Most people picture an intense and dramatic emergency when they think of first aid, but in reality, first aid supplies save the day long before things become serious.
Whether it’s a tiny plaster, an anti-septic wipe, or bandages, these small first aid supplies are often overshadowed by bigger equipment. But these items are the tools that prevent infection, protect wounds, reduce swelling and give those injured instant reassurance.
The unsung heroes inside every First Aid Kit
Every first aid kit, especially from St John Ambulance, includes first aid supplies such as wipes, plasters and dressings, and many people do not realise how important these everyday items are.
Sterile wipes
Did you know that a single sterile wipe can prevent a cut from becoming infected? By not using a sterile wipe, a small injury can turn into something more worrying.
Microporous tape
When in need of securing a dressing, bandages or supporting sprains, microporous tape is the quiet problem-solving that every first aid kit needs.
Triangular bandages
A triangular bandage adapts to whatever you need when an accident strikes and is one of the most versatile first aid supplies you’ll own. From tying into a sling, using it as padding or even immobilisation, a triangular bandage is a must.
Foil blankets
Shock happens more often than people think, which is why foil blankets are essential. Not only do they provide warmth, but they also offer comfort in moments of fear or confusion.
Safety pins and scissors
Tiny tools that make a huge impact. From making bandaging quicker and cutting clothes safer, to making emergencies more manageable. They don’t look dramatic, but they’re designed with life’s unexpected moments in mind.
How the right First Aid Supplies prevent big problems
Minor injuries seem small until they aren’t. Which is why providing the proper first aid supplies in your first aid kit are crucial.
Without proper first aid supplies:
- Open wounds can become infected
- Burns can worsen
- Swelling can increase
- Improvised solutions (like tissue or cloth) can do more harm than good
At St John Ambulance, we advise always having a well-stocked first aid kit or first aid box, which ensures people get the care they need in the moment it happens.
Match your First Aid Supplies to your environment
Making sure you have the correct first aid kit and first aid supplies is super important. As different environments will require different levels of first aid supplies.
For example:
- Offices: need items like plasters, dressings, wipes and eye wash
- Schools: need child-friendly supplies, ice packs, plasters and triangular bandages
- Construction sites: need trauma dressings, burn care and heavy-duty bandages
- Travel & vehicles: need compact and portable first aid supplies and first aid kits
- Retail & hospitality: needs plasters, burn gel and wound dressings
Understanding your environment is the first step in providing the most efficient and effective first aid. Knowing what first aid supplies you need will help everyone around you.
Restocking the First Aid Kit: the step people forget
Not only is it important to have a first aid kit stocked with first aid supplies, but it also doesn’t last forever. If first aid supplies are used, you’ll need to restock them, and if your first aid kit is never
used, you’ll need to make sure the first aid supplies are still in date, just in case an emergency does happen.
Why? Because first aid supplies:
- Expire
- Dry out
- Get used
- Become damaged
- Get borrowed and never replaced
All you need to do is ensure a monthly check-up of the first aid kit, to keep track of what first aid supplies are needed.
Keeping your First Aid Room compliant
Small items make the biggest difference, and first aid supplies are proof of that. Not only do they help us stem and control the emergency, but allows us to react quickly, calmly and confidently, before the situation
escalates.
Does your first aid kit need restocking? Check out all of St John Ambulance’s first aid supplies below, and make sure you’re always prepared.
