What upgrades or additions can improve my first aid kit?
Short Answer: A standard first aid kit is perfectly capable of the basics, but depending on your lifestyle, workplace, and environment, you may need to make smart upgrades and additions. Swapping out your first aid kit case, adding more supplies, or substituting old supplies with more modern versions are some of the few upgrades that you can make to equip your first aid kit to deal with any emergency.
To get a proper understanding of how to make your first aid kit more effective, you need to look into:
● The essential add-ons to upgrade your first aid kit
● How to customise your kit for your specific needs
● Why first aid training is just as important as supplies, and
● How to keep your first aid kit organised for emergencies. 
Essential Add-Ons to Upgrade Your First Aid Kit
Your everyday first aid kit is a start, and you can successfully deal with all sorts of standard medical emergencies using the supplies contained within. However, not all emergencies will fit the “standard” and may require a few extra supplies. As such, here are some essential add-ons that transform your everyday first aid kit into a powerful all-in-one emergency response solution.
● CPR Mask/Face Shield – Creates a physical barrier that can help prevent any cross-contamination from bodily fluids. It is especially useful during resuscitation.
● Haemostatic dressings/blood clotting agents – Both supplies can be used to stop severe bleeding, buying enough time for more advanced treatment to be administered.
● Burn gels/hydrogels – Provide immediate pain relief and limit further tissue damage.
● Instant cold packs – Provide immediate relief when sprains and swelling occur.
● Eyewash and eye pads – Provide immediate flushing to remove foreign substances that irritate your eye.
● Thermometer - To monitor body temperature
● Over-the-counter medication - To address symptoms connected to the injury or any treatment
● Emergency blankets – To help regulate the temperature and manage shock.
● Portable torch or headlamps – To have a light source to help treat wounds during low-light and nighttime conditions.
How to Customize a Kit for Your Specific Needs
A standard first aid kit is a dime a dozen, so you can’t say it's really yours unless you invest some time and resources to customise your kit to meet your specific needs. Here’s what you need to consider when you customise your first aid kit.
If you are taking a first aid kit with you to your destination, consider the risk and hazards you will have to deal with at the destination, and gather the necessary supplies. For example, if you're heading for an outdoor excursion, you may need to gather supplies such as blister pads, insect repellents, and snakebite bandages.
- Consider who else you can use your supplies
If you are travelling with your friends or family, it is always good to stock up on some extra supplies to cover them as well. At the same time, pet owners will also
While the supplies contained in the first aid kit will do as advertised, you may consider swapping out certain supplies if necessary, particularly if they have expired or if there is a newer and better version of the same product. Furthermore, you may also need to swap out supplies if you experience allergic reactions when you come into contact with them.
- Add personal medical information
In the event you are incapacitated or unresponsive, the first aider can use the information to learn about your medical conditions and ensure that any treatment given does not cause the situation to worsen.
If you are suffering from any pre-existing medical conditions, add your prescription medicine to your first aid kit. That way, you will know exactly where to look for medicine when you need it.
- Separately pack non-medical supplies
While not technically customising your kit, it is good practice to separately pack non-medical supplies, such as a torch, extra batteries, or a radio, to help properly administer treatment and establish communication with first responders.
Why First Aid Training is Just as Important as Supplies
Even if you have the most well-stocked first aid kit in the world, that’s only half the story. You still need to know how to properly use those supplies. There are many reasons why we say that first aid training is just as important as having the right supplies. It is because it:
● Saves lives - Having proper first aid training means that you will remain calm in the heat of the moment, and know what needs to be done, and when it needs to be done. Ultimately, it ensures a timely response that can mean the difference between life and death.
● Reduces pain and prevents injuries from worsening - With proper first aid, you can provide immediate pain relief and make sure that the injuries do not worsen and cause long-term complications.
● Empowers individuals - First aid training empowers you with specialized knowledge and skills to act decisively in situations where others may succumb to panic.
● Ensures workplace health and safety compliance - In Australia, Safework Australia requires at least one individual in the workplace to be trained in first aid. This would allow workplaces to ensure compliance with national health and safety standards.
How to Keep Your Kit Organised for Emergencies
In emergencies, every second counts. The sooner you are able to provide first aid to someone, the greater their chances of survival, and the best way to save time during an emergency is to have a well-organised first aid kit in advance. Here are some things you can do to keep your first aid kits organised for emergencies:
● Categorise your supplies – Separate your supplies under categories (wound care, utensils, trauma, burns, medication, etc.) and neatly store them inside the kit.
● Prioritise quick-access items – Organise your kit in such a way that essential and frequently used items such as bandages and gloves are near the top. You should be able to access these supplies the moment you open your kit.
● Label your supplies – Most modern first aid kits have labels for each compartment and supply. However, if your kit has not been labelled, use colour-coded labels to mark your supplies for faster identification.
● Adopt the ‘First-in, First-out’ method – Place items that are closer to the expiry date at the top so that they may be used during an emergency instead of being thrown away once they expire.
● Regularly check expiry dates and restock your kit – Check up on your kit and supplies every few months. You must replenish used supplies as well as replace expired and damaged ones.
Q: Should you invest in specialised add-ons?
If you work in a high-risk work environment or frequently venture out into the wilderness, it would be best for you to invest in specialised add-ons such as haemostatic dressings and blood clotting agents, instant cold packs, etc., to elevate your kit’s functionality.
Q: Should I have extras of critical supplies?
Yes, having extra supplies of items such as plaster, bandages, and antiseptic wipes is always a good choice, allowing you to easily replenish your kit as soon as a certain item is used up.
Making your first aid kit more effective is a combination of investing in extra medical supplies, keeping them properly organised, and keeping your stocks up to date. Doing so will mean that you will be ready to deal with any emergency, no matter where and when it happens. If you want first aid kits that are fully stocked, comply with national health and safety standards, and are clearly labelled and organised, choose SURVIVAL.
Our first aid kits are trusted by thousands worldwide and will help you stay calm and react faster in the heat of the moment. And if your kit ever runs out of essential medical supplies, you can call on or browse our website’s First Aid Restock section and get your kit filled up in record time. We are more than just a provider of emergency solutions; we are your partner in safety and preparation.