Do you know what’s in your workplace first aid kits? If you’ve never needed to find out, good for you! But should you need to give or receive emergency first aid at work, it would be reassuring to know that your first aid box contains everything you might need to deal with a difficult situation.
First aiders are trained to assess an emergency situation, diagnose and treat injuries and provide immediate life-saving care until the emergency services arrive. This is a big responsibility and it’s important to know that your workplace first aid kit contains all the equipment you might need in an emergency situation. Of course, ensuring that someone has alerted the emergency services is a key task for a first aider and they will often administer emergency care when they have instructed another person to make the emergency call.
First Aid Kit Ireland
Whether you are working in an office-based business, a construction site or a factory, your company will be required to have up to date first aid kits, containing the essential first aid supplies for the workplace. This includes products for dealing with wounds and burns as well as eye injuries and broken limbs. Most workplaces will also have a defibrilator, and first aid courses include training in how to use these.
Essential first aid products for your first aid boxes
When you’re stocking first aid kits for the workplace, the following first aid supplies are recommended by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) in Ireland:
- Sterile wound dressings in a range of sizes
- Adhesive plasters
- Triangular bandages
- Safety pins
- Sterile eye pads
- Wrapped disinfectant wipes
- Gloves
- Scissors
- Pocket face mask
- Burn dressings in different sizes
- Crepe bandage.
- Sterile water if there is no clean running water.
If you are stocking first aid kits for sports facilities, you may require some more specific items such as joint support bandages or single use ice packs. There is an extensive range of first aid supplies to choose from, but it is important to ensure you have plenty of the most commonly used items, and avoid items that could be used incorrectly or cause complications, such as any ointments and creams.
Where to find First Aid supplies
You can find your first aid supplies in a local pharmacy, supermarket or online. Many suppliers stock complete first aid kits so that you can select the size you need and all the essentials are included. Make sure you choose high quality products so that they will last longer.
Your workplace first aid kit is not just for your staff team. If you are a customer facing business, your customers may also need medical attention or supplies in an emergency situation, and you will want to offer them a first class service. This means it’s even more important to keep your first aid kits up to date, replacing any items that are damaged or have expired, and carry out this check on a regular basis.
Book your First Aid Responder Course in Ireland
Training as a first aider is straightforward and rewarding, even enabling you to apply for more senior positions in some businesses. Our first aid course is a three day training that will give you the skills and confidence to give emergency care and deal with injuries, as well as perform CPR and the use a defibrilator. Ideal for anyone who wishes to train as a first aider in the workplace, book your place on our First Aid Responder course today.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is crucial to seek proper training from a certified first aid professional before attempting any first aid techniques or procedures. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized guidance and to ensure your actions align with your specific circumstances.
