It is important to find the best way to store your first aid kit and supplies. If they are stored improperly, they can become damaged and lose their effectiveness. The first aid supplies need to be appropriate for your needs, and easily accessible so in an emergency you aren’t rushing around trying to find something or realise that the item you are looking for is unavailable.
The best way to store your first aid kit largely depends on where and what your first aid kit is being used for. For example, some people may find that a smaller first aid kit, which is portable may work best for their small office as it is easy to store, whereas larger open plan areas may prefer a first aid station where the equipment is clearly visible.
Types of first aid storage
There are many different options when it comes to finding the best storage for your first aid supplies. Ultimately, the decision for which type of first aid solution is best largely depends on your needs and the legal requirements of your business.
You might find it works best for your company to have multiple types of first aid storage available (depending on your space and size) so that you can have a readily accessible supply for all situations in multiple places.
First aid kits
To begin with, there are standard first aid kits, the ones most people would recognise on sight. They come in a plastic box, usually green for standard first aid, but sometimes blue, red or clear depending on what they are being used for.These first aid kits are easily portable due to their small size and carry handle, which means they can be transported to an incident when needed. They are also easy to refill as you simply need to add the missing supply to the box.
First aid cabinets
First aid cabinets are sturdy, generally metal, cabinets that come with shelves to store a variety of first aid products. Some cabinets come with removable or adjustable shelving so that you can change the height to fit in certain supplies and arrange the shelves how you would like.
These are very handy if you need to store something securely because they tend to all come with locks to prevent any unauthorised access. They also store a lot more supplies and equipment than a regular first aid kit would.
However, first aid cabinets tend to be fixed to a location and cannot be moved to the scene of an accident. You will find a lot of them attached to walls in easily accessible areas.
First aid bags
A lot of medical professionals will use a first aid bag when working in the field. It is very similar to having a first aid kit, but instead of a plastic box, it is a fabric bag.First aid bags are a good method of storage if you plan on using them on the go. They are an easy way to carry around your first aid supplies in a lightweight container with a strap to go over your shoulder. Having a first aid bag easily accessible means if there is an emergency you will be able to quickly pick it up and go. For this reason, this type of first aid storage is quite popular for sporting events and emergency medicine in particular.
First aid bags have the capacity to store a lot of supplies and have multiple compartments to make it easier to organise the contents.
First aid stations
A first aid station is a location in your work area that is full of supplies for first aid. It can include first aid kits for multiple scenarios, for example a burns kit and an eye wash kit instead of only having a normal first aid kit, and posters to remind first aiders on how to act in an emergency situation.
They can be secured to a wall in a location of your choosing, preferably one where the first aid supplies will be clearly visible and easily accessible. Once they are fixed to a wall, you will be able to remove certain aspects for travel, such as the first aid kits, but the actual station will remain attached.
For more information on first aid stations, read A Guide to First Aid Stations.
More information on first aid kits
For more information on the use and different types of first aid kits, read:- What First Aid Requirements do Workplaces Need to Meet?
- What First Aid Kit Do I Need for my Workplace?
- Types of First Aid Kits
- What’s the Difference Between British Standard First Aid Kits vs HSE First Aid Kits?
- How often should you refill your first aid kit
- Should you have a first aid kit in your car?
Read our other blogs for more information on first aid or contact us for further advice and information on our products.
By Sarah Mason