First Aid Kit Location, Care & Maintenance

First Aid Kits are important safety assets that need to be cared for in order to provide the best value. This blog will cover the ideal locations for First Aid Kits, proper storage methods, and essential care tips. So, let’s dive in!

Choosing the right First Aid Kit

Consider the following factors while making your choice:

1. Purpose: Different activities or locations may require specific First Aid Kits. For example, a travel-friendly kit might include items for snake bites, while a workplace kit may prioritize work-related injuries.
2. Number of People: keep in mind the number of people the kit is intended to serve. Also, consider the ages of the people in the group (eg. are there kids? or older adults?) and if there are any special health needs.
3. Quality of Items: nothing worse than having poor tools to deal with an emergency! Look for kits that are TGA approved and if they are made in Australia, even better
4. Type – Wall-mount or Portable: First aid kits come in different types, such as wall-mount, softpack, hard plastic, waterproof. Choosing the most appropriate for the potential use is important.

First Aid Kit Care and Maintenance

Having a well-stocked First Aid Kit is not enough; regular maintenance is essential to ensure its effectiveness when needed. Here are some care tips:

Regular Inspections: Conduct regular checks to ensure all items are in good condition and within their expiry dates. The frequency of these checks should match how often the kits get used. To learn how to audit your first aid kit click here

Restocking: tick off items against a kit’s contents checklist and replace any used or expired items promptly. Download our First Aid Kit Checklist to have as a reference. Also, to make things easier, read how you can restock your kit online using our new Restocking Feature.

Protection from Elements: Store the First Aid Kit in a durable, water-resistant container to protect its contents from damage.

Training and Education: First of all, ensure everyone knows where the first aid kit is located. It is important to have people around that are trained and certified in first aid, including CPR. Workplace requirements usually stipulate how many first aiders are needed based on the number of people and the risk.

Having knowledge of how to use the first aid supplies effectively can be invaluable during emergencies.

Ideal Locations for First Aid Kits

During an emergency, it’s crucial to find your first aid kit easily. Use prominent signage for clear identification of first aid equipment and resources. Locate first aid kits in convenient and easy-to-reach positions. Ideally, they should be wall-mounted or stored in a specific location where nothing will block or obscure them.

1. At Home: Store the First Aid Kit in a central and easily accessible location, away from the reach of young children. The kitchen, hall or bathroom cabinet or a designated drawer can be suitable places.
2. At work: make sure the First Aid Kit is clearly labeled and easily accessible to all employees in the office. In large workplaces, have first aid kits in many easy-to-reach spots to reduce travel time in case of accidents.
3. Near running water: if possible, it is a good idea to have First Aid Kits located near running water.
4. In the Car: Keep a compact First Aid Kit in your vehicle’s glove compartment or trunk for emergencies during travel.
5. During Outdoor Activities: For camping, hiking, or other outdoor adventures, consider carrying a portable First Aid Kit in your backpack.

Conclusion

A First Aid Kit is a fundamental tool for every household, workplace, and traveler. To handle emergencies well, we must understand the importance of choosing and maintaining the right kit. Stay safe and be prepared!