First aid kits are a legal requirement in a workplace environment and a must have for any home. Although the notion of owning a first aid kit is relatively straight forward many forget to maintain them properly. A well maintained and well stocked first aid kit can solve a vast range of medical emergencies and be the difference between life and death.

A first aid kit should be checked regularly and kept up to date and well stocked. This is because some medical supplies become outdated and in some cases you may find yourself short in an emergency. To avoid such problems you should consider the following.

1. Keep an information leaflet on what should be included in your first aid kit so that everyone knows what to re-order. It is also useful to have a first aid emergency handbook available which will provide a quick summary of first aid whether at home, work or recreational sports. Resuscitation for adults and children are dealt with but it is always a good idea to have some basic first aid training as well.

2. Keep your first aid kit organised and tidy and make sure everything is clearly labelled. This will make it easier to find the item you need in an emergency.

3. Don’t worry about buying specific brands of first aid items, own branded products are just as good if not better and much cheaper. It is far more important that your first aid kit is well stocked, regardless of the brands in which you stock it.

4. Keep your first aid kit well stocked and designate one person to check it on a regular basis.

5. Keep your first aid kit and your medicine supplies separately but in close proximity. This makes it easier to access the items you are after quickly. Again make sure you label each bottle and regularly check the expiry dates.

These important tips will help you to maintain a well-stocked first aid kit for your home or workplace. Keep in mind that having a home first aid kit is important because in the event of a medical situation, it will take time to receive professional medical attention, Therefore, it’s important that you have the right types of first aid supplies and medicines to get the process started much more quickly.

The supplies held within a work place first aid kit to a home first aid kit will also differ. A first aid kit for the workplace should include enough equipment for every employee within the company. You can buy specific sized first aid kits and it is likely you will have extra equipment in these kits.

Remember that every work place should have someone who is fully trained in first aid. Some items in a first aid kit will only be understood by people who are trained in first aid. The person responsible for first aid should also make everyone in the company aware of where the first aid kit is and how it works. Regular training is typically recommended.

Gill Kevesten – Owner of First Aid Stop. The first aid kits and supplies specialists.

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