The First Aid Kit Checklist:

A first aid kit is not just a box or bag with plasters and wipes inside; it is a crucial piece of equipment that can mean the difference between stabilising an individual's injury and letting their wound deteriorate or possibly become infected before a medical response is able to arrive. In the UK, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) mandates that every employer must carry out a risk assessment and provide the accurate first aid supplies for that workplace’s risk level, in compliance with the BS 8599-1 workplace standard. Whether you are in need of first aid supplies for a school, factory, office, sports team, or even a family home, these ten general first aid items are highly recommended to stock in your first aid kit.

1. Bandages

Bandages can be one of the most important and versatile items within a first aid kit. A bandage can be used to apply compression to control bleeding, secure dressings in place, or immobilise joints in the case of sprains and fractures. Historically, bandages would be used in war, when simple cloth wraps helped to reduce shock and blood loss, saving thousands of lives.

Modern first aid kits tend to include a mix of bandages: conforming bandages are able to give good flexibility and contour well to body parts, while crepe bandages can give firmer support and can double up as a temporary splint. They are also important for use with sterile dressings. For workplaces, bandages are specified as a core requirement in the BS 8599-1 standards.

2. Sterile Dressings (Medium & Large)

While bandages are able to provide support, sterile dressings give the wearer an immediate barrier between their wound and environment. They serve two purposes: stopping bleeding and preventing infection.

A compliant workplace kit should include both medium and large dressings to cover a range of different injuries. For example, a 12 cm × 12 cm HSE wound dressing is perfect for smaller cuts, while a 10 cm × 15 cm No. 9 dressing can manage more serious trauma. Our sterile dressings are wrapped individually , which allows for a high level of sterility until opened or used, and are designed for fast, simple application by a first aider.

3. Plasters (Washproof, Assorted Sizes)

The most frequently used item in any first aid box is plasters. From kitchen cuts to camping grazes, plasters give a protective barrier that stops any dirt and bacteria from entering a wound. Washproof plasters are particularly helpful in environments where moisture is unavoidable, such as kitchens, sports fields, or outdoor work.

Having a variety of different sizes can also be very helpful, as not all cuts are the same size or shape. Assorted plaster packs, such as our washproof plasters 100 pack, allows for much greater flexibility and coverage for everything from tiny cuts and nicks to larger abrasions. This small but helpful addition to a first aid kit helps to encourage faster healing whilst greatly reducing the risk of infection.

4. Disposable Gloves

Cross contamination is one of the biggest risks in first aid. Disposable gloves are able to protect both the individual and the first aider from any infection. Nitrile gloves are typically preferred over latex gloves, due to the fact that they minimise potential allergic reactions to latex whilst still keeping a high level of sterility and durability. The HSE emphasises the importance of gloves in all first aid situations involving any blood or body fluids.

5. Antiseptic Wipes

Before any dressing is applied, a wound must be cleaned. Antiseptic wipes or solutions can be used to disinfect wounds and remove any dirt, which helps greatly to reduce the risk of bacterial infection, sepsis, or delayed healing. The NHS highly recommends antiseptic wipes for first aiders. Every first aid kit should store wipes that are packaged individually , which keeps a high level of sterility and convenience in first aid emergencies. 

6. Scissors

It may seem simple or obvious, but a good pair of first aid scissors, such as tuff cuts, can save crucial time in an emergency. They can be used to cut bandages, tape, or clothing to access a wound fast. The preferred design is blunt-ended, which gives optimal safety for both the patient and first aider.

7. Instant Cold Pack

Sprains, strains, and bruises can be some of the most common injuries in workplaces, schools and sports environments. Instant cold packs can give instant relief by reducing swelling and pain through cold therapy. They work by a chemical activation through cooling when squeezed, making them very portable and practical.

Unlike reusable ice packs, an instant ice pack needs no refrigeration and is always ready to use. They are highly compact, easy to store, and suitable for everything from playground knocks to workplace accidents. The HSE recommends instant ice packs in many workplace assessments.

8. Burn Dressings

Burns are especially vulnerable to infection and need immediate first aid treatment. Burn dressings or gels are made to cool the burn, help to relieve pain, and protect against any wound contamination. The first aid guidance from the NHS expresses that rapid cooling can prevent burns from worsening in severity. The inclusion of burn gels and dressings in first aid kits can effectively cool, soothe, and relieve pain from minor burns and scalds in an emergency.

9. Eye Pads and Eyewash

The eye is highly vulnerable to injury from any dust, debris, and chemicals. Sterile eyepads can give instant protection from any further harm, whilst eyewash pods are able to flush out any irritants. Both are recognised inclusions of BS 8599-1 first aid kits, especially within construction and manufacturing workplaces.

10. Microporous Tape

Microporous tape may not be thought of as much as other items in this first aid kit checklist, however, it can be indispensable. Microporous tape, or bandage tape, can keep dressings, bandages, and splints secure without irritating the skin. The excellent level of breathability can also prevent further skin damage, and it also can tear easily for fast use.

Final Thoughts

Each of these essential first aid supplies have earned their place in a modern first aid kit through many years of practical use, research, and legal compliance. By stocking your first aid kit with these first aid supplies, you aren’t just ticking a checklist box, but you are preparing to save lives. To make sure your first aid kits meet the latest standards, explore our wide range of first aid kits and first aid supplies, made to prepare workplaces, homes, and schools for medical emergencies.