What do you need inside a first aid kit?

Answer 1

The most common types of injuries in a gym environment are going to be sprains, strains and twists to joints, muscles and ligaments. The more serious injuries will include things like broken bones, head injuries, lacerations / punctures or crushed limbs.

Even more serious injuries can occur, of course - but in general, you aren't going to be doing anything more in a gym environment than keeping the scene clear, stopping bleeding and doing CPR if qualified and the situation demands. First-responders and trained people might also apply splints and treat for shock - but any injury for which no trained person is present to treat should be reported to 911 immediately (especially head trauma, back injuries, broken bones or any loss of consciousness).

At a minimum, your gym's first aid kit should contain:

• Aspirin and Ibuprofin - carry both because some people can't have one or the other. These are over-the-counter, so generally safe to give out for pain.
• Antibiotic Ointment - Neosporin / Polysporin are good examples - and can be applied topically to cuts and scrapes to reduce the risk of infection.
• Antiseptic - Hydrogen Peroxide, as an example - to clean/disinfect wounds. Also keep alcohol wipes.
• Bandages - adhesives, elastics with safety pins, moleskin, gauze pads & adhesive tape
• Eye Wash - solution and eyedrops.
• Instant Cold Packs - to reduce swelling. Wrap in a washcloth and apply to twisted or pulled joints/muscles right away.
• Latex Gloves, Scissors and Tweezers - to aid in using the bandages and removing foreign material from minor wounds (any significant puncture of the body should be treated by a medical professional - not a person with a first-aid kit).
• Space Blanket - to keep a person warm in the case of shock.
• Splints and a Spineboard - to immobilize suspected breaks/fractures, and, in the case of a back-injury - to keep the person from moving their back/neck until medical assistance (EMTs) can arrive.

Answer 2

• first-aid manual
• sterile gauze
• adhesive tape
• adhesive bandages in several sizes
• elastic bandage
• antiseptic wipes
• soap
• antibiotic cream (triple-antibiotic ointment)
• antiseptic solution (like hydrogen peroxide)
• hydrocortisone cream (1%)
• acetaminophen and ibuprofen
• extra prescription medications (if the family is going on vacation)
• tweezers
• sharp scissors
• safety pins
• disposable instant cold packs
• calamine lotion
• alcohol wipes or ethyl alcohol
• thermometer
• plastic gloves (at least 2 pairs)
• flashlight and extra batteries
• mouthpiece for administering CPR (can be obtained from your local Red Cross)
• your list of emergency phone numbers
• blanket (stored nearby)

Answer 3

For legal questions regarding this, you should contact the HSE.