What is in a First Aid Kit?

A complete guide for packing a great Australian first aid kit.

Have you been shopping for a first aid kit, and really quickly become confused-which kit should I get?

There are so many kits on the market! Many have different names, purposes, suitable for differing numbers of people, it can be a really frustrating experience.

This blog is going to cut to the chase. Further down the page, is a plain and simple basic content list, which is not only practical, but SafeWork Australia compliant.

Whether you are shopping for home or work, keeping a well packed first aid kit customised to your lifestyle on hand is crucial.

The most obvious reason is for dealing with minor injuries, medical events and natural disasters, particularly in areas where emergency services will be delayed or unavailable.

It is equally important to remember that SafeWork Inspectors can visit at any time with no notice, and will be directly looking to see your maintained, and site appropriate first aid equipment.

Maintaining compliance obligations to protect your business from hefty SafeWork Australia financial penalties and business restrictions.

Read on as we provide concise insights on mandatory workplace first aid kits, and kits for home, sport and travel.

We will also touch on unregulated and fake trauma equipment to ensure you are well informed when preparing for the unique risks associated with the Australian environment.

Why do I need a first aid kit?

This is a great question!

A standard good quality first aid kit at home when help is not far away, is just as important as having a kit for travel, sport and work.

We all know first aid kits allow management of minor injuries at home. What are we using them for mostly?

Benefits of having a first aid kit.

Having a first aid kit on hand, which is well stocked can remove the need for time consuming and costly GP appointments.

If you are unsure if your injury requires medical intervention, Health Direct is an excellent resource that provides free advice to help you make the safest decisions.

First Aid Kits contain basic items such as heat blankets, which are an extremely versatile item. Heat blankets and aspirin are a great example of simple, cheap life saving items.

But, many kit content pieces can be used to create improvised trauma items as well.

Risks of not having a first aid kit.

The risks of not having a first aid kit may seem obvious, but here are a few reasons to consider the value of a well packed first aid kit, suited to your environment.

Simple wounds becoming infected, especially for immunocompromised casualties.
Prolonged pain and discomfort in the event of a sprain, strain or fracture.
Progression of cardiac events resulting in CPR
Scarring from untreated burns
Hypothermia
Inability to control life threatening bleeding.

The reasons we find ourselves looking for a first aid kit are:

To find a bandaid to provide comfort for our kids! (sometimes these “injuries” may not be visible to parents!
To clean and protect minor wounds using saline, antiseptic wipes and hypo allergenic, latex free low adherent dressings.
Treating minor burns using water based burn gels and dressings.
Managing sprains and strains using the magic cold packs to control swelling and elastic bandages to provide support prior to medical review.
Treating shock and creating privacy using the silver thermal blanket.

In addition to these basic uses, first aid kits in different environments such as construction, education and sport, will contain additional items based on risk assessments particular to the environment and industry.

So..what do I need in a first aid kit, really?

There are a few important things to consider before jumping on a bargain.

Not all kits are created equal!

Read on to learn about counterfeit trauma gear for construction first aid, and non TGA approved goods.

Below, you will find a content list for a standard first aid kit.

This will cover the basics at home, and keep you compliant in a low risk workplace, such as an office or reception.

We have included a printable restock checklist for you here also.

