Best First Aid Kits to Use in Emergency Situations in the UK

Review & Comparison, Last Update February 18, 2024
Commonly, a first aid kit includes properly selected items to treat both less severe problems and more serious ailments. Since injuries ...Read more
PROS

Being very capacious, this Pulox bag accommodates more than an average first aid set. It comes with all the essential equipment for emergency treatment of a very severe injury and even resuscitation.

CONS

There is no bandage in the set. 

OUR VERDICT

This bag will become of a big help to paramedics and other ambulance workers who respond to car accidents, fire emergencies, etc. This multi-functional first-aid kit will not only allow you to give basic medical help but can also help save a life.

detailed parameters
CLASS

DIN 13157

APPLICATION

For almost any accident or emergency

SUITABLE FOR

Emergency doctors, paramedics, and first responder

NUMBER OF ITEMS

~65 

SPECIAL FEATURES

Pulse oximeter Pulox PO-100, Diagnostic penlight, Stethoscope, Digital thermometer, Tourniquet, Sterilium hand disinfectant, 8 pc. oropharyngeal tubes, ANEROID sphygmomanometer

STORAGE BAG

Spacious and functional bag with many inside and outside pockets 

DIMENSIONS

43.9 x 26.9 x 24.9 cm

PROS

This drug kit is compact, so it won't take much space in a car or backpack. At the same time, you can put everything you might need in case of emergency into this bag.

CONS

The package is insufficient to treat severe injuries.

OUR VERDICT

If you don't have a first-aid set in your car yet, we recommend you to look closer at the AA Car Kit. It will help you out in a case of emergency. Moreover, you will avoid the penalty for its absence in your car when you travel to the continent.

detailed parameters
CLASS

DIN 13164

APPLICATION

For car, camping, or caravanning

SUITABLE FOR

Most common injuries (such as minor cuts, abrasions, and sprains)

NUMBER OF ITEMS

32 

SPECIAL FEATURES

Patented pocket storage system for quick access

STORAGE BAG

An easy-to-carry storage pouch

DIMENSIONS

15.5 x 24 cm

PROS

The Body Source Premium has a lot of required items to provide first aid in case of an accident. Coming with 90 objects, it will assist you well during travelling or different sorts of active recreations.

CONS

Tweezers that come with the kit are plastic.

OUR VERDICT

This bag is made of waterproof material hence it is useful for those who like camping or hiking. With this model, you can be sure that all of your first aid tools will be safe if the bag gets wet accidentally.

detailed parameters
CLASS

DIN 13164

APPLICATION

For home, office, car, caravan, or travel

SUITABLE FOR

Most common injuries (such as minor cuts, abrasions, and sprains)

NUMBER OF ITEMS

90 

SPECIAL FEATURES

Ice packs, Sterile eye wash, Emergency foil blanket

STORAGE BAG

A compact, durable, and water-resistant outer case

DIMENSIONS

22 x 17 x 6 cm

PROS

This set comes in a very durable plastic box which contains up to 210 medical items for various emergency situations. Plus, it is compact enough for more convenient safe-keeping.

CONS

It's a bit heavier than its analogues. 

OUR VERDICT

The JFA Medical is designed for large workplaces and corresponds to British Standard BS8599-1. With this set, you will be able to offer reliable first aid in case of an accident.

detailed parameters
CLASS

BS8599-1

APPLICATION

For large workplaces

SUITABLE FOR

Medical professionals including hospital doctors

NUMBER OF ITEMS

210 

SPECIAL FEATURES

3 x Emergency foil blanket

STORAGE BAG

A sturdy green box

DIMENSIONS

35.6 x 28 x 8.6 cm

PROS

This kit is compact enough to keep it everywhere, so feel free to attach it to a bicycle or a rucksack. Plus, the carrying case is semi-hard that guarantees its contents more secured carrying.

CONS

There is little space inside the case. 

OUR VERDICT

If you are a cyclist, mountaineer, or just lead an active life, MediSpor is a must-have for you. It comes with all required items for basic first aid treatment while you wait for an ambulance.

detailed parameters
CLASS

N/A

APPLICATION

For car, camping, or caravanning

SUITABLE FOR

Most common injuries (such as minor cuts, abrasions, and sprains)

NUMBER OF ITEMS

100 

SPECIAL FEATURES

Compass

STORAGE BAG

Bright red or green semi-hard case

DIMENSIONS

19.05 x 14.97 x 5.3 cm

For Any Case of Emergency

The Pulox First Aid Bag is one of the best kits available on the market today. It is very capacious with a lot of inside and outside pockets that allow you to store much more medical items than many of its competitors offer. This kit is equipped with high-quality and sterile equipment for almost any emergency situation. With its help, you could treat wounds and injuries of different degrees of severity, stop bleeding, give emergency care to people injured in car accidents, etc. Therefore, the Pulox kit is an excellent choice for paramedics, emergency physicians, rescue workers, and first responders.

