When it comes to managing minor injuries — or being ready for serious emergencies — your first aid kit is your first line of defence.
But if you work in childcare, schools, or disability services, a standard off-the-shelf first aid kit might not cut it. You need a kit that’s not only compliant — but tailored to the age, needs, and risks of your environment.
In this blog, we’ll walk through:
- What should be in a child-safe first aid kit
- Common items that are missing or misused
- How to stay compliant with Australian regulations
- How often to check, stock, and update your kit
Why AB First Aid offers support that goes beyond training
Many workplaces purchase generic kits without considering:
- The age of the people in their care
- The number of people on-site daily
- Common medical conditions like asthma, allergies, or epilepsy
- Whether they need portable kits for excursions
- Their obligations under National Regulations or school policies
In childcare and school settings, kits need to include child-sized equipment, be easily accessible, and be checked regularly.
Child-Safe First Aid Kit Essentials
Here’s what every school, early learning centre, or disability support service should have in their first aid kit:
Basic Supplies
- Adhesive dressings (variety of sizes, including hypoallergenic)
- Sterile gauze swabs and pads
- Crepe bandages (assorted sizes)
- Triangular bandages (including disposable versions)
- Saline or sterile eye wash
- Disposable gloves (nitrile, not latex)
- Scissors and tweezers (blunt-ended where possible)
- Instant cold packs
- Resuscitation mask or face shield
- Antiseptic solution or wipes
- Waste disposal bags
- First aid guide (up to date)
Child-Specific Items
- Smaller bandages and plasters for younger children
- Digital thermometer
- Child-safe tweezers or splinter probes
- Ice pack sleeves or covers to prevent skin damage
- Age-appropriate spacers for asthma
- Labels for individual medical needs (e.g. “Asthma”, “Anaphylaxis”)
Additional Items (if required by plans or policies)
- EpiPen and Anapen (labelled for individuals)
- Ventolin (reliever) and spacer
- Midazolam or seizure medication (if prescribed)
- Burn dressings (hydrogel)
- Emergency medication storage container (if separate from general kit)
First Aid Kit Placement & Labelling
- Keep kits in clearly labelled and unlocked locations
- Ensure they are accessible to all staff, not just one office
- Store kits out of reach of children but not behind locked cupboards
- Have portable kits ready for excursions, playground supervision, or transport
How Often Should You Check & Restock?
It’s best practice to:
- Check your kits monthly
- Restock immediately after any use
- Keep a register/logbook to record checks, expiry dates, and usage
- Review contents annually against risk assessments and enrolment changes
AB First Aid can provide customised restock checklists based on your environment.
Common Mistakes We See
Here are the issues we most commonly find when auditing first aid kits:
- Expired saline, medications, or gloves
- No child-sized or hypoallergenic supplies
- No portable kit available for excursions
- EpiPens or asthma puffers stored without labels or instructions
First aid kit that only 1-2 people know how to access
First Aid Kit Compliance in Victoria
Under the Education and Care Services National Regulations, services must:
- Have readily available first aid kits
- Ensure kits are suitably equipped for the children in care
- Keep kits maintained and up to date
- Train staff in using the equipment and applying basic first aid
Schools and disability services are held to similar standards under WorkSafe and Departmental policies.
How AB First Aid Supports Centres and Schools
In addition to training, we help with:
- First aid kit audits for compliance and usability
- Recommendations for kit types, quantities, and contents
- Portable kits for excursions, buses, and playgrounds
- Refresher sessions on kit usage
Restock reminders and compliance checklists
Ready to Review Your First Aid Setup?
If it’s been a while since your last kit audit or staff aren’t sure where the kits are — now’s the time to act.
Let us help you keep your team prepared and your centre compliant.
Contact AB First Aid:
Email: info@abfirstaid.com.au
Phone: 03 8364 8984
Website: www.abfirstaid.com.au
Proudly supporting schools, early learning services, and disability providers across Victoria.
