What is a sterile wound dressing?

A sterile wound dressing is a clean, individually sealed pad - usually with an attached conforming bandage - used to cover a wound, absorb blood or fluid and help prevent infection. Sterile dressings are essential in first aid kits and should be replaced if the seal is broken or expired.

What is the difference between a medium and large HSE dressing?

HSE dressings are sized by pad area. Medium dressings (around 12cm x 12cm) suit smaller wounds, while large and extra-large dressings cover bigger wounds or limbs. Workplace first aid kits typically contain a mix of sizes to meet BS 8599-1 and HSE guidance.

What are ambulance dressings used for?

Ambulance dressings have a thick, highly absorbent pad and long bandage ties, making them ideal for larger or heavily bleeding wounds. No.1 is smaller and No.3 is extra-large, so they are often kept for trauma and major-incident response.

How often should dressings in a first aid kit be replaced?

Check dressings regularly and replace any that are used, opened, damaged or past their expiry date. Sterile dressings lose their guarantee of sterility once the seal is broken, so kits should be restocked after use and reviewed during routine first aid checks.

Sterile Wound Dressings | HSE & Ambulance Dressings

Dressings

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Sterile wound dressings for first aid kits, workplaces and medical use. A good dressing protects a wound, absorbs fluid and helps control bleeding while reducing the risk of infection - making dressings one of the most-used items in any first aid kit.

At Jax First Aid we supply a complete range of dressings to suit every wound type and setting. Choose from sterile HSE wound dressings in medium, large and extra-large, eye pad dressings, finger dressings, ambulance dressings (including No.1 and No.3 with thick absorbent pads for heavier bleeding), adhesive and low-adherent dressings, plus training dressings for first aid courses. Most include a conforming bandage attached for quick, secure application.

Whether you are restocking a workplace kit, equipping a training course or buying in bulk, you will find sterile, compliant dressings at competitive prices. All orders ship fast across the UK, with bulk discounts, purchase orders and instant credit available for businesses, schools, trainers and organisations.