When accidents strike, at home or work, you want to be prepared. That’s where your first aid supply kit comes in. It’s your first line of defence. Whether it’s a small cut, a minor burn, or something more serious, having the right supplies ready can make all the difference.
At Livingstone International, we’ve helped thousands of Aussie homes and workplaces build the right Home First Aid Kits and Officeworks First Aid Kits. So, let’s break down what really matters and what should always be in your kit.
Why First Aid Kits Matter More Than Ever
You never know when you’ll need one. But when you do, time is critical. Having a well-stocked kit isn’t just ticking a workplace safety box—it’s about protecting lives.
For the home, it means keeping your family safe. At work, it means taking care of your team and meeting health and safety standards.
We’re here to make it simple. No fluff, no jargon—just straight-up info that helps you choose the right first aid supply kit for your needs.
The Essentials: What Every Kit Should Have
No matter where you are—at home, in an office, on a site—these items are non-negotiable. They’re the core of every quality first aid supply kit.
1. Adhesive Dressings & Bandages
You’ll need a mix. Think of band-aids for minor nicks and larger dressings for wounds. Include:
- Assorted adhesive strips
- Gauze pads
- Crepe bandages
- Non-stick wound dressings
2. Antiseptic Wipes & Creams
Clean the wound before dressing it. Always. We recommend:
- Alcohol swabs
- Antiseptic cream or spray
- Saline solution
3. Burn Treatment Supplies
Burns happen more often than you’d think, especially in kitchens or workshops. Essentials:
- Burn gel
- Burn dressing pads
- Hydrogel sachets
4. Disposable Gloves
Protection matters—for you and the patient. Always wear gloves when treating wounds. Go for:
- Nitrile gloves (latex-free)
5. CPR Face Shield or Mask
If someone stops breathing, CPR is vital. A face shield protects you during mouth-to-mouth. It’s small but essential.
6. Tweezers & Scissors
You’ll need tweezers for removing splinters and scissors for cutting dressings or clothing. Ensure they’re made of stainless steel and sturdy.
7. Eye Wash & Pads
Eye injuries are sneaky. From dust to chemicals, you need:
- Eye wash solution
- Sterile eye pads
8. Cold Packs
Instant cold packs reduce swelling and pain. Great for sprains, bumps, or insect bites.
9. Thermometer
Check for fever quickly. Digital thermometers are your best bet—fast and easy to read.
10. First Aid Booklet or Instructions
When in doubt, a clear and straightforward guide helps you act quickly. Make sure your kit has one.
Home First Aid Kit: What You Should Include
For the home, your kit should be simple yet effective. We’ve designed our Home First Aid Kits with families in mind. You don’t need every medical tool under the sun, but you do need the right ones.
Add These to Your Home Kit:
- Kids’ band-aids (yes, the fun ones too)
- Insect bite cream
- Thermometer
- Pain relief tablets (like paracetamol)
- Allergy medication (antihistamines)
- Burn gel
- Tweezers
- Splinter probes
Store your kit in a cool, dry spot. The bathroom cabinet might seem like a good spot, but avoid it—steam can damage the contents. Keep it accessible, but out of reach of young kids.
Officeworks First Aid Kit: What’s Required for Workplaces
Workplaces in Australia have a legal responsibility to provide a safe environment. That includes a compliant Officeworks First Aid Kit.
Depending on your workplace type—office, warehouse, construction site—your kit needs to meet different needs.
Essentials for Every Workplace Kit:
- Adhesive strips (plenty of them)
- Eye pads and eye wash
- Cold packs
- Antiseptic wipes
- CPR face shield
- Large sterile dressings
- Triangular bandages
- Safety pins
- Tweezers and scissors
- First aid instruction leaflet
- Notebook and pen for incident recording
- Emergency contact list
We also offer industry-specific kits, including construction, schools, warehouses, and kitchens, so you’re always covered.
Refill Often: Expiry Dates Are Real
Here’s the catch—first aid supplies don’t last forever. Dressings expire. Antiseptics dry out. Gloves degrade.
So, set a reminder every six months to check your kit. Replace anything used or expired. You can grab easy-to-use first aid refill packs from our online store, so you’re not starting from scratch each time.
Kit Sizes: Go Small or Go Comprehensive?
The size of your first aid supply kit depends on your situation:
- Solo or couple at home? A compact kit will do.
- Family with kids? Upgrade to a family-size kit.
- Small office? A standard Officeworks kit should work.
- Large site or warehouse? You’ll need a wall-mounted comprehensive kit, possibly even multiple ones.
We’ve made the choice easy—browse our pre-packed kits or build your own with our wide range of supplies.
First Aid for Specific Environments
Sometimes, you need extras depending on where you are:
For the Kitchen:
- Burn treatments
- Finger bandages
- Blue detectable plasters (for food safety compliance)
For the Car:
- Compact first aid kit
- Flashlight
- Emergency blanket
For Camping or Outdoor Use:
- Snake bite bandage
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen
- Waterproof dressings
We offer kits tailored to these environments, so you’re not left guessing.
Build or Buy: What’s Right for You?
You might be tempted to throw together your kit. That’s great—if you know what you’re doing.
But if you want to save time, our Home First Aid Kits and Officeworks First Aid Kits come pre-packed with all the essentials. You know they’re compliant, and you don’t have to stress about missing something critical.
Prefer custom? You can mix and match from our extensive selection of first aid supplies and create something that perfectly fits your exact needs.
Why Choose Livingstone for First Aid?
We understand that there are plenty of options available. But here’s why thousands of Aussies trust us:
- TGA-approved products
- Bulk buying discounts
- Custom kits for every environment
- Fast delivery across Australia
- Expert support when you need advice
Whether you’re looking for a basic Home First Aid Kit or an industrial-level solution, we’ve got you covered.
And we don’t just sell kits. We supply everything from individual bandages to defibrillators, gloves, and medical-grade disinfectants.
Quick Safety Tips
- Store your kit where it’s easy to reach—but not too accessible for kids
- Check and refill it every 6–12 months
- Train your team or family on how to use it
- Make sure your kit is clearly labelled
- Keep a list of emergency numbers inside the kit
Get Started Today
Don’t wait for an accident to happen before you get your first aid sorted. Whether you’re shopping for the home, your business, or a mobile team, we’ve got the tools you need.
Jump onto Livingstone’s First Aid Shop to browse, compare, and buy everything you need—from a full Officeworks First Aid Kit to individual first aid supplies.
Being prepared isn’t a luxury—it’s a responsibility. And we’re here to make it easier for you.
FAQs
1. How often should I check my first aid kit?
Check every 6 months. Replace used or expired items to keep your kit up to date.
2. Do I need a different kit for work and home?
Yes. Workplaces need to meet health and safety regulations. Homes can use simpler kits.
3. Can I build my kit?
Absolutely. We offer individual supplies, allowing you to customise them to your specific needs.
4. What’s the difference between a Home Kit and an Officeworks Kit?
Home Kits are for minor injuries. Office Kits meet workplace compliance and include more advanced supplies.5. Do you offer refills?
Yes! You can order refills online by category or purchase a full refill pack for added convenience.
