Emergencies can rear their ugly head at any given time. Because you can’t predict exactly when an accident might happen, the most important thing you can do is to be prepared. Whether you’re buying a first aid kit or assembling one yourself, it’s always good to know what tools, products and supplies you should stock up on in the event of a mishap.
Emergencies can rear their ugly head at any given time. Because you can’t predict exactly when an accident might happen, the most important thing you can do is to be prepared. Whether you’re buying a first aid kit or assembling one yourself, it’s always good to know what tools, products and supplies you should stock up on in the event of a mishap.
Recommended first aid kit contents
When shopping for a first aid kit, choose a large, translucent, plastic container, so the supplies are clearly visible for easy identification. It is also good to keep the supplies sorted in separate zip-close bags. The aid kit and supplies should be packaged and stored to ensure that they stand up to damage from heat, damp or dust. It should be clearly labelled with a white cross on a green background and easy to access.
Here’s a quick list of the recommended first aid supplies that you should have in your first aid kit:
- Adhesive plasters
- Sterile eye pads
- Individually wrapped triangular bandages
- Safety pins
- Sterile unmedicated wound dressings
- Disinfectant wipes
- Paramedic shears
- Examination gloves
- Sterile water
- Pocket face mask
- Water based burns dressing large
- Crepe brandage
The above list provides a general guide on the recommended contents for first aid boxes and kits. You can find out more on the exact quantities and additional specifications required for first aid kits at work on our recent blog post about HSA first aid kit requirements.
Should I stock up on some medicines?
Apart from the above supplies, it would also be advisable to have a few medicines alongside your first aid supply kit. Here’s a quick list of some of the more common ones to consider:
- Anti-diarrhoea medication
- Over-the-counter oral antihistamine
- Aspirin and non-aspirin pain relievers
- Calamine lotion
- Over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream
- Syringe, medicine cup or spoon
This list needs a bit of personalisation depending on the size of your household, your access to medical assistance, where you live (urban or rural) and other factors. Always keep track of medication and their expiration dates. It is good to have a written list of the medicines and their expiration dates. It just makes it easier to refill the used up ones and replace the expired medicines. Maybe once every three months, verify the dates and replace and refill the medicines.
Safety considerations
If you have young kids at home, it is important to have a separate first aid kit for your car with the basic essentials, and if you are a frequent traveller, you should have an additional first aid travel kit. It is important to make sure any younger members of your household know where the first aid supplies are stored. If they are very young then it goes without saying that they shouldn’t be able to access it easily, and the dangers associated with taking or applying the wrong medication should be clearly explained to them.
Your home of first aid supplies online in Ireland
At Martin Services we have a wide range of first aid kits and first aid supplies to provide the best possible level of safety and comfort for you and your family. Browse through our collection and order today for delivery to anywhere in the Ireland! And if you are in doubt about what size or type of first aid supplies you require, just contact us to discuss a fully tailored package to your needs.
