First aid kit

All first aid kits/boxes should be placed where they can be seen (not obstructed from view), easily identified and kept free from dust and damp conditions.

They should have the universally identifiable signage, which is a white cross on a green background.

The contents of your first aid kit should be based on your first aid needs assessment.

As a general guide the basic contents should include:

First Aid Items
  • Individually wrapped sterile plasters of assorted sizes
  • Sterile eye pads
  • Individually wrapped triangular bandages, preferably sterile
  • Safety pins
  • Large and medium-sized sterile, individually wrapped, unmedicated wound dressings
  • Disposable gloves

This is a basic contents list; you may add other contents dependant on your needs assessment and the likelihood of certain injury types at your location.

Congregations that handle and serve food should ensure they have food-safe plasters in the contents.

When picking a first aid kit/box, look for British Standard accreditation (BS) 8599. By law, your kit doesn't have to meet this standard but you should check it contains the basic contents and what you've identified in your needs assessment.

Maintaining or replacing a first aid kit

Check your kit regularly. Many items, particularly sterile ones, are marked with expiry dates. Replace expired items, disposing of them safely. If a sterile item doesn't have an expiry date, check with the manufacturer to find out how long it can be kept. For non-sterile items without dates, you should check that they are still fit for purpose.