different requirements in terms of the first aid kits that need to be on site to comply with health and safety.  For instance in an environment where there are heated equipment (fryers, ovens, grills) you will require a Burn First Aid Kit, which contains burn stop dressings, burn dressings etc – which will allow you to treat the burn in the best possible way. 

In a domestic kitchen, you’ll now find more often than not a first aid kit which would contain blue plasters, sterile wipes and a first aid dressing.  You can also get car first aid kits which are becoming ever popular.

One of the most crucial facts to remember when keeping a First Aid Kit is that if unused for a long time, the contents in the kit may become less effective. Not only should you be making sure your First Aid kit is up to date with the latest equipment but the contents should be checked on a regular basis (at least annually) & any components replaced when used up or in short supply.

The most important reason that First Aid kits need to be regularly checked is that First Aid kits do expire.  For example sterile eye washes do have a shelf life, and it would be very remiss to be squirting an out of date solution in to ones’ eye. Having an average shelf life of 3-5 years, whoever is checking your First Aid kit should always take note of the date by which it’s contents need to be replenished.

 When deciding where your First Aid kit should be stored, remember that ease of immediate access is key. Both in a home or work space, a wall mount for your kit is most ideal. It’s practical, as it saves space, & it can be found & accessed within seconds. If that isn’t possible, an easily accessible above-counter top or a space under a cupboard is also satisfactory. All workplace training for new staff must cover the location & accessibility of the First Aid kit.

Astral Hygiene do sell a variety of First Aid Kits, which you can find here, and we also sell replenishments, so when you are checking your first aid kit, keep us in mind to keep  it stocked up so that you can keep everyone safe.

We suggest that a first-aid kit for a small first aid kit which would be suitable for offices/shops of under 10 people would need: 

• 2 absorbent compress dressings (5 x 9 inches)
• 25 adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)
• 1 adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 inch)
• 5 antibiotic ointment packets
• 5 antiseptic wipe packets
• 2 packets of aspirin (81 mg each)
• 1 emergency blanket
• 1 breathing barrier (with one-way valve)
• 1 instant cold compress
• 2 pair of nonlatex gloves (size: large)
• 2 hydrocortisone ointment packets
• 1 3-inch gauze roll (roller) bandage
• 1 roller bandage (4 inches wide)
• 5 3 x 3-inch sterile gauze pads
• 5 sterile gauze pads (4 x 4 inches)
• A thermometer (non-mercury/non-glass)
• 2 triangular bandages
• Tweezers

Remove, throw away, or use and replace any supplies before they expire. Set a calendar reminder on your smartphone to update the supplies in your kit every six months and/or as the healthcare needs of your family/office/shop change.