First Aid Kits: What to Include & Where to Store Them (Canada)

A well-prepared first aid kit makes it easier to respond to both minor injuries and more serious emergencies. Kits don’t need to be large, but they should be organized, portable, and accessible. Many households and workplaces benefit from having more than one kit—for example, one at home and one in a vehicle.

First Aid & Workplace Relevance

Workplaces, vehicles, schools, camps, and households across Canada maintain first aid kits as part of basic safety planning. Kits support early care while waiting for emergency medical services or while dealing with common everyday injuries.

Scenario

During a weekend soccer game in a local park, a player scraped their knee during a slide. A trained first aid rescuer opened the team’s field first aid kit, cleaned the wound with wipes, and applied a bandage. Having a stocked kit nearby prevented a delay in care and allowed the game to continue.

Choosing a First Aid Kit

Kits can be commercially purchased or assembled from clean storage containers. Good kits are:

• Portable (easy to carry to the scene)

• Organized (items visible and labelled)

• Weather-appropriate (vehicle kits should tolerate cold/heat)

Where to Store First Aid Kits

Ideal locations are central and easy to access, such as:

• Kitchen or utility cabinet

• Bathroom or laundry area

• Workshop or garage

• Vehicle glove compartment or cargo area

• Office or shared workspace

Having more than one kit increases the chance one will be nearby when needed.

Contents of a General First Aid Kit (Public-Safe List)

Common items include:

• Adhesive bandages (various sizes)

• Sterile gauze pads & dressings

• Medical adhesive tape

• Elastic bandages

• Triangular bandage

• Wound cleaning wipes

• Hand cleanser or sanitizer

• Tweezers & small scissors

• Disposable gloves

• Antibiotic ointment packets

• Barrier device for CPR

• Instant cold pack

• Insect bite swabs

• Flashlight & batteries (for emergencies)

Vehicle kits may also include:

• Mobile phone or charger for emergency calls

• Emergency blanket

• List of emergency contacts

Individuals with health conditions often keep medical information nearby for paramedics.

Customizing for Family & Workplace Needs

Kits can be tailored for:

• Outdoor sports (extra cold packs, tape)

• Children (additional bandages, wipes)

• Allergies (awareness of personal allergy plans)

• Remote travel (more comprehensive supplies)

Maintenance & Readiness Tips

To keep kits ready for use:

• Check expiry dates twice a year

• Restock after items are used

• Ensure flashlights & devices have power

• Review contents before travel or camping

FAQ

Do first aid kits expire?
Some items do (e.g., wipes, ointments, batteries). Regular checks help keep kits functional.

Should first aid kits include medications?
Non-prescription items such as pain relievers may be included based on household needs. Individuals use medications according to their own healthcare guidance.

Why keep a kit in a vehicle?
Travel can separate people from home supplies. Weather, breakdowns, and minor injuries can all make a vehicle kit helpful.

Do workplaces require first aid kits?
Many Canadian workplaces do. Requirements vary by province and job setting.

Should kits include medical information?
It can be helpful for responders, especially for individuals with allergies or chronic health conditions.

Educational Note (end of post body)

This information supports public preparedness and first aid awareness. It encourages households and workplaces to maintain basic supplies and review emergency plans.