Author Topic: First Aid Kits  (Read 3719 times)

adi

  • Global Moderator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 548
    • View Profile
First Aid Kits
« on: September 28, 2013, 01:42:39 PM »
The distinctions of First Aid Kits (FAK)

A personal FAK is exactly that, a kit for personal use. I strongly recomend you carry one in the outdoors at all times. It's contents can be anything you choose. It is for treating small personal injuries. You can keep your personal drugs in it or anything else you wish.

If you are leading a group (whether paid or not) then you fall within H&S first aid at work law and you need to carry a Group first aid kit. H&S advises the contents as such...

What should a first-aid box in the workplace contain?

There is no mandatory list of contents for first-aid boxes and HSE does not 'approve' or endorse particular products. Deciding what to include should be based on an employer's assessment of first-aid needs. As a guide, where work activities involve low hazards, a minimum stock of first-aid items might be:

a leaflet giving general guidance on first aid, eg HSE's leaflet: Basic advice on first aid at work;
20 individually wrapped sterile plasters (assorted sizes), appropriate to the type of work (you can provide hypoallergenic plasters, if necessary);
two sterile eye pads;
four individually wrapped triangular bandages, preferably sterile;
six safety pins;
two large, individually wrapped, sterile, unmedicated wound dressings;
six medium-sized, individually wrapped, sterile, unmedicated wound dressings;
a pair of disposable gloves, see HSE's free leaflet: Latex and you PDF.
This is only a suggested contents list.

It is recommended that you don't keep tablets and medicines in the first-aid box.

More advice is given in HSE's free leaflet: First aid at work: your questions answered.

How often should the contents of first-aid boxes be replaced?

Although there is no specified review timetable, many items, particularly sterile ones, are marked with expiry dates. They should be replaced by the dates given and expired items disposed of safely. In cases where sterile items have no dates, it would be advisable to check with the manufacturers to find out how long they can be kept. For non-sterile items without dates, it is a matter of judgement, based on whether they are fit for purpose.


What the Law says is that the workplace or activity has to be risk assessed and the contents meet those requirement. 
"We do not belong to those who only get their thought from books, or at the prompting of books - it is our custom to think in the open air, walking, leaping, climbing or dancing, of lonesome mountains by preference, or close to the sea, where even the paths become thoughtful." Friedrich Nietzsche

Peterh

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 6
    • View Profile
Re: First Aid Kits
« Reply #1 on: September 30, 2013, 10:04:40 AM »
Hi, Adi!
 Most outdoor retailers sell reasonably comprehensive first FAK's. I bought one a few of years back for around a tenner and includes most of your list (baring quantities), including a pair of small scissors. Good enough for a day walker, I think?
 Although having read your post, I must check it out and see if it is still fit for purpose?
 

MoonMan

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Posts: 69
    • View Profile
Re: First Aid Kits
« Reply #2 on: September 30, 2013, 10:37:17 AM »
In my part of the world, a Senior First Aid Certificate is good for three years,whereupon it may be renewed,by doing the latest version of the Course. Over the years, the Dos & Don'ts have undergone remarkable changes, to the point that old ways could get you, & the patient, into trouble. That said, much of First Aid Treatment has not changed since Hippocrates' day. Keep up with the latest.
Keeping Track of where Here is in relation to There.

captain paranoia

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 384
    • View Profile
Re: First Aid Kits
« Reply #3 on: September 30, 2013, 12:53:58 PM »

captain paranoia

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 384
    • View Profile
Re: First Aid Kits
« Reply #4 on: October 02, 2013, 02:12:06 PM »
Link to the HSE page on First Aid FAQ that Adi quoted from.  Lots of useful stuff for those doing first aid in a 'work context'.  Some not so useful (since it's merely a legalese platitude...); for instance, the section on 'first aid in schools' might usefully discuss the legal position of 'in loco parentis' regarding drug administration.  But maybe that's outside the remit of the HSE, so they don't comment on it.
« Last Edit: October 02, 2013, 02:14:27 PM by captain paranoia »