We can’t say it often enough: a well-stocked first aid kit is indispensable in the workplace. A first aid kit that is complete and up-to-date can make all the difference when providing first aid. But how do you know exactly whether your first aid kit contains the right tools? There are certain guidelines for the contents of a first aid kit. Below we will go into more detail about these guidelines. You will also find a free checklist, so that you know exactly what should be in your first aid kit.
What’s in a first aid kit?
Of course, the last thing you want is to miss out on first aid after a disaster. That is why the Oranje Kruis, an independent foundation in the field of first aid, has drawn up guidelines for the contents of a first aid kit. With a first aid kit that complies with these guidelines, you will always have the right tools at hand.
The most common first aid kit in our range complies with the official guidelines of the Dutch Red Cross 2021.
The contents of a first aid kit according to the guidelines of the Orange Cross are:
- All-purpose cutter
- Elastic hydrophilic
- Nitrile gloves
- Non woven adhesive strips
- Ideal bandage
- adhesive plaster
- Safe Kiss breathing cloth
- Cleaning alcohol
- Splinter tweezers stainless steel
- Rescue blanket gold/silver
- Rolled quick bandage
- Sterile gauze compress
- Non-adherent wound compress
- Bandage cloth A sterile
- Finger bobs
- Wound plasters
- First Aid Actions
Order your individual contents or a fully stocked first aid kit directly below:
Below you can read what each product is for.
-
All-purpose cutter
A multi-purpose scissor is an absolute must in every first aid kit or bandage box. With these multi-purpose scissors you can not only cut bandages and plasters to size, but you can also cut open clothing to expose wounds. A multi-purpose scissor has no sharp points, making it safe for both the victim and the first responder.
-
Elastic hydrophilic
An elastic hydrophilic bandage is a strip of textile on a roll. The bandage is very elastic and absorbs moisture. This makes it suitable for applying a cover bandage for various injuries.
-
Nitrile gloves
Hygiene is of the utmost importance when providing first aid. With a pair of nitrile gloves you can ensure your own hygiene and that of the victim. The advantage of nitrile is that it is a strong material that perfectly adapts to the hand. The material is also allergy-free.
-
Non woven adhesive strips
Non woven adhesive strips are narrow strips of adhesive plaster. The adhesive strips are used as suture material for small, straight wounds that do not bleed much.
-
Ideal bandage
Our first aid kit contains an ideal bandage for applying a pressure bandage. This bandage is made of 100% cotton and provides support, so that it can exert pressure on the site of the injury or in the case of a bruise or sprain.
-
adhesive plaster
An adhesive bandage is an adhesive strip used to bandage small wounds. The bandage holds the edges of small, straight wounds or cuts together and can therefore speed up the healing process.
-
Safe Kiss breathing cloth
Sometimes mouth-to-mouth resuscitation must be applied when providing first aid. To limit the risks for the first responder, a Safe Kiss resuscitation cloth is included in the first aid kit. This cloth is placed over the victim’s mouth to reduce the chance of transmission of pathogens.
-
Cleaning alcohol
Cleaning alcohol, also known as disinfectant, is used to disinfect the skin around cuts or abrasions. In addition, the alcohol is suitable for disinfecting first aid materials, such as tweezers, before use.
-
Splinter tweezers stainless steel
A splinter tweezer is a tweezer with pointed tips. The pointed shape makes the tweezer suitable for easily removing splinters from the skin.
-
Rescue blanket gold/silver
A rescue blanket is an aluminum blanket with a gold and silver side. The blanket is used during rescue operations to keep a victim warm. Is there a risk of overheating? Then the blanket is worn with the silver side facing out. If there is a risk of hypothermia, the blanket is worn with the gold side facing out.
-
Rolled quick bandage
To cover wounds quickly and easily, you will find quick bandages in our first aid kit. This is a sterile dressing made of elastic material. The aid consists of a wound pad and gauze and has hydrophilic bandages on both sides.
-
Sterile gauze compress
A sterile gauze compress is a gauze cloth used to keep dry or wet wounds clean and covered. The gauze compress comes sterile out of the package and is moisture absorbent, which speeds up the healing process.
-
Non-adherent wound compress
Are there any abrasions or burns? Then it is best to use a non-adhesive wound compress to cover the wound hygienically. A non-adhesive wound compress is provided with a thin layer of gel that prevents damage to the skin.
-
Bandage cloth A sterile
A sterile dressing is characterized by its highly absorbent properties. The dressing consists of multiple layers that have an absorbent effect or prevent the dressing from adhering to the wound. The size of a dressing A ensures that the product is suitable for covering large wounds.
-
Finger bobs white 5 pieces
Finger bobs are cotton, elastic bandages that fit perfectly around the finger. The finger bandages fix plasters that are applied to the fingers and also have a protective effect.
-
Wound plasters textile
Textile wound plasters are also part of the contents of a first aid kit. These breathable plasters have a gauze and compressed cotton wool in the middle. The plasters are ideal for covering small wounds that do not bleed heavily.
-
First Aid Actions
What else should be in a first aid kit besides the right bandages? Instructions, of course. That’s why you’ll find a ‘First Aid Procedures Sheet’ in the contents of your first aid kit. This sheet explains exactly what to do for each injury.
Is there a mandatory content for a first aid kit?
There is no mandatory content of a first aid kit or bandage box. To ensure that you can provide the right help to your employees, visitors or customers, it is advisable to purchase a first aid kit that meets the guidelines of the Dutch Red Cross. Please note that it is mandatory for companies to have a first aid kit.
Checklist/contents list first aid kit
Want to know if your first aid kit or bandage kit meets the guidelines? Download our free Oranje Kruis first aid kit checklist below:
Download First Aid Kit Checklist
Have your content checked and supplemented!
The contents of your first aid kit should not only be complete, but also up-to-date. Some bandages have an expiration date. This applies in particular to products that are sterilely packaged. Once the expiration date has passed, these materials may lose their effectiveness. It is therefore extremely important to regularly check the contents of the first aid kit.
You can leave the inspection and maintenance of your first aid kit or first aid box to the professionals at ESE International. They can periodically inspect, clean and replenish the box. This way you can be sure that your first aid kit is always ready for use. Feel free to contact us or take a look at our webshop.