A six-monthly first aid kit check that takes ten minutes
A short routine that stops you discovering an empty kit at the worst moment.
The commonest first aid failure is a kit that is present but useless — empty of the thing you need, or full of expired stock.
The routine
- Empty the kit onto a clean surface.
- Bin anything past its use-by date.
- Bin anything whose packaging is torn, damp, crushed or opened.
- Note what has run low, especially small dressings and gauze.
- Check scissors and tweezers are still there — they migrate.
- Restock, putting new stock behind old.
- Write the next check date on the lid.
Set a reminder
Tie it to something you already do twice a year — clock changes work well.
For workplaces
Checks should be recorded, with a named person responsible. An unrecorded check is hard to evidence if anyone ever asks.
See a pharmacist, GP or urgent care if a wound will not stop bleeding after ten minutes of firm pressure, is deep or gaping, was caused by something dirty or rusty, contains anything you cannot flush out, or shows spreading redness, heat, swelling, pus or a fever. Get help urgently for animal or human bites, wounds over a joint, and any wound in someone with diabetes or poor circulation.
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FitMedix products are CE-marked medical devices intended for the care of minor wounds. This site does not provide medical advice — seek professional help for deep, dirty or non-healing wounds, or if signs of infection appear. Always read the instructions on the pack.