What Should Be in a First Aid Kit? A Complete UK Guide
7 min reading time
Having a well-stocked first aid kit gives you peace of mind at home, on the road, or while travelling. In an emergency, the right supplies help you treat minor injuries quickly and safely. But what exactly should go inside a first aid kit? Let’s look at the essentials recommended in the UK and why ready-made kits can be the simplest option.
Quick First Aid Kit Contents — At a Glance
Category
Examples
Wound Care
Plasters, sterile dressings, adhesive tape
Cleaning
Antiseptic wipes or cream, sterile eye pods
Support
Bandages, safety pins, scissors, tweezers
Protection
Disposable gloves, thermometer, foil blanket
Guidance
First aid manual or instruction leaflet
Essential First Aid Kit Contents
A good first aid kit should include the basics to deal with common injuries such as cuts, grazes, burns, or sprains. According to NHS and HSE guidance, these items are useful to have:
Plasters (assorted sizes) – for covering small cuts and blisters.
Sterile dressings – to protect larger wounds.
Bandages – for support, sprains, or securing dressings.
Antiseptic wipes or cream – to clean wounds and reduce risk of infection.
Scissors – to cut tape, bandages, or clothing if needed.
Tweezers – for removing splinters or debris from the skin.
Safety pins – for fastening bandages and slings.
Gloves (disposable) – to protect both you and the injured person.
Adhesive tape – to secure dressings or bandages.
Thermometer – for checking temperature.
Eye wash or sterile pods – to rinse eyes in case of dust or chemicals.
First aid manual or instructions – quick guidance in stressful situations.
These basics cover everyday accidents, but you can adapt your kit depending on where it’s used. For keeping your kit in good condition, read our First Aid Kit Storage Guide.
Understanding UK First Aid Kit Standards (BS 8599)
In the UK, there are no strict legal requirements for personal first aid kits. However, for workplaces and vehicles, following the BS 8599 standards is strongly recommended. These standards outline the minimum contents and appropriate sizes for different environments, helping ensure your kit meets current health and safety expectations.
BS 8599-1: Applies to workplace first aid kits. The contents are tailored to the number of employees and the level of risk within the workplace.
BS 8599-2: Applies to vehicle first aid kits. It sets out recommended contents for different types of vehicles, including company cars, vans, minibuses and passenger transport.
While not legally enforced, using BS 8599-compliant kits helps organisations meet their duty of care under health and safety regulations.
Not all kits are the same - what you need at home may be different from what’s required at work or on holiday.
At Home or with Family: Add child-friendly plasters, burn gel, and a digital thermometer. See our Baby & Child Guide for more tips.
In the Car: Consider foil blankets, a torch, and a reflective vest for emergencies. Read our Car First Aid Kit Guide.
Workplace Kits: In the UK, workplaces should follow BS 8599-1 standards, which set out minimum requirements for employee safety. Employers also need to consider how many kits they need.
Travel and Holidays: Include insect repellent, motion sickness tablets, or extras like bite relief. See our Travel Checklist.
Outdoor Activities: Hikers and campers need portable, waterproof kits with blister plasters and thermal protection. See Outdoor & Camping Guide.
By tailoring your kit, you’ll be better prepared for specific situations. See our First Aid Kit Sizes Guide to learn the difference between small, medium and large kits.
Why Ready-Made Kits Are Useful
While you can build a kit yourself, many people prefer ready-made options because:
They already include the essentials recommended by UK guidance.
Everything comes organised in a compact, portable bag.
You don’t risk forgetting important items.
Often more cost-effective than buying items separately.
At FirstAidKitsUK, we offer a wide range of first aid kits designed for home, car, workplace, and travel use — saving you time and giving you confidence that your kit is complete.
Keeping Your Kit Up to Date
First aid supplies don’t last forever. Always check expiry dates on items such as plasters, sterile wipes, or dressings, and replace anything that has expired or been used. Make it a habit to review your kit every 6–12 months. For more detail on replacing expired supplies and how often to check your kit, see our Do First Aid Kits Expire? and Refills Guide.
Common First Aid Kit Mistakes to Avoid
Even well-intentioned first aid kits can fall short if they’re not maintained or stored properly. Here are some of the most frequent mistakes people make — and how to avoid them:
Storing kits in humid areas like bathrooms, which can shorten shelf life and damage sterile items.
Forgetting to replace used or expired items, leaving the kit incomplete when it’s needed most.
Overfilling kits with non-essentials, making it harder to find critical supplies quickly during emergencies.
Not tailoring kits for specific environments such as vehicles, workplaces, travel, or children.
Buying cheap kits that don’t meet recommended UK standards, resulting in poor quality or missing essential items.
FAQ — First Aid Kit Contents
What’s the difference between a home and workplace first aid kit?
Home kits are flexible but should cover everyday injuries like cuts, grazes, and minor burns. Workplace kits in the UK must follow BS 8599-1, which sets minimum requirements depending on risk level and staff numbers.
Do first aid items expire?
Yes. Sterile supplies such as dressings, wipes, and eye wash have expiry dates. Replace anything that is out of date, damaged, or has been opened.
How often should I check my first aid kit?
Review your kit every 6 to 12 months, and after any use. Top up missing items and replace anything past its expiry date.
Can I carry a first aid kit when travelling abroad?
Yes. Keep a compact kit in your hand luggage or suitcase with essentials such as plasters, sterile wipes, dressings, and any personal medication you’re allowed to carry.
