What’s Really in Your School’s First Aid Kit?
In Australian schools, first aid isn’t optional. Every campus must have compliant, stocked kits ready to go. But here’s the kicker—just having a kit doesn’t mean you’re prepared.
We’ve worked with hundreds of schools across NSW and beyond. And the truth? Most kits are missing at least one thing that matters in an emergency.
This guide walks you through what should be in your kit, where to keep it, and how to stay on top of it without the overwhelm.
Key Regulations You Need to Know
- Safe Work Australia’s Code of Practice
- State-specific policies like FORM058 in NSW
- Multiple kits across campus, clearly marked and accessible
- Staff trained in first aid—and aware of kit locations
What We See in Real Schools
At a Dubbo primary school, a student had a severe bee sting reaction. The adrenaline auto-injector? Locked in a cupboard. Staff had to scramble to find it.
Having the right gear doesn’t help if no one knows where it is—or how to get to it fast.
What Every School First Aid Kit Should Include
Cleaning & Hygiene
- Saline solution (eye & wound care)
- Alcohol-free antiseptic wipes
- Cotton gauze swabs
- Hand sanitiser
Bandages & Dressings
- Hypoallergenic band-aids (assorted sizes)
- Crepe & triangular bandages
- Low-adherent dressings
- Hypoallergenic tape
Emergency Equipment
- Instant cold packs
- Asthma module (spacer + salbutamol)
- Adrenaline auto-injector (or space for one)
- Snake bite bandage with tension indicators
- Tick freeze spray
- Eye wash pods
Tools
- Blunt-nosed scissors
- Tweezers
- Non-contact digital thermometer
- CPR face shield
- Nitrile gloves
Storage & Protocol
- First aid guide
- Incident report forms
- Emergency contact list
- Weather-resistant bag or cabinet
Pro tip: Label exactly where critical items like EpiPens are stored. Keep medical action plans visible and easy to grab.
Should You Train Student First Aiders?
For Years 5–12, it’s often a smart move.
- Builds real-life confidence
- Helps staff handle minor incidents faster
- Promotes student responsibility and care culture
Just make sure they have supervision, clear instruction, and something visible like a vest or badge to signal their role.
Where to Keep First Aid Kits on Campus
- Every classroom
- Admin and staff rooms
- Sports and excursion gear
- Science labs, kitchens, workshops
- Any remote or high-risk areas
And don’t forget:
- Use clear, visible signage (Free Printable Complete First Aid and AED Signage here!)
- Restock kits each term
- Check expiry dates regularly
- Remind staff where kits are located and how to use them
Need to Check Your Kit?
Grab our free printable checklist to do a proper stocktake now:
Download the School First Aid Kit Checklist
Or browse our range of pre-built, audit-ready school kits:
- Packed in Dubbo, NSW
- Built with quality, Australian-standard contents
- Add-ons available: excursion packs, signage, refills
Make Sure You’re Prepared—Not Just Compliant
Compliance is the baseline. But real preparedness means visibility, access, and the right contents at the right time. Because when it counts, there’s no second chance.
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Talk to the Expert
Need advice? You can use the live chat on our site to speak directly to me—Samantha, the founder. I’ve worked with hundreds of schools, and I’m here to help.
Author
Written by Samantha, Director of Assurance First Aid Kits, EMT, Trainer & Assessor.
With over 20 years of experience helping schools across Dubbo and regional NSW, Samantha makes sure you’re not just compliant—but confident and prepared when it matters most.
