What should be included in a standard first aid kit in a workplace?

Workplace First Aid Kit Contents

A workplace first aid kit should contain the minimum items specified in the 2024 American Heart Association and American Red Cross guidelines, which align with American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Class A standards for occupational settings. 1

Minimum Required Contents

Personal Protection

• Medical examination gloves: 2 pairs (latex-free) 1
• Alcohol-based hand sanitizer: 10 single-use packets (1/32 oz each, containing at least 60% ethanol or isopropyl alcohol) 1

Wound Care Supplies

• Adhesive bandages: 16 total (3 each of 1×3 in, ¾×3 in, large fingertip, and knuckle sizes) 1
• Adhesive tape: 1 roll (3/8 in × 2.5 yd) 1
• Topical wound gel or ointment: 10 applications (1/57 oz each) 1
• Sterile pads for bleeding control: 8 pads (4×4 in) 1

Bandaging and Immobilization

• Roller bandages: 4 rolls (2,3, or 4 in × 4 yd) for securing dressings 1
• Triangular bandages: 2 (40×40×56 in) 1
• Splint: 1 compact, moldable device (4.0×24 in) with securing mechanism 1
• Tourniquet: 1 manufactured, windlass-type device 1

Medical Equipment

• Utility shears/scissors: 1 pair (7 in) 1
• Splinter forceps/tweezers: 1 1
• Eye/skin wash saline solution: 1 bottle (1 oz) 1

Emergency Medications

• Aspirin: Either 4 tablets of 81 mg or 1 tablet of 325 mg (chewable) 1
• Oral glucose tablet: 1 tablet (20 g) 1

Additional Items

• Plastic bags: 2 (1 qt or 1 gal size) for ice application, storing amputations, or waste 1
• First aid guidebook: 1 1

Strongly Recommended Optional Items

For enhanced workplace safety, particularly in high-risk environments, consider adding these optional items that meet ANSI Class A standards: 1

Life-Threatening Emergency Supplies

• Epinephrine autoinjector: Minimum 1 dose, recommended 2 doses for severe allergic reactions 1
• Hemostatic agent: 1 for severe bleeding control 1
• Trauma pads: 2 (5×9 in) for major injuries 1

Respiratory and Thermal Protection

• Breathing barrier/face shield: 1 (latex-free) for CPR 1
• Foil blanket: 1 (52×84 in) for shock or hypothermia 1

Specialized Wound Care

• Burn dressing (gel-soaked): 1 (4×4 in) 1
• Burn treatment: 10 applications (1/32 oz each) 1
• Eye covering with attachment: 1-2 (2×9 sq in) 1
• Antiseptic: 10 applications (1/57 oz each) 1
• Hanks Balanced Salt Solution: 1 bottle (1 fl oz) for dental avulsions 1

Critical Implementation Points

All items must be latex-free to prevent allergic reactions. 1 The 2024 guidelines emphasize that first aid kits should be provided for individual use based on occupational injury data, meaning workplaces may need multiple kits depending on employee count and work area distribution. 1

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Do not delay first aid provision due to lack of equipment - improvised materials can be used, and the act of attending to an injured person is itself valuable first aid 1
• Ensure proper storage - keep kits accessible but protected from environmental damage 1
• Regular inspection - check expiration dates on medications and replace used items promptly 1
• Training requirement - having equipment without trained personnel significantly reduces effectiveness 1

When Professional Help Is Required

Activate emergency medical services immediately for: 1

• Unresponsiveness or new confusion
• Absent, abnormal, or severely altered breathing
• Severe or life-threatening bleeding
• Evidence of severe allergic reaction (hives, facial swelling, difficulty breathing)
• Chest or abdominal pain
• Broken or dislocated limbs

The presence of a well-stocked first aid kit does not replace the need for proper hand hygiene (20 seconds with soap and water) and use of personal protective equipment when providing care. 1