First Aid Kits
What your first aid kit looks like is irrelevant as long as it is clearly labelled as a “First Aid Kit”. What’s more important are the contents.
Each of your kits should be fit for it’s intended purpose. For example a first aid kit in an office with computing equipment should differ vastly from a first aid kit used on the shop floor of an engineering works.
It’s best practice to:
- Have a contents list for each kit
- For the kits to be restocked after each use
- For monthly checks of each kit to be done
It’s also worth including in your first aid kits:
- Individually wrapped face coverings
- Sharpie pen so you can make notes on your gloves eg. length of a seizure
As a first aider you cannot administer pills, potions creams or ointments. The only exceptions are administering:
- An inhaler for an asthma attack (see notes below)
- An epipen for anaphylaxis (if you’ve been trained)
- An aspirin for a heart attack (see notes below)
These must be stored outside of your first aid kits.
Important clarification about inhalers
Only blue reliever inhalers should be used during an asthma attack in a first aid situation.
If an inhaler is not blue, it may contain steroids or combination medication and must not be administered by a first aider.
Key points for first aiders:
- Always encourage the casualty to use their own inhaler
- Check what inhaler they are using before assisting
- Blue inhalers are reliever inhalers used for immediate symptoms
- Non-blue inhalers are usually preventer or combination inhalers
Some newer inhalers look like relievers but contain steroids and have dose limits.
If the casualty is using a steroid-based combination inhaler:
- Ask how many times it has been used in the last 24 hours
- Current guidance is a maximum of 8 puffs in 24 hours
- If symptoms are not improving or limits may be exceeded, call 999
If in doubt about the type of inhaler, do not administer it. Support the casualty, encourage slow breathing, and seek medical help.
New Inhalers You Might Now See
These are NOT blue reliever inhalers and may contain steroids (combination of blue / brown inhalers):
• Symbicort Turbohaler 100
• Symbicort Turbohaler 200
• Fostair
• Fostair NEXThaler
• Relvar Ellipta
• DuoResp Spiromax
Key reminder for training sessions
Blue inhaler – OK to assist
Any other colour – check first, encourage self-use, seek medical help if unsure.
Administering Aspirin For A Suspected Heart Attack
A first aider may assist with administering aspirin only in the case of a suspected heart attack.
Aspirin helps to thin the blood and reduce clot formation.
When aspirin can be given
Aspirin may be given if:
- The casualty is showing signs of a heart attack
- They are conscious and able to swallow
- They are not allergic to aspirin
- They are not under 16 years old
Typical signs of a heart attack may include:
- Central chest pain or pressure
- Pain spreading to the arm, jaw, neck or back
- Shortness of breath
- Pale, clammy skin
- Nausea or dizziness
How To Give Aspirin Safely
- Use one adult aspirin tablet (300 mg)
- Ask the casualty to chew it slowly, then swallow
- Chewing helps the aspirin work faster
- Give with a sip of water if available
Important safety checks
Do NOT give aspirin if the casualty:
- Is allergic to aspirin
- Has been told by a doctor never to take aspirin
- Has active stomach bleeding or severe ulcers
- Is unconscious or unable to swallow
If unsure, do not give aspirin.
REPORTING OF ACCIDENTS & NEAR MISSES 
A near miss if simply an accident waiting to happen and should be noted in your accident records. Any information recorded should comply with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act (2018).
These records should be kept for a minimum of 3 years or potentially 40 years if your employees are under health surveillance (seen by a doctor for regular check-ups as part of their job role).
For any severe accidents you must comply with the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases, Dangerous Occurrence Regulations (2013).
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