Basic First Aid Kit Content List

item		use
first aid guide leaflet incl flowchart	1	basic info on how to provide cpr and first aid
first aid notebook + pen	1	documenting first aid treatments provided, as well as patient signs and symptoms and medications
disposable face shield	1	basic protection to provide rescue breaths during cpr
amputated parts bags	1	safe storage of amputated body parts
sterile combine dressing 10x20cm	1	used with firmly applied bandages to apply pressure and provide absorption to bleeding wounds which are not life threatening
low adherent pad 10 x 10cm	1	to cover and protect superficial wounds
low adherent pad 10 x 7.5cm	3	to cover and protect superficial wounds
gauze swab 3pcs – 7.5 x 7.5cm	5	used with saline to clean wounds
low adherent oval eye pad 5.5 x7 .5cm	4	to cover and protect eye injuries
low adherent pad 5 x 5cm	6	to cover and protect superficial wounds
disposable nitrile gloves	10	provide protection from infection to the first aider when administering first aid
eyewash & wound irrigation 20ml	8	as suggested!
alcohol-free cleansing wipes	10	used after a wound is cleaned to assist minimise risk of infection
povidone iodine swabs	10	used after a wound is cleaned to assist minimise risk of infection
burn gel sachets 3.5g	5	provides pain relief for minor and superficial burns, smaller than a 50c piece, which are not on an infant, or the face, genitals, airway, joint or other moving part
bandaids 50 box	1	covering and protecting small cuts
splinter probes 3.7cm – 5pk	2	removing small penetrating objects such as glass, metal and wood
tweezers stainless steel	1
scissors stainless steel	1	cutting dressings and tape to size
first aid safety pins – 6pk	1	securing slings and to assist immobilise
hypo-allergenic paper tape 2.5cm x 5m	1	fixing dressings over wounds
first aid antiseptic spray 50ml	1	an alternative option to help prevent infection in wounds after initial wound cleaning with saline
conforming gauze bandage 5cm x 4m	3	use to secure low adherent dressings if no tape available or casualty is allergic to tape adhesive. also used to splint fingers together for immobilisation after injury
conforming gauze bandage 7.5cm x 4m	3	use to secure low adherent dressings if no tape available or casualty is allergic to tape adhesive. also used to splint fingers together for immobilisation after injury
medium crepe bandage 10cm x 4m	1	provide support for sprains, strains and can be used as a high pressure dressing for controlling bleeds
wound dressing #14	1	used to provide a higher level of pressure to deep lacerations
wound dressing #15	1	used to provide a higher level of pressure to deep lacerations
calico triangular bandage	2	used for immobilisation of fractured limbs, improvised tourniquets and wound packing
emergency thermal blanket	1	maintenance of body temperature, management of hypothermia, provision of privacy, preservation of dignity, and is visible during arial searches if spread out on the ground
instant ice pack 80g	1	to control swelling in sprains and strains, to help manage hyperthermia

Buyers Tips for picking the right kit.

Always pick first aid kits which have TGA approved items.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is part of the Australian Government Department of Health , and is responsible for regulating therapeutic goods including prescription medicines, vaccines, sunscreens, vitamins and minerals, medical devices, blood and blood products

Beware! Fake Tourniquets in Australian First Aid Kits.

When building a first aid kit in Australia, ensure every component is authentic, regulated and TGA approved. Kits packed in Australia, generally have a lower risk of non compliant content.

This means your content is going to be hypoallergenic, latex free, and in some dressings such as wound dressings, sterile.

When packing a kit which requires a tourniquet, double check!

Tourniquets are around $65-$100 each, before being packed into a kit.

Currently, thanks to TEMU, Alibaba and the like, the influx of dangerous fake tourniquets in the marketplace is a massive concern to me.

These imitations are often marketed to undercut competition and increase profit margins, but at the expense of your survival. I have seen these fakes in reputable Australian kit supplies.

Please! If you are thinking, WOW, this is a great price, please ask the supplier to verify and guarantee the brand of tourniquet before you send an employee or loved one off to a remote location or high risk activity (boys on bikes!).

The risks of using knock off tourniquets are severe and life-threatening. If you are not sure, call us, we can help in under 60 seconds.

Understanding the Risks.

They really do look the same in online pictures.

In an emergency, using a fake tourniquet can result in:

Failure to Stop Bleeding: A counterfeit tourniquet will not be able to apply and more importantly sustain enough pressure to stop major bleeding, leading to hypothermia, hypovolemic shock and quite possibly loss of life.
Mechanical Failure: Cheap materials used in counterfeit tourniquets can snap or tear, rendering them useless in crucial moments.
Delayed Emergency Response: Genuine tourniquets are colour-coded and feature quick-release mechanisms – these features may be missing in imitations, delaying effective application.

