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At the request of some groups these guidance notes have been put together about the recommended contents of First Aid Kits for use by Hostelling and Local Groups. Please note that these are only guidance notes for ‘general purpose’ use, where specialist outdoor activities are undertaken the contents may need to be amended in line with recommendations of the appropriate sport governing body.

General

First Aid Kits should be kept in a container made of suitable material and so designed to protect the contents. All boxes should be clearly marked, the recommended marking being a white cross on a green background (Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) regulations 1996). There are two basic types of First Aid Kit.

1. Standard First Aid Kit – for use at places where a Local Group may meet regularly. NB: YHA already provide this type of kit at Hostels.
2. Travelling First Aid Kit – for general outdoor use or when travelling.

First aid boxes and travelling first aid kits should contain sufficient quantities of suitable first aid materials and nothing else.

Standard First Aid Kit

Minimum quantities for low risk establishments and activities may be considered as

1. a general guidance leaflet on first aid.
2. 20 individually wrapped sterile adhesive dressings (assorted sizes) appropriate for the activity (detectable dressings (coloured blue) should be available if catering is to be undertaken)
3. 2 sterile eye pads
4. 4 individually wrapped triangular bandages (preferably sterile)
5. 6 safety pins
6. 6 medium sized individually wrapped sterile unmedicated wound dressings (approx. 12cm × 12cm)
7. 2 large sterile individually wrapped unmedicated wound dressings (approx. 18cm × 18cm)
8. 1 pair of disposable gloves.

In situations where mains tap water is not readily available for eye irrigation, sterile normal saline solution (0.9%) in sealed disposable containers should be provided. Once opened they must not be re-used. The use of eye baths/cups or re-fillable containers is not recommended.

Travelling First Aid Kit

The emphasis is for the contents to reflect the circumstances in which they may foreseeably be used, but the following at least should be included:

1. general guidance leaflet on first aid
2. 6 individually wrapped sterile adhesive dressings
3. 1 large sterile unmedicated dressing (approximately 18cm × 18cm)
4. 2 triangular bandages
5. 2 safety pins
6. individually wrapped moist cleansing wipes
7. 1 pair of disposable gloves.

Care and Replenishment

The contents of first aid boxes and travelling first aid kits should be replenished as soon as possible after use to ensure a continued sufficient supply of materials. All first aid boxes, etc. should be checked regularly to ensure the contents are not used after their expiry date.

It is recommended that nominated person(s) in each group be responsible for maintaining the kit. The first aider may be the appropriate person.

Internet Links

The St John’s Ambulance – Book a training course online
The British Red Cross

Related Pages

• Health & Safety
• Handbook
• Design Tweaks
• Hostelling Kit List
• Mixed Dorms Clarified

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