What do I need in a first aid kit?

We all know the many health benefits of sport, but what do we do when things don’t go to plan and injury strikes? We reach for the first aid kit! Quite often there’s little time to think, so a well organised, easily accessible first aid kit is essential to reduce the amount of downtime and aid a speedy recovery. A common question amongst medics, coaches and sporting first aiders alike is what do I need in a first aid kit? Whether it’s a scuff, sprain or tear, it’s best to be prepared, plus with so many different sporting injuries that could occur, having the right equipment is vital. So with that in mind, we have put together this handy guide which is packed full of information, advice and first aid kit recommendations. Let's start with the types of first aid kits available. This may seem obvious but when we delve further, you will see how many variations there are: Personal First Aid Kits - For those with little or no first aid experience who require individual basic essentials. Essential First Aid Kit - For those who manage a small team. None of the products included in this kit requires any formal first aid training. Team First Aid Kit - An intermediate level kit for those with some first aid knowledge eg an HSE appointed person or those who have attended an emergency first aid course. Advanced First Aid Kit - For those who have a recognised first aid qualification or medical professional who can use the equipment safely. This kit includes items that are injury specific so medical knowledge is essential. Pro Large First Aid Kit - A professional level kit for those with recognised qualifications who look after large teams. Pitchside First Aid Kit - A professional level kit providing faster access to essential items for treating an injury on the field. Full Season Team First Aid Kit - Take the stress out of re-stocking with this season starter kit, packed with all the essentials for professional level care.

What are first aid kit essentials?

So now you know what type of kits there are, let's talk what goes in them. A well stocked first aid kit should cater to the majority of common sporting injuries, therefore we have compiled a list of recommendations for you. Essential items include:

• Disposable gloves
• Tough cut scissors
• Sterile wipes
• Sterile wound dressings
• EAB/cohesive bandage
• Ice packs
• Hot/cold packs
• Eyewash
• Nasal plugs/sponges
• Heat/freeze spray
• Triangular bandage
• Foil blanket
• Tape to secure dressings or tape fingers/toes

Naturally, you may wish to make adjustments depending on the sport in mind. For example, a Boxing First Aid Kit may stock more nasal sponges, eye washes and sterile wipes whereas a Rugby First Aid Kit may stock more bandages, ice packs and tape. We also recommend the following tips for keeping your first aid kit in order so you are always prepared, whatever the circumstance:

• Keep the first aid kit easily accessible, but out of reach of children/untrained team members. All Firstaid4sport kits are in a bright orange bag so there’s no chance of losing it in those busy changing rooms!
• Keep it well organised so you know exactly where things are when time is of the essence.
• Stock a realistic quantity. Overstocking results in products going out of date and being wasted, whereas understocking means you are not prepared on those all important match days.
• Carry out regular checks to ensure all products are in working order and in date.
• Replace stock when used to ensure the first aid kit is always up to date.
• Only stock good quality approved products, anything else may be detrimental to the injury.

Here at Firstaid4sport, we stock a range of ready to go first aid kits including sport specific and size specific, so there’s no need to shop around, we’ve done the hard work for you. Alternatively, we stock each item individually, so you can easily build a first aid kit to suit your team, club or sport. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Or perhaps your team has grown and you need a little advice with increasing your first aid kit? Then just give our friendly customer services a call on 01522 875252 who are more than happy to help.