First Aid Cabinet and Portable Kit Recommendations

The following information can be used for the development of a site-specific policy and procedure.

Policy

Each building should maintain an appropriate First Aid Cabinet or Kit; if off-site trips occur at least (1) Portable Emergency Kit should be available.

First aid supplies should be readily available and accessible in the event of an emergency or injury.

The contents of the cabinet and kit should be monitored and replenished as needed.

Appropriate staff should be identified and trained in responding to first aid needs.

Applicability

All buildings should have a written policy and procedure for responsibility, location, access, and maintenance of first aid supplies.

Responsibility

Facility/building administrator is responsible for enforcement.

Procedure

The contents of the First Aid Cabinet should include at a minimum:

• Two (2) boxes of exam quality vinyl gloves (avoid use of latex gloves due to risk of allergic reaction)
• Sterile dressings (to stop bleeding)
  • 5 - 2" x 2";
  • 5 - 4" x 4";
  • 2 - 2" rolled gauze;
  • 2 - non-stick gauze
• Band aids
  • 50 (_" x 3");
  • 20 (1" x 3");
  • 50 (_" x 1_")
• Cleansing agent: Soap, hand sanitizer (such as Purell), baby wipes.
• Eye wash solution without additives
• Thermometer (non-mercury)
• Scissors with round tip
• Tweezers
• Toothpaste with baking soda (for insect bites/stings if person is not allergic)
• Safety pins
• Adhesive tape
• Cold packs (e.g., ice cubes or rice packs in the freezer)
• Ipecac syrup (used only under the direction of Poison Control)
• Activated charcoal (used only under the direction of Poison Control)
• 1 Medicine cup
• 1 Dispensing syringe
• Flashlight
• First Aid Guide or Quick Use Manual

Contents of a Portable Emergency Kit should contain at a minimum:

• Three (3) pairs of exam quality vinyl gloves (avoid use of latex gloves due to risk of allergic reaction)
• Sterile dressings (to stop bleeding)
  • 2 - 2" x 2";
  • 2 - 4" x 4";
  • 1 - 2" rolled gauze;
  • 1 - non-stick gauze
• Bandaids
  • 5 (_" x 3");
  • 2 (1" x 3");
  • 5 (_" x 1_")
• Cleansing agent: Soap, hand sanitizer (such as Purell), baby wipes.
• Eye wash solution without additives
• Thermometer (non-mercury)
• Scissors with round tip
• Tweezers
• Toothpaste with baking soda (for insect bites/stings if student not allergic)
• Safety pins (various sizes)
• Adhesive tape
• Cold packs
• First Aid Guide or Quick Use Manual