First Aid Kit Sizes Explained (Small, Medium & Large in the UK)

  • 4 min reading time

Choosing the right first aid kit size can feel confusing. Whether for your workplace, vehicle, school, or home, the kit you choose should match the number of people, the type of environment, and the level of risk.

This guide breaks down the three main UK first aid kit sizes — small, medium, and large — so you can pick the right one with confidence.

How First Aid Kit Sizes Are Defined

In the UK, kit sizes follow the BS 8599-1:2019 standard (for workplaces) and BS 8599-2:2014 (for vehicles). These standards set out the minimum contents required for each size, based on usage and risk levels.

👉 For more detail on the standards, see our workplace first aid kits guide and BS 8599-2 vehicle kits guide.

UK First Aid Kit Sizes — At a Glance

Kit Size Typical Use Recommended For Key Contents
Small Low-risk environments, small groups Cars, small offices, classrooms, travel kits, home Basic dressings, plasters, wipes, gloves, leaflet
Medium Moderate-risk settings or larger groups Workplaces up to 25 people, sports halls, school labs More dressings, eye wash, burn dressings, extras for incidents
Large High-risk or high-traffic areas Warehouses, factories, large schools, busy public spaces Increased quantities, multiple trauma dressings, additional support items

How to Choose the Right Kit Size

1. Consider headcount

  • Small kits: up to ~10 people in low-risk settings.
  • Medium kits: up to ~25 people or moderate risk.
  • Large kits: for bigger teams or higher hazard environments.

2. Assess risk level

  • Offices vs. warehouses = different requirements.
  • PE departments and playgrounds often need larger kits than classrooms.

3. Think about location and accessibility

  • Multiple small kits on different floors may be better than one large kit in a single place.

👉 For help deciding based on environment, check our school kits guide and sports kits guide.

Kit Sizes & Maintenance

Regardless of size, all kits should be:

  • Checked regularly for expiry and missing items
  • Refilled using refill packs to keep costs down
  • Logged after each check or incident

👉 See our first aid kit refills and restocking checklist for practical tips.

First Aid Kit Sizes — FAQ

What’s the difference between small, medium and large first aid kits?
Small kits cover basic injuries for small groups in low-risk settings. Medium kits include more supplies for larger groups or moderate risk. Large kits are for high-risk or busy environments and contain higher quantities and specialist items.
Which kit size is required by UK law?
UK law doesn’t specify exact sizes, but following BS 8599-1 (workplace) and BS 8599-2 (vehicle) standards is considered best practice by the HSE.
Can I have several small kits instead of one large kit?
Yes. Many workplaces place multiple small kits across different floors or areas for faster access, as long as coverage is adequate.
Do larger kits need different maintenance?
All kits, regardless of size, should be checked regularly for expiry and restocked after use. Larger kits may require more frequent checks due to higher usage.

 


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