Shopping for a first aid kit in Australia? You’re not alone—and probably a little confused. With hundreds of options online, it's hard to tell what’s compliant, what’s complete, and what’s just cheap fluff in a red box.
This guide cuts through the noise. We’ll show you what your kit must include (especially if you're buying for work), how to avoid non-compliant gear, and how to review your current kit in under 5 minutes.
Know the Rules: What the Law Says
- Under Safe Work Australia, workplaces must have accessible, fit-for-purpose first aid kits.
- WorkSafe Inspectors can turn up without notice—and expired or missing contents can mean serious penalties.
- Kits must match the risk level of your environment—think chemicals, burns, remoteness, or high-traffic areas.
What We See Every Week (And How to Avoid It)
At Assurance First Aid Kits, we’ve been training and supplying businesses across Australia for 16+ years. We’ve seen everything:
- Fake tourniquets from major retailers
- Kits missing mandatory items—like resus face shields
- Expired supplies in supposedly “new” kits
Our kits are packed right here in NSW, tailored for real Aussie risks, and designed to pass inspection. If you’re not sure about your current kit, use our free 5-minute tool:
Download our First Aid Kit Restock Checklist
Checklist: Essentials for Home or Office Kits
Here’s what a compliant, practical low-risk kit should contain at minimum:
- First aid guide + notepad and pen
- Face shield for CPR
- Amputated parts bag
- Low-adherent dressings (eye, 10x10cm, 5x5cm)
- Gauze swabs, iodine & cleansing wipes
- Combine dressing (10x20cm)
- Burn gel sachets
- Box of bandaids, splinter probes, tweezers, scissors
- Antiseptic spray
- Crepe & gauze bandages, triangular bandages
- Thermal blanket, instant ice pack
- Nitrile gloves
Get the full kit list here: Explore Our First Aid Kits
Warning: Counterfeit Tourniquets Are a Real Threat
We’ve spotted trauma kits sold in Australia with tourniquets that can snap or fail under pressure.
- Authentic tourniquets cost $65–$100
- Fakes can cost lives
- Trusted brands: CAT, SOF-T, RapidStop
Only buy from TGA-registered Australian suppliers. Not sure? Ask us directly in the live chat—you're speaking to Samantha, the founder.
Customise by Risk, Not Just Price
Standard kits are a starting point—but they may not cover your specific risks. Here’s what to consider:
- Remote areas: Snakebite module, compass, torch, signal mirror
- Construction sites: Eyewash, trauma dressings, PPE
- High-heat environments: Extra burn modules, hydrogel dressings
- Sports teams: Cold sprays, rigid tape, finger splints
Find your fit: See Our Full Kit Range
Travel Kits: Don’t Pack Light on Safety
For travel, we recommend kits built for 4–5 people—even if there are just two of you. Single-person kits run out fast in real emergencies.
Also, carry extra personal meds separately in both your carry-on and checked bag. If your kit gets lost or delayed, you still need access to essentials.
Yes, First Aid Items Expire
- Bandages lose stretch (especially in hot cars)
- Packaging breaks down and loses sterility
- Adhesive strips stop sticking
We recommend replacing consumables every 5 years—even if unused.
Workplace Compliance: Non-Negotiable
If you run a business in Australia, you’re required to provide:
- Accessible kits matched to your risks
- Trained first aiders
- Stock maintenance logs
Compliance is not optional—get the tools you need at: Workplace-Compliant Kits
Free Tools You Can Use Today
Want Help? Ask Me Direct
I’m Samantha, the founder of Assurance First Aid Kits. You can speak to me directly using the live chat on our site. Whether you need advice, compliance help or a quote—we’ve got you covered.
Want updates, compliance tips and exclusive offers? Join Our Newsletter
Author
Written by Samantha, Director of Assurance First Aid Kits, EMT, Trainer & Assessor.
With 20+ years of experience in first aid compliance training across Dubbo and regional NSW, Samantha helps businesses stay safe, stocked and inspection-ready—without the fluff.
