School First-Aid Container Stock, Expiry and Medicines Checklist

Use this checklist where the school provides first-aid boxes, kits or supplies.

Check that the supplies being reviewed reflect the findings of the school's current first-aid needs assessment.

Record the building, area or room containing the first-aid box, kit or supplies under review.

Check that the first-aid box, kit or supplies are accessible for the intended users and can be located when needed.

Check that the contents are suitable for the activities and hazards identified in the first-aid needs assessment.

Check the contents for items that are missing, used, damaged or otherwise unsuitable for use.

If the first-aid needs assessment identifies low-hazard activities, check whether the suggested stock relevant to those activities is present and suitable: general first-aid guidance, individually wrapped sterile plasters, sterile eye pads, individually wrapped triangular bandages, safety pins, large and medium sterile individually wrapped unmedicated wound dressings, and disposable gloves.

If the first-aid needs assessment identifies a need for additional materials or equipment, check that the identified items are available in the first-aid kit or stored separately.

Check items marked with an expiry date and identify any that have reached or passed the marked date.

Remove items that have reached or passed their marked expiry date and arrange replacement by the dates given.

For sterile items without dates, seek the manufacturer's advice about storage life and record the advice obtained.

For non-sterile items without dates, judge whether each item remains fit for purpose and record the rationale for retaining or replacing it.

Check whether tablets or medicines are stored in the first-aid box and identify each item found.

Tablets and medicines should not ordinarily be kept in the first-aid box. Record the rationale for any item retained, including any applicable exception for aspirin used in accordance with accepted first-aid practice for a casualty with a suspected heart attack or for emergency administration of specified Schedule 19 prescription-only medication.

Where an individual needs their own prescribed medication, record whether the first-aid arrangements provide for appropriate assistance and contact with emergency services where appropriate.

Arrange safe disposal of expired, damaged or otherwise unsuitable first-aid items, and record what was disposed of.

Arrange replenishment of items that are missing, used, expired, damaged or otherwise unsuitable, in line with the first-aid needs assessment.

Record the rationale for additions to, or omissions from, the contents of the first-aid box, kit or supplies.

Record outstanding replenishment, disposal, manufacturer enquiries or other follow-up actions.