Important First Aid Kit Items and Their Uses

May 26 First Aid Supplies

When it comes to workplace and employee safety, businesses of all sizes need a well-stocked first aid kit that is suited to their needs. As a leading provider of first aid kits for all industries and applications, the team at EFAS Safety Supply knows how important it is for every employee to understand what is included in a typical kit. That is why we have provided some information on important first aid kit items and their uses to educate supervisors, managers, and employees alike.

Learn about the different types of first aid kits available.

8 Common First Aid Kit Items and Their Uses

The following items are commonly found in every type of first aid kit:

1. First Aid Manual

A first aid manual will provide you with simple instructions on how to treat wounds, sprains, bites, and other common injuries. It is important to ensure that everyone with access to the kit studies the manual before a crisis occurs to ensure that any injuries are properly dealt with.

2. Tweezers

Tweezers should be included in a first aid kit regardless of your application as they can be an essential tool for removing debris like dirt, splinters, or glass from wounds.

3. Alcohol Swabs

Before antibiotic ointment or bandages can be placed on a wound, it is important to first clean the area with alcohol swabs. In some cases, alcohol swabs can be used in conjunction with anesthetic swabs to sterilize medical instruments like tweezers before and after use.

4. Antibiotic Ointment

Antibiotic ointment is essential for treating a range of different injuries and is designed to help encourage proper healing for wounded areas. While antibiotic ointment can help prevent infections, it should only be applied to a wound after it was been thoroughly cleaned with alcohol swabs.

5. Adhesive Bandages

Every first aid kit should have adhesive bandages in a selection of different sizes. Since traditional bandages tend to be used more often than larger and smaller bandages, consider adding a few extra traditional bandages to your first aid kit to prevent shortages.

6. Gauze Bandages

In some cases, adhesive bandages will not be large enough to cover a wound. That is why it is important to ensure that your first aid kit contains gauze bandages that can be used to absorb blood. Since gauze bandages come in a range of different sizes, you should be sure to include an assortment of sizes in your first aid kit.

7. Medical Tape

Medical tape can be used to easily secure gauze bandages or wraps in place. Medical tape is specifically designed to not leave residue and can usually be purchased in a long roll to ensure that you always have a sufficient supply.

8. Elastic Bandages

To help keep sprained joints immobile and to reduce swelling, every first aid kit should contain elastic bandages. This type of bandage comes with either hook-and-loop or metal fasteners and is flexible enough to be wrapped around elbows, ankles, knees, and wrists.

To learn more about our selection of first aid kits and other safety products, get in touch with the team at EFAS Safety Supply. We can be reached through our online contact form or by phone at 1-833-294-3327 and will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding our products.