How to Build a First Aid Kit for the Office

It is wise for a business or organization to be prepared for medical emergencies. Keeping a first aid kit in an easy-to-reach location will provide security and the necessary tools in the event someone needs immediate medical treatment. Each business should have a first aid kit suitable for the business environment and the types of injuries most likely to occur, though standard supplies are useful for any situation.

Things You'll Need

• First aid bag or box
• First aid supplies

Instructions

1. Determine the first aid needs of your business or office environment. For example, do you commonly use sharp knives, or do you have machinery that poses an injury hazard? You should customize your first aid kit to treat injuries that are more likely to result from your business operations.

2. Train employees in basic first aid procedures-or more advanced care skills, if the situation requires it. This creates confidence and an environment of safety if a medical emergency occurs. Workplace first aid training such as that offered through the American Heart Association is recommended when implementing an in-house safety plan.

3. Assemble your first aid kit based on your office needs. Include standard supplies such as sterile gauze pads, gauze rolls, medical tape, adhesive bandages, eye wash solution, scissors, cold packs, antibiotic ointment, blankets and tweezers. An ample supply of each ensures that supplies will be available when needed.

4. Include personal protective equipment, such as gloves, eye protection and face masks. These allow employees to administer care to someone without fear of exposure to blood or body fluids. Face masks and eye protection guard against fluids reaching the face, while gloves protect against contamination through the skin.

5. Consider adding advanced equipment to your first aid kit, such as an automated external defibrillator (AED) and breathing masks. The American Heart Association strongly recommends the placement of AEDs in offices and public buildings to increase the availability of early defibrillation for someone having a heart attack. A mouth-to-mouth barrier device, or breathing mask, allows cardiopulmonary resuscitation to be performed without risk of saliva contact.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider keeping an extra cell phone with the first aid kit for access to communications from anywhere in the building where first aid might need to be given.

• Keep a first aid booklet with the kit, showing simple steps for providing first aid care.

References

• American Heart Association
• Ready America
• American Red Cross