It is essential that first aid equipment be replaced immediately after it has been used. This will ensure that your first aid kit is fully stocked and ready to use again. A first aid kit is maintained by:
- cleaning equipment after use as per manufacturer instructions
- developing and implementing protocols to ensure that first aid equipment is ready for use at all times
- making sure that first aid kits and equipment are checked regularly
- recording any discrepancies, using established club and organisation protocols
- removing sterile products that are no longer sealed or have been tampered with
- restocking first aid supplies after use or prior to expiry.
As an SLS member, you should help stock and maintain the contents of any first aid kit according to the manufacturer guidelines and your organisational SOPs. If your SLS club has a first aid officer assigned to maintaining the club’s first aid kits and first aid room, you still need to inform your patrol captain of any first aid equipment that needs cleaning or replacing.