First Aid Kits

As a first aider you will be required to use certain items in your treatment of a casualty. Most of these items will be contained within a First Aid Kit.

All First Aid Kits should be in a sealed container that is clearly identified and located in a cool, dry location that is readily accessible.

The contents of your First Aid Kit will vary depending on your occupation, personal needs, location (such as remote locations) and your specific location within Australia.

The first aid kit should provide basic equipment for administering first aid for injuries including:

• Cuts, scratches, punctures, grazes, and splinters
• Muscular sprains and strains
• Minor burns
• Amputations and/or major bleeding wounds
• Broken bones
• Eye injuries
• Shock

The contents of first aid kits should be based on a risk assessment. For example, there may be higher risk of eye injuries and a need for more eye pads in some workplaces.

NOTE: The contents of First Aid Kits should be checked regularly to ensure contents are present, in date and clean.

Design of kits

First Aid kits can be any size, shape or type to suit your workplace, but each kit should:

• Be large enough to contain the necessary items.
• Contain a list of the contents for that kit, and
• Be made of material that will protect the contents from dust, moisture, and contamination.

Location

In the event of a serious injury or illness, quick access to the first aid kit is vital. First aid kits should be kept in a prominent, accessible location where they can be retrieved quickly. All workers must have access to first aid equipment including those within security-controlled workplaces.