First Aid Kits

What’s the difference between a standard first aid kit and a Childcare first aid kit?

The truth is that there is often no real difference between many standard first aid kits and Childcare first aid kits that you buy off the shelf and you can easily top up a regular kit with bits and pieces you may find useful.

That said, if you are a professional childcarer working as a childminder or in a early childhood centre it’s probably easier to buy a paediatric first aid kit which meets the guidelines given by the State guidelines. That way you know you will be complying with the acecqa https://www.acecqa.gov.au/nqf/national-quality-standard

“Providers must ensure there is a first aid box accessible at all times with appropriate content for use with children.”

Paediatric First Aid Kit contents

Here’s a list of basic items stocked in a paediatric first aid kit:

• Guidance Leaflet
• Assorted Washproof Plasters
• Eyepad Dressings with Loop
• Triangular Bandage
  

  

• Small dressings
• Medium Dressings
• Large Dressings
• Assorted Safety Pins
• Sterile cleansing wipes
• A Resuscitation Device
• Sterile Gauze Swabs
• Gloves (pair)
• Tubular Gauze
• Microporous Tape
• 1 x First Aid Scissors

There is no reason that you cannot add items such as a soothing bruise gel pack or a thermometer.

The one no no is medication; DON’T keep tablets or medicines in a first aid kit. Store them separately.

How many Childcare First Aid Kits do I need?

This will depend on the setting. In a early childhood centre or school the assessment you may need additional first-aid containers if you have split-sites/levels, distant sports fields or playgrounds, any other high risk areas and any offsite activities. As a childminder you need to make sure you have a kit in your home as well as a travel kit if you take the children out.

Where should Childcare first aid kits be kept?

Childcare First Aid kits should be kept in a cool, dry place out of the reach of children. They should be sited somewhere easily accessible at all times and ideally near to hand washing facilities. They also need to be somewhere dry and in an area that is not too hot or cold to prevent damage to the contents. All first-aid containers must be marked with a white cross on a green background.

How often should a Childcare First Aid Kit be restocked?

Make sure that you reorder items as you use them so that you never get to a point where you are using the LAST plaster! Many items in a First Aid Kit have an expiry date (sterile items, for example, lose their sterility after a period of time) so make sure that you carry out regular checks and replace anything that is out of date.