The NHS recommends you have “a well-stocked first aid kit in your home so you can deal with minor accidents and injuries”. They also suggest keeping one in the car for emergencies.
Whether out and about or in the house, having an up-to-date complete first aid kit is imperative and can save lives in serious cases.
Life is unpredictable and accidents do occur so having a first aid kit close to hand is always good practice. Whether a cut, sprain or burn, being armed with a first aid kit is the first line of defence and can help prevent further injury or illness.
What should you have in your first aid kit?
A basic first-aid kit should include the following essentials:
- Antiseptic wipes
- Plasters, varying in sizes
- Sterile dressings
- Crepe bandages
- Safety pins
- Microporous sticky tape
- Medical scissors and tweezers
- Disposable pair of gloves
- First aid manual
Some may also include other items such as a thermometer, foil blanket, painkillers or an eye wash/bath.
Where should you keep a first aid kit?
You should store your first aid kit in a cool, dry place and out of the reach of children. It’s important to keep one at home, within easy access, as well as in your car in case of emergencies. Your workplace should comply with health and safety regulations and supply a suitable one accessible to all employees. It is also useful to have a portable one on the go with you, especially if out walking or far from medical sources.
Do first aid kits expire?
It is crucial to keep track of your product expiry dates within your first aid kit, and you should replace any items used immediately to ensure it is always fully stocked. Use St John Ambulance’s guide to help you keep on track.
Now see our pick of the best first aid kits to lend a hand in unpredictable situations
Lifesystems Mountain First Aid Kit
A lifeline for mountaineers, this first aid kit has been created with the help of expedition doctor Hugh Montgomery and members of the British Special Forces medical team.
Keep it handy and rest assured that you’ll have all the essentials with you. Logically organised and clearly labelled, you will find contents including crepe and woven bandages, plasters, burn gel, antiseptic wipes and more.
Buy now £46.05, Amazon
Boots Complete First Aid Kit
Be ready for almost all minor medical eventualities thanks to Boots’ comprehensive collection of first aid items. It contains over 50 helpful bits and pieces to help treat minor injuries and is complete with a first-aid guide to walk you through what to do if you’re not sure.
From cuts and grazes to burns and strains, this kit has you covered with bandages, plasters, gel sachets and even a pair of first-aid scissors. Throw it in the back of your car, have on hand at home or take on trips away with you and never be caught off guard again.
Buy now £16.00, Boots
Superdrug Family First Aid Kit
This complete first aid kit is an affordable but reliable choice for all household needs. It contains crucial medical items, from microporous tape and safety pins to plasters, bandages and non-adherent wound dressings. Use the pair of vinyl gloves included to treat the person injured and keep things clean with the antiseptic wipes to avoid any contamination or risk of infection. A great staple to have within easy access at home or when out and about on the go.
Buy now £7.99, Superdrug
Forclaz Emergency First Aid Kit
This 80-piece first aid kit from Forclaz is the ideal accompaniment for outdoor trekking trips, and its bright red shade means you’ll never lose it.
With contents designed to treat most minor injuries, such as cuts, sprains and burns, pack it in your bag and be on the move with confidence. The bag is waterproof and compressible, with three compartments stocked up with basic kit, including small-large dressings, cleansing wipes, saline solution, a thermometer and a survival blanket.
There is extra space available to complete with any other necessities you require.
Buy now £29.99, Decathlon
The Body Source Premium First Aid Kit
Packed in a vivid, vibrant green bag so you there’s no chance of missing it when you need it, this portable and lightweight first aid kit is the perfect accessory for accidents.
Packed with 220 items, opens quickly when under pressure with its easy-open zip and access what you need using the see-through pouches. It includes useful products such as extra strong metal medical scissors and safety pins as well as injury protection including bandages, plasters and butterfly closure strips, so you can be accident-ready wherever you are – at home, in the office, camping or playing sports.
Buy now £25.19, Amazon
General Medi Mini First Aid Kit
A small pouch with a large capacity, attach this mini first aid kit to your bag using its carabiner and always have first aid close to hand, whether out hiking, driving around or on the tube.
Inside the strong, tear-proof kit which has been made water-resistant for extra protection, you will find 92 items of valuable medical supplies to equip yourself with whatever the requirement- from an emergency blanket to cleaning swabs and bandages. There’s also a mini first aid handbook to help guide you through.
Buy now £8.95, Amazon
Little Life Family First Aid Kit
Children are always getting cuts and grazes, so be prepared with this compact first aid kit from Little Life, whether on holiday or at home.
A fun bag with a giraffe and owl illustration on the front, opens up to find an extensive selection of first aid supplies, suitable for all ages from birth. An oral thermometer, dressings and antiseptic wipes are included alongside kiddie essentials such as nappy sacks and Sudocrem. Use the ‘brave little star’ stickers to show the little ones just how brave they’ve been and get them smiling again.
Buy now £26.42, Amazon
Trespass Mini First Aid Kit
Take the necessities with you in Trespass’ mini first aid kit, complete with plasters, bandages and antiseptic. It may be cute and compact, but packs a load in and will have your back in unpredictable situations. Take on the go with you – up hills, through forests and on long car journeys – knowing that you are in safe hands should an accident occur.
Buy now £9.99, Trespass
St John Ambulance Universal First Aid Kit
St John Ambulance, the volunteer-led health and first aid charity, has a compact first aid kit which is ideal for the home, travelling and packing for holidays. The sturdy polyester bag with mesh compartments is filled with all the essentials for everyday, common accidents and will help you out in minor emergencies.
Including everything from sterile moist cleansing wipes and waterproof plasters to eye wash and tweezers, it also comes with a face shield and nitrile powder-free gloves for the person administering the urgent care. Follow the first aid guide inside to provide invaluable information and advice.
Buy now £22.49, Amazon
British Standard First Aid Kit
Affix the aura box to the wall in your workplace or at home to provide on-hand first aid in case of emergency. Holding a selection of urgent medical care, all colour-coded to allow quick identification, select the appropriate items – from dressings, wipes, plasters and foil blankets – and always be prepared. The durable box also has a helpful carry handle if taking it on the move.
Buy now £24.99, Seton
Lewis-Plast First Aid Kit Bag - 160 Piece
For those intent on being prepared for any medical emergency no matter how big or small, we highly recommend the Lewis-Plast 160-piece first aid kit. Unlike the majority of basic kits, this one comes equipped with a tourniquet, instant ice packs, a resuscitation shield and more.
Buy now £16.17, Amazon