Ensuring Authenticity.

To safeguard against counterfeit tourniquets, it's vital to purchase from reputable suppliers and verify the product’s authenticity.

Checking for established certifications and reviews can help ensure the reliability of first aid kit components.

Reputable tourniquets include:

CAT

Sof T

Rapid Stop.

There are other tourniquets that are tried and true, but have a good read before you buy, and check the quality of the overall website. If it looks dodgy, it is dodgy.

Legal Obligations: Are First Kits Mandatory in the Workplace?

In Australia and all of its territories, trained first aiders and first aid kits are mandatory in the workplace.

This means as an employer you are legally required to provide adequate first aid kits, training and safety measures to ensure safety of employees, contractors and customers.

On top of this, first aid kits need to be customised or enhanced to service the needs of the area that they will be used in.

This means that additional and specialised items should be added to deal with accidents likely to occur based on risks known to the environment.

Risks are determined by conducting a thorough risk assessment, using risk assessment tools.

Click here to see an easy to use risk assessment tool

Statistics on workplace injuries

Key Work Health and Safety Statistics from 2023

Customising Your First Aid Kit.

Customising your kits is relatively easy, and if this is all new to you, check out our guide below.

Customising first aid kits for the workplace.

Whilst standard first aid kits provide a good range of basic items to manage simple injuries, adding modules based on risks associated with your activities make a significant impact on scarring, successful management and ultimately, survival.

If your worksite is more than an office or reception environment, such as education and care, or trades and construction and fleet vehicles, you will need to add a few things to bring your kits up to scratch.

This is not a complete list, but if any of these elements are relevant to your worksite, you will need to add modules to ensure your kit is compliant for each site you may visit on any given day.

It's pretty easy! (Give us a call, we can tell you exactly what you need)

Risk List

outdoor environment, such as garden centers, schools, stock yards, construction sites
“hot works” (this means any activity or process that involves open flames, sparks, or heat production and has the potential to ignite flammable or combustible materials nearby
powered tools, industrial machinery and heavy plant
Animals eg. cattle, sheep, horses, snakes etc
elevated platforms & confined spaces
dust, fumes, chemicals & gas
bio hazards such as sharps and bodily fluids.
remote & isolated environments
environments where running water is not available
extreme climatic conditions

Risk Modules

Trauma Dressings and Tourniquets

Trauma Dressings: Such as Olaes or Blast bandages- big absorbent dressings for severe bleeding.
Tourniquets: for controlling life threatening bleeding on limbs. Ensure they are authentic and certified.
Chest seals to prevent lung collapse in sucking chest injury

Remote & Outdoors Module

Snakebite kit: for envenomations
Compass : to use if becoming lost
Torch, Whistle & Mirror for attracting attention

Burn Kits

Burn Gel and Dressings: Water based gels and dressings that provide pain relief and protect against infection for minor and major burns
Hydrogel Burn Patches: For immediate cooling and pain relief

*when cool running water is not available

Eye Wash Stations

These portable or permanent, used for eye injury such as chemical burn, where extending flushing is required while waiting for emergency services
Extra Eye Pads and Eye Cups: For covering and protecting an injured eye

Wound Closures

Elastic Bandages: For securing dressings and providing support.
Wound Closure Strips or butterfly bandaids: to close deep lacerations until stitches can be administered
Hemostatic Dressings: Packing gauze, sometimes impregnated with blood clotting agent to assist stem bleeding in areas a tourniquet cannot be used. (Junctional sites such as top of thigh and armpit)

PPE

Goggles, shields, aprons to protect from air bourne and fluid borne transmissible infections
Gloves-this seems obvious, but ensure your size is on board!
Hi vis vests and hard hats, harnesses as designated for each site

Resuscitation Gear

CPR Pocket Masks: allows for safe delivery of rescue breaths
Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs):for use when a casualty is not responsive, and not breathing normally
Chest Prep Kit: to assist remove clothing and hair from a patient's chest to allow AEd pads to stick properly so that a shock can be administered

Splinting Materials

Finger, Wrist Arm and Leg Splints: To immobilise broken or sprained and partially amputated limbs

Medications

epinephrine auto-injectors for severe allergic reactions called anaphylaxis
300mg aspirin for suspected cardiac arrest
Salbutamol (Ventolin) for treating asthma symptoms

Sport- Teams, Combat Sports, Athletics and Carnivals.

