First aid kits are designed to provide immediate care in case of minor injuries and emergencies until professional medical help arrives. However, it's crucial to understand the limitations of these kits and how you can enhance them to better suit your specific needs.

Understanding the Purpose of First Aid Kits

First aid kits are intended to handle minor injuries and stabilise patients for up to 12-15 minutes, assuming you are within that distance from an ambulance. These are not survival kits meant to fully manage severe emergencies but are crucial in providing initial care until professional treatment is available.

While standard first aid kits meet WorkSafe or New Zealand health and safety guidelines, you might want to customise your kit based on specific scenarios you commonly face. For instance, sports activities, workplaces, or homes with children may require additional supplies.

Common Additions to First Aid Kits

Basic Medicines

First aid kits do not include basic medicines like Panadol, Aspirin, and antihistamine tablets. Adding these can be incredibly useful for treating minor pains and allergic reactions, making your kit more comprehensive for daily use.

For Sports-Related Injuries

If you're frequently involved in sports, consider adding extra bandages and instant ice packs to your kit. These items are low-cost but essential for treating common sports injuries like sprains and bruises. Find here.

For Childcare Settings

Parents and childcare centres should consider adding a digital ear thermometer to their first aid kits. This ensures you can safely take children’s temperatures when needed.

Essential Household Medicines

Workplaces and homes should keep a register of critical medicines. For instance, having an EpiPen in your kit is crucial if someone has severe allergies. Some workplaces also choose to upgrade their kits with an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) for cardiac emergencies.

For Outdoor Activities

If you spend a lot of time outdoors, consider adding items like insect repellent, sunscreen, a whistle, a multi-tool, and a flashlight to your first aid kit. These items are essential for addressing common outdoor challenges and ensuring your safety in various situations.

Importance of Regularly Checking Your First Aid Kit

Know What’s in the Kit

Getting to know your first aid kit's contents can significantly impact the outcome of an incident. It's important to make sure your first aid officers (and as many team members as possible) are well-acquainted with the kit's contents and their usage. Ensure the kit contains clear instructions in a language everyone can understand (as all Meditrain kits do).

First aid kits tend to be used more frequently than we realise. Sometimes minor incidents don't get reported or logged, and sometimes items are simply taken. This casual use can lead to a depletion of essentials, leaving the kit understocked when a serious situation arises.

It's also essential to regularly restock your first aid kit and check expiration dates. Even if you haven't used the items, they can degrade over time. Ensure all components are within their use-by dates to guarantee they are sterile and effective when needed.

Customising and maintaining your first aid kit can significantly enhance its effectiveness. Assess your specific needs and make appropriate additions to ensure you are well-prepared for various emergencies, whether at home, work, or during sports activities.

Our final advice: 

Take one of MediTrain’s comprehensive first aid courses so you are prepared for any emergency and know what to do if an accident happens.