Inspecting Your First Aid Supplies

Sky MattixBlog, First Aid

Inspecting Your First Aid Supplies: What to Look For

When was the last time you inspected your first aid kits? Did you know that it is recommended to inspect your first aid supplies at least once every three months?

Although overlooked by many people, inspecting your first aid supplies is vital to ensure you are fully prepared to handle an emergency. The last thing you would want to happen when faced with a workplace injury or life-threatening event is to realize that your first aid kit or defibrillator is not fully equipped with the necessary supplies.

Some things to keep in mind when inspecting your first aid kits, supplies and defibrillators (AEDs):

1. Ensure all items required based on your provincial regulations are accounted for.

2. Expiry dates of items including eyewash, ointments and AED pads/batteries.

3. Kits/Items are organized and are in good working condition (no damaged packaging).

4. Record the date of the inspection.

There are particular items such as fabric bandages which are often used up more frequently than others. If your home or workplace has tendencies to use up these items fairly often, consider restocking more of them to avoid running out of them as often. It is best to be over-prepared than under-prepared. 

First Aid Canada provides full refill of most first aid kits which can help minimize the time of the restocking process to the click of a button. For example, if you own the Ontario Section 10 First Aid Kit, you can order the Ontario Section 10 Kit Contents Only (or refill). The refill will contain a refreshment of all the items in your kit without the container itself that the products initially came in. This makes for an easy and organized kit replenishment.

Luckily, if you own a defibrillator you know there is little to no maintenance involved as most are able to notify you without you having to check (although it is still recommended to check once a month just to be sure).

If you are interested in learning more about defibrillators, check out a couple of our other blog posts below:

Why Everyone Should Know How to Operate a Defibrillator

Does Your Child’s School Have a Defibrillator?

Which AED is Right For Me?

Or from the defibrillators themselves:

Philips HeartStart Onsite Defibrillator Ready Pack

Philips HeartStart FRx Defibrillator Ready Pack

ZOLL Semi-Automatic AED Plus

ZOLL Fully-Automatic AED Plus

ZOLL AED 3 Semi-Automatic

ZOLL AED 3 Fully-Automatic

If you have any questions regarding your first aid needs, please do not hesitate to contact the First Aid Canada team.

Life is Precious. Be Prepared.