Cooling spray for sprains
Extra icepacks for soft tissue injury and sprains
Rigid & Kinesiology Tape for supporting and preventing injury
Splints, especially finger splints
See our Rep Sports bag, we add your team logo & ID!

To check out exact content lists for our most popular workplace compliant, industry specific first aid kits, click to our product page via these links, and find “Kit includes” on the right hand side.

Don’t forget to come back and finish this read!

School & Childcare First Aid Back Pack-Excursion First Aid Kit

Premium Remote First Aid Kit

TradeMax25 First Aid Kit

Customising first aid kits for the travel-personal items

Packing a first aid kit for travel requires a few important considerations.

Choose a kit that has enough content for the number of people it is intended for.

I find that kits designed for one or two persons are really light on gear, and am personally not a fan.

I prefer a kit for up to 5 persons, so that if I do use some bits and pieces during my trip, that I still have some kit left for use, before I need to restock.

One to two person kits do have a place however, in daypacks for short excursions and things like that.

After you have selected a good quality first aid kit, one of the most frustrating parts of travel is lost baggage!

Ensure that you carry several sets of any personal medication-on your person at all times. Pack a second set in your carry and another set in your stowed baggage.

This ensures all bases are covered in the event of a double disaster!

It is also super important that you are aware of local emergency procedures, the location of the hospital or medical facilities, ESPECIALLY if you live with anaphylaxis.

When you are out of your natural comfort zone and familiar territory, medical conditions which are managed well at home can become critical in unfamiliar places, particularly foreign countries.

Do first aid kits expire? Why!

And how should I refill my first aid kits?

Many people are frustrated to learn that first aid kit contents do expire.

Obviously, kit contents will need to be replenished after use. But many items actually have expiry dates.

Let me explain why!

Things like low adherent dressings, saline and gauze are packed as sterile items.

Over time, the packaging in which these items are stored, will degrade.

Once this occurs, the contents will no longer be sterile.

Other consumables such as bandaids, tape and gel dressings will expire due to the life span of the adhesive material.

Putting things simply, the bandaids stop being sticky!

While many people may continue to use expired items, in the workplace it is mandatory that first aid kits remain stocked and in date to meet SafeWork Australia obligations.

Other items will have only a manufacturing date.

Items such as triangular bandages, crepe and elastic bandages often only have a manufacturing date.

While these items are not packed as sterile items, packing can deteriorate and cause the contents to become contaminated.

Also, if these items are exposed to extreme temperatures, say from being stored in the boot of a vehicle, the product will weaken and degrade, and often lose its elasticity and rip under any amount of tension.

We give these items 5 years from manufacture before replacing them.

Any item which has damaged packaging from incorrect storage, water leaks or other factors should also be replaced.

What should be in a first aid kit?

Thank you for reading, this is actually my first official blog, even though I have been training and selling first aid for 16 years.

Hopefully we have answered your questions!

The take homes from this article are-

Pack with purpose!
Consider the numbers, the risks, the location, time, distance and environment and the legislation relevant to your industry.
Dont forget to check your kits after every incident, adventure and at least annual for restocking and date checking.

At Assurance Training & Sales , we provide a complete first aid service.

While we provide a full range of workplace compliant first aid essentials- training, kits and supplies, we also offer a total customisation service to help you pack the perfect kit.
Give us a call on 02 68829056 if you want some guidance.

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