What Should Be in a First Aid Kit? A Complete Guide for Every Australian Home and Workplace

A well-organised first aid kit is one of the simplest yet most important tools for dealing with everyday injuries and medical emergencies. Whether it’s a minor burn in the kitchen or a nasty scrape on a camping trip, the right supplies can make all the difference. 

In this guide, we will outline what items should be in a first aid kit and how to make a first aid kit at home that suits Australian homes and workplaces.

Why a Proper First Aid Kit Matters

A first aid kit gives you the tools to act quickly when accidents happen. Early treatment of minor injuries like cuts, grazes or burns can prevent complications such as infection or prolonged healing. For homes, it provides peace of mind. For workplaces, it’s not just recommended, it’s a legal requirement under Safe Work Australia guidelines.

A first aid kit also helps people feel confident in their ability to respond. Whether it’s used at home, on the road, or in the office, knowing where your kit is and what’s in it can reduce panic and lead to better outcomes.

What Should Be in a Basic First Aid Kit

Every first aid kit should be stocked with a well-rounded mix of wound care items, hygiene supplies, pain relief, and emergency tools. Here's what to include:

Wound care essentials

Sterile adhesive bandages (Band-Aids), non-stick dressings, gauze swabs, crepe bandages, triangular bandages and wound-closure strips help you manage cuts, grazes and bleeding. Adhesive tape is useful for securing dressings in place.

Antiseptics and cleansers

Saline solution, antiseptic wipes and alcohol swabs are vital for cleaning wounds and reducing the risk of infection.

Burn treatment

Burn gel sachets or hydrogel dressings are designed to cool burns and ease discomfort. These should always be included, especially in kitchen or workshop kits.

Eye care

An eyewash bottle (at least 500ml) and sterile eye pads are important if dust, chemicals, or foreign objects enter the eye.

Ointments and creams

Antibiotic ointment for minor wounds, bite and sting relief cream, and a soothing cream for rashes or sunburn can all come in handy.

Medications

Basic over-the-counter medications like paracetamol, ibuprofen, antihistamines for allergic reactions, and anti-nausea tablets are useful. Glucose gel or lollies are important for treating low blood sugar, particularly if someone is diabetic.

Tools

Sturdy scissors, splinter tweezers, safety pins, a digital thermometer, disposable gloves (nitrile preferred), a CPR face shield, a torch (with spare batteries), and an instant cold pack should all be included.

Protection and shock management

Emergency thermal blankets help manage shock and keep a person warm. A resuscitation mask is also helpful during CPR.

Documentation

A notepad and waterproof pen allow you to write down what happened and what treatment was given, particularly useful in workplaces or for providing information to paramedics. Also include a quick-reference first aid guide and a card listing emergency contacts.

Together, these supplies provide a solid foundation for treating a wide range of everyday injuries and emergencies.

Additional Items for Specialised Kits

Different environments call for different supplies. Here are a few extra items to consider:

• Outdoor and camping kits may need snake bite bandages with tension indicators, tick removal tools, water purification tablets, insect repellent, and high-energy snacks.
• Workplace first aid kits often include items like large burn dressings, heavy-duty bandages, eyewash stations, trauma shears (for cutting through clothing), and copies of chemical safety data sheets if hazardous substances are on site.
• Vehicle and caravan kits should include a reflective vest, emergency warning triangle, thermal blankets, and a glass breaker with a seatbelt cutter.
• Family kits with children should contain child-safe scissors, child-friendly bandages, liquid paracetamol or ibuprofen, a nasal aspirator, and digital thermometers with flexible tips.
• Tailoring your kit to your lifestyle, work environment or travel needs ensures you're properly prepared for the risks you’re most likely to face.

How to Make a First Aid Kit at Home

Step 1: Choose your container

Use a sturdy, water-resistant container that’s easy to open and clearly labelled. If possible, choose one with compartments to keep supplies sorted.

Step 2: Gather your supplies

Refer to the list above to build your kit. You can buy items individually or purchase a pre-packed first aid kit and customise it to suit your needs.

Step 3: Organise by category

Group items together by function, for example, wound care in one section, medication in another, and tools in their own space. This makes it easier to find what you need in an emergency.

Step 4: Label and list contents

Tape a contents list to the inside of the lid or container. This helps household members know what’s in the kit and spot when something is missing or expired.

Step 5: Store it properly

Keep the kit in a cool, dry location, out of children’s reach but easy for adults to access. The laundry cupboard or kitchen is a common choice at home, while offices should mount kits in a visible location near potential hazards.

Step 6: Educate household members

Talk through where the kit is and what’s inside. A short demonstration on how to use items like bandages or the CPR face shield can make a big difference when an emergency strikes.

Maintaining Your Kit

It’s not enough to build a first aid kit, you need to keep it up to date.

• Check it monthly to make sure nothing has been used or damaged.
• Every three months, check medication expiry dates, restock any missing items, and replace batteries.
• After every use, restock immediately. Don’t leave it for later, that’s how kits become incomplete over time.
• Many people are caught out when they go to use their kit only to find the pain relief tablets have expired or the bandages are missing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Relying on medication alone. Tablets are helpful, but you also need the tools to clean, dress, and manage wounds.
• Forgetting personal medical needs. If anyone in your household or workplace has a known condition, add items like an asthma inhaler, antihistamine, or EpiPen if required.
• Storing your kit in the bathroom. It may seem convenient, but heat and humidity can damage supplies. Choose a cool, dry space instead.
• Not including instructions. Even if you’ve had first aid training, it’s useful to have a quick-reference guide in high-pressure situations.

Prepare Your First Aid Kit Today

Now that you know what should be in a basic first aid kit, there’s no reason to delay putting one together. It’s a small investment that offers peace of mind, helps protect your family or team, and ensures you're ready to act in an emergency.

At Fullworks Fire Safety, we stock a wide range of first aid kits tailored to homes, offices, vehicles and worksites. We also provide refills, wall-mounted kits, and guidance to help your business stay compliant with Australian safety standards.

Looking to upgrade your kit or get expert advice? Contact Fullworks Fire Safety today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What items should be in a first aid kit for families with children?
In addition to the essentials, include liquid pain relief, child-friendly dressings, a nasal aspirator, and a flexible digital thermometer.

How often should I check my first aid kit?
Quick monthly checks are recommended, with a deeper review every three months. Replace expired medicines immediately.

Is it better to buy or build a kit?
Pre-packed kits save time and meet basic standards, but DIY kits let you customise based on your family, hobbies or worksite.

Can I store my kit in the car?
Yes, but be mindful of heat. Store it in a shaded part of the car, and consider using insulated bags to protect sensitive items.

What should I do if I run out of a certain item?
Restock as soon as possible. Keeping a small backup supply of common items like plasters and antiseptic wipes is a good idea.