What to Do If Your First Aid Kit Gets Wet or Damaged
5 min reading time
Moisture can quickly compromise the contents of a first aid kit — especially in the UK’s unpredictable weather. Whether your kit was caught in the rain during a hike, soaked in a car boot, or stored in a damp cupboard, it’s essential to act quickly. This guide explains exactly what to do if your first aid kit gets wet or damaged, and how to protect it in the future.
Why Moisture & Damage Matter
First aid supplies rely on sterility and integrity. Damp dressings can harbour bacteria, creams may degrade, and damaged packaging allows contamination. A wet or damaged kit can give a false sense of security if not handled properly.
Step 1: Assess the Damage
Open the kit and check whether water has penetrated the internal packaging or just affected the outer bag.
Separate dry items from wet or damp items immediately to prevent further spread.
If the kit contains items like torches with batteries, remove and dry them separately to avoid corrosion.
Step 2: Safely Dispose of Compromised Items
Dispose of wet plasters, dressings, gauze, gloves and creams. Once sterile packaging is compromised, these items are no longer safe.
Do not attempt to “dry out” sterile products — sterility cannot be restored.
