Contents of a basic first aid kit
What should a basic first aid kit contain?
Obviously not all accidents and emergencies happen in an environment where there is a first aid kit to hand. But some do! Therefore it’s important to be as prepared as possible. The contents of a first aid kit will vary slightly depending on the particular setting but in general there are some important components which every first aid kit is likely to contain. NHS Choices website (a reliable source of medical information) recommends that a basic first aid kit should probably contain the following:
- plasters in a variety of different sizes and shapes
- small, medium and large sterile gauze dressings
- at least two sterile eye dressings
- triangular bandages
- crêpe rolled bandages
- safety pins
- disposable sterile gloves
- tweezers
- scissors
- alcohol-free cleansing wipes
- sticky tape
- thermometer (preferably digital)
- skin rash cream, such as hydrocortisone or calendula
- cream or spray to relieve insect bites and stings
- antiseptic cream
- painkillers such as paracetamol (or infant paracetamol for children), aspirin (not to be given to children under 16), or ibuprofen
- cough medicine
- antihistamine tablets
- distilled water for cleaning wounds
- eye wash and eye bath
- first aid manual
Information copied from NHS Choices
Can you think of anything else that you might need?
Basic First Aid: How to Be an Everyday Hero
Basic First Aid: How to Be an Everyday Hero
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