It is important to know when you should replace the components of your first aid kits to ensure that you are properly equipped to attend to medical emergencies as they arise. In addition, first aid kit refills are easily available from different suppliers, so replenishing your stocks won’t be a problem.
Keeping your first aid kit fully stocked and updated can make a big difference during times of emergencies. For example, whether at home or in your workplace, when someone suffers an injury, and you realize that you lack supplies, any mild injury can worsen, so it is important to keep your kits fully stocked and updated.
When Should Your Kit Supplies Be Replenished and Replaced?
Many items that are included in a first aid kit have expiration dates (usually 3-5 years after it has been manufactured), or they can be damaged due to constant exposure to the elements or regular use; it is important to regularly review your supplies and replace them as needed.
It would help if you considered restocking items, especially those often used, after every use. In addition, it would help to inspect your first aid kit supplies every couple of months to keep them up to date.
Inspecting First Aid Kits
In inspecting your first aid kits, you should check the kit first. You can purchase small kits at your local pharmacy, where they usually come in zippered pouches. Make sure that you can easily close and open the pouches. For the workplace, kits usually come in plastic or metal containers. You should check for the condition of the container and its parts to make sure that they are working properly. Any damage to the container might compromise the safety and function of the contents.
Wound dressings usually last for 5 years after it is manufactured and can be used as long as the package remains intact. A damaged packet would mean that the sterility of the dressing has been compromised, hence should no longer be used. On the other hand, non-sterile wound dressings should be inspected regularly to make sure that they are not damaged.
Which Supplies Do You Need
Now that you have inspected your kits, you should note which supplies you need, and if you are lacking, you should get first aid kit refills as soon as possible.
The items that you need to stock up on in your emergency kit depend largely on the kinds of emergencies you usually encounter at home or in your workplace, the nature of your workplace, and the number of employees.
Here is a sample checklist of what items you should stock up on:
- Bandages of different shapes and sizes
- Absorbent dressings
- Adhesive tapes
- Antiseptic solutions
- Ice bags
- Scissors
- Sterile gloves
- Antibiotic ointment
- Cotton balls and cotton swabs
- Other first aid medications
Reviewing Your Stock
Ensuring that your emergency kits are fully stocked should be the top priority, especially in the workplace. Reviewing and restocking supplies should be done by your first aid team, and they should perform these tasks regularly:
- Ensure that the first aid kit is accessible and ensure that items are replaced after every use.
- Maintain an annual or semi-annual audit to ensure that the items are fully stocked.
- Please make sure that the kit and its contents are in good working condition and the contents are not damaged or expired.
Whether it’s a minor or serious injury, it is always a good idea for households and workplaces to have first aid kits that are fully stocked and updated. A fully stocked first aid kit can help clean minor wounds, limit risks of infection, help manage injuries such as sprains and prevent further damage.
