Emergencies can happen when we least expect them. The UK Government's Be Ready campaign encourages households to prepare for emergencies and the disruption they cause.
One of the government’s key recommendations is to prepare a first aid kit and essential medical supplies. This can help you to deal with minor injuries at home to reduce the pressure on emergency services when they’re in high demand. This might be due to extreme weather conditions or other emergency situations.
How to 'Be Ready' with an emergency first aid kit
Prepare for an emergency with first aid supplies
What should be in my emergency first aid kit?
The Government's Be Ready campaign suggests that an emergency first aid kit should include:
waterproof plasters
bandages
a thermometer
antiseptic
eyewash solution
sterile dressings
gloves
medical tape for dressings
tweezers
You can buy a first aid kit from St John Ambulance which includes most of the items listed.
On top of first aid supplies, it’s important to think about what medication or equipment the people in your home may need to be safe and comfortable for several days. For example, glucose testing equipment for people with diabetes. Consider scheduling any repeat prescription orders so that you always have enough for at least 3 days.
You could also take note of the non-prescription medication and supplies that your family regularly uses. For example, antacids for heartburn sufferers or liquid paracetamol for children. You can use this information to make sure you have plenty of any items you’re likely to need in an emergency.
How do I stock a first aid kit?
You don’t need to buy every item for your first aid kit at once. For many people, gradually building up supplies can be easier to manage financially. It also means items are less likely to all expire at a similar time.
There’s a good choice of safe, reputable places to buy first aid items. Many supermarkets, pharmacies, and online retailers offer them.
Especially if you’re buying online, it’s sensible to check that first aid items meet UK and international standards:
A CE marking on the packaging shows that components like plasters, bandages and sterile dressings meet the legal standards for performance and safety in Europe
If you’re buying a first aid kit for your vehicle or workplace, look for equipment that’s described as meeting BS 8599-1 and BS 8599-2. This means it meets the British guidance about what the kit’s size and contents should be.
Your purchases can be kept inside any dry, airtight container. If possible, mark the outside with a first aid sign: a white cross on a green background.
Stock up on first aid supplies with St John Ambulance
Everything from dressings, to thermometers, to first aid kits. Our online shop provides reliable, high quality first aid items at a reasonable price.
Where should I keep a first aid kit?
A first aid kit should be kept somewhere that’s easy for all adults to access. If possible, find somewhere it will be protected from moisture, extreme temperatures, and sunlight. These can all shorten the lifespan of first aid items.
Especially if there are children in the home, it’s often a good idea to store medication separately to general first aid supplies.
Some people prefer to store a first aid kit close to areas where accidents are more likely to happen, such as the kitchen. With an emergency first aid kit, you should also consider how easy it would be to “grab and go” if you need to leave your home in a hurry.
How do I keep a first aid kit up to date?
Check your first aid kit at least every 6 months. This gives you the chance to see if it’s still fully stocked and whether any items have expired.
Supplies such as dressings will have an expiry date on the packaging. You should also replace them if they’ve changed in colour or texture. With sterile items, damage to the inner packaging usually means they can’t be used. This includes eyewash solution, opened bottles should be thrown away after 24 hours.
Keep a list of everything which should be in your first aid kit inside the kit to make checking your supplies easier.
How do I use a first aid kit?
As England’s first aid charity, we have an online library of free first aid advice. This can guide you through the right steps to follow when faced with dozens of common medical conditions and injuries. The instructions include what first aid supplies to use and how.
The NHS also offers free, reliable information about medical conditions, symptoms, and caring for people at home.
Taking a first aid course or refresher can help you feel more prepared and confident. Many workplaces offer training to employees, and the skills you learn can be applied at home. You could also find out if there are any open opportunities to learn first aid in your community.
