The Ultimate List of Items for a First Aid Kit

When first aid kits are mentioned in conversation, they are typically linked to emergencies and risky activities.

Bungee jumping, hiking, backpacking… you name it.

Workplaces have varying levels of risk. It is worth noting what supplies you can have in your workplace that could help you or a colleague if a medical situation ever occurs.

With some of these items, you can build your own kit (kind of like build-a-bear) and customise it to suit your business needs.

Who Makes the Best Use of a First Aid Kit?

Planners

People who commit to ensuring they are prepared in case of any emergencies. Good planning is an ace up your sleeve.

In dire situations, first aid kits are useful in conditions when one is powerless to resupply or get third-party help. If this is the kind of planner you are, then this is for you.

To be a well-rounded planner, you will need more than a regular store-bought supply kit.

Look out for inconsistencies with what you think you need and what you actually need. This ensures you have enough stock and are better equipped to handle a crisis where help is either caught in traffic or not available.

Above all else, knowledge about first aid is required. If you would like some pointers or reminders, you can watch this video on 10 first aid mistakes explained by a professional.

You can also read more on workplace first-aid shortfalls that can be fixed in five guaranteed ways

Assuming you remember your first aid training, let’s dive into every possible item you could want in your workplace first aid kit.

What You Need to Know About First Aid Kits

Be aware that some of the products in a first aid kit can cause allergic reactions. This could include the latex in gloves.

You need to know your allergies and the allergies of those around you.

You should have records stored in an easy-access location about who is allergic to what This helps if there are too many people to keep track of.

If you suffer from a chronic condition or debilitating disease, you must only seek out specialised help. There is no shortcut in this case.

Finally, New Zealand is a culturally diverse country.

It could be life-saving to learn first aid vocabulary in English for those not too familiar with the dialect.

With these disclaimers, let’s dive right in!

Medicine

1. Pain and Inflammatory Medicine

Naproxen

This works as a general cramp reliever. Although it is most popular for menstrual cramps. It is definitely a must-have!

Aspirin

Also known as Acetylsalicylic acid, it comes as a package deal. It has an antiplatelet agent which acts as a blood thinner. The anti-prostaglandin reduces fever, inflammation and provides general pain relief.

It’s abilities as a blood-thinning agent need to be considered if you are bleeding, as aspirin can augment the flow of blood.

Ibuprofen

It works on the affected location in the body that causes pain and/or inflammation. It is best for inflammatory pain.

Codeine

It can be quite tricky to come across this, or even buy over the counter without a prescription. It’s a restricted substance in various places, but mostly used as a cough suppressant. It’s effective but can cause drowsiness or lightheadedness.

2. Topical Supplies

Burn Gel

This comes in handy when dealing with first and second-degree burns. If they go beyond this, extensive work on pain reduction and dead tissue will be needed.

Antiseptics

These are often used to reduce the chance of catching an infection on an open wound. They are quite versatile and antimicrobial.

This makes them useful in surgical application and general wound cleaning. This reduces the risk of putrefaction, sepsis and infections.

Antibacterial Soap

Hygiene shouldn’t be an afterthought. It is necessary to have soap around for general use. Always restock!

Hydrocortisone Cream and Emollients

These are used for itches, irritations, inflammation, and rashes. Emollients help ease dermatitis symptoms, which include eczema.

Be cautious of ‘contact dermatitis,’ which is caused by contact with irritants. Burning, itching, and redness occur.

3. Specialised Medicine

Phenylephrine

This is used for nasal and sinus congestion.

Doxylamine Succinate

Can’t sleep? This helps deal with insomnia, allergies, the common cold and other sleeping disorders. It falls under first-generation antihistamines and is quite versatile.

Antihistamines

These are good for dealing with allergies and work well with the sleeping aids listed above. They are re-purposed first-generation antihistamines with drowsiness as a major side effect.

Metformin and Insulin

These are relied on by individuals with type 2 diabetes. If there is anyone in your workplace who has this condition, consider looking into long-term solutions of stocking up on these medications.

Beta Agonists

Quite like Ventolin. For those who suffer from asthma, you know triggers can happen anytime. It works well dealing with minor attacks and needs to be present and accessible.

Ammonia Inhalant

For dealing with general lightheadedness and fainting, this is also referred to as a respiratory stimulant.

Penicillin

It is used to fight bacteria in your body. Extensive research dating far back means there is plenty of information about the side effects. Dosages are available and vetted after many years of common use.

Some people suffer allergic reactions to penicillin-based antibiotics. You need a prescription to get your hands on some, and it needs to be stored well.

Situation-Specific Kits

4. Vehicle and Portable First Aid Kits

This kit is important to have if your work involves a lot of travel. It could be frequent road trips for deliveries, meetings or tours.

It also extends to the operation of heavy machinery and equipment. Such situations create more room for accidents for you and your employees.

It is best to have them safe, especially if they are alone.

You could consider Alsco’s light and compact, portable first aid kits that can fit any nook and cranny. Better yet, they are colour-coded, and thus easy to locate in an emergency.

They are ideal for trucks, boats, machinery and much more.

5. Fracture Kit

Sling and Orthopedic Cast Plaster

It is possible to DIY your way through this, and that is useful information to have. Mesh slings are much better to use in relation to comfort, especially in hot weather when having a sling can be quite bothersome.

Cast plaster is a shell, often made from plaster or fibreglass. It encases an injured part of the body to stabilise and hold anatomical structures (most often a broken bone) in place until healing is confirmed.

Cotton Undercast Padding

Injuries need to be taken care of well, but comfort is also paramount to this process. This is needed to make a proper cast for the fracture once it has been reset.

6. Managed First Aid Kits