The kit includes:

Plasters, plaster strips, bandages, gauze, a compress, an eye compress, a pair of scissors, gloves, a diagnostic penlight, a stethoscope, a digital thermometer, tourniquet, Sterillium hand disinfectant, eight pc. oropharyngeal tubes, an ANEROID sphygmomanometer, PULOX PO-100.

An Ergonomic Design

With users' convenience in mind, the manufacturer has designed this first aid bag with many pockets to store all required medical equipment easy and always at hand. This Pulox model has two detachable compartments in the top cover of the bag and four spacious sections inside the bag. You can arrange these interior compartments for effortless use and according to the requirements and application area. There are also two small zipped pockets on each side of the bag and one large pocket at its front. Plus, the bag comes with a removable long carrying strap, so you can free your hands just hanging the bag over your shoulder, or carry it in your hand with short handles with Velcro closure. Moreover, due to an eye-catching red design and reflectors, you can be sure that the bag will be visible enough even at night.

Make It More Compact When You Need It

In case you just need a few items and don't want to carry the whole bag, you can always detach the cover pockets and use them independently. You could just put some pills and bandages into them when going hiking, for example. Therefore, your backpack won't be overloaded, and at the same time, you will get everything you might need for the basic first aid treatment in case of emergency.

A Very Useful Extra

On the back of manifold emergency equipment that comes in the bag, you will find one more useful item - the PULOX PO-100. It is a finger pulse oximeter that accurately measures pulse rate and the percentage of oxygen in the blood. It is a user-friendly device with a clear LED display and auto shut-off after 8 seconds of no use. All you need to do to measure the oxygen in your blood is clip it on your fingertip. The pulse oximeter comes with a detailed manual, 2 pc. batteries, a storage box, a nylon pouch, a protective case, and a lanyard for more convenient carrying. Such a device will be mainly helpful for people who suffer from COPD, asthma, Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), and other similar conditions.

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B00V7XFDXI

Excellent Supplement to a Car

If you are looking for a good medicine box for your car, we highly recommend you consider this AA Car First Aid Kit. The bag is pretty compact, so it will fit in a glove compartment perfectly. It also contains all the required items for road emergency situations to give basic first aid treatment to an injured person while waiting for professional medical help. Moreover, this AA Ultimate model corresponds DIN 13164 standard and has a patented pocket storage system for quick and convenient access to bandages, plasters, etc. You will also notice that it is suitable not only for vehicle use but also for camping, caravaning, and other similar activities.

The kit contains:

Six wound dressings, two triangular badges, two first aid dressings (40 x 60 cm), one first aid dressing (60 x 80 cm), three first aid compresses, two bandages (4m x 6cm), three bandages (4m x 8cm), one emergency blanket, eight adhesive plasters, one pair of scissors, one adhesive tape, one information sheet, one emergency procedures sheet.

Be Always Prepared

We hope you won't ever need to use your first aid kit, however, it is always better to have some medical equipment in case the necessity occurs. Bandages, plasters, or first aid dressings are not the only things you might need. It is also essential to have some medications for different occasions. For example, if you or some of your family members or friends suffer from allergies, then having some antihistamines won't be a waste of space. The same is with painkillers. You can use aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen to relieve pain and bring down the fever. However, read the instructions carefully before you take these pills or give them to someone, and make sure the person isn't allergic to them.

A Few More Essentials

When you travel by car over long distances, or even for daily routines such as to work or supermarket, the first aid kit is not the only important thing to keep in a car. The list of useful items can be quite long and will vary with a driver. However, there are things that will be of great value in any car. For example, a portable jump starter and air compressor may help you out if your car breaks down all of a sudden. The jump starter will help you start your car, the compressor, on the other hand, will be very useful when you need to re-inflate your tyres. A waistcoat made of light-reflecting materials is another must-have for you in a car. It can help you prevent dangerous situation at the side of the road and avoid fines in some countries.

A Space Saving Kit to Store Even Under a Car Seat

 

Last updated price £12.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B002NPSLJC

Keep It Always at Hand

It doesn't matter whether you like hiking, caravanning, or just would like to go on a picnic with your family. Everyone wants to be prepared for any possible accident, thus feeling a bit safer. Well, despite the fact that we all hope we won't use it, having a compact and reliable medicine box is a must for everyone. In this regard, we are happy to introduce this Premium First Aid Kit by The Body Source to you. It is one of the best sets that you can keep at home, in a car, a caravan, or an office. Being equipped with 90 essential items for basic medical care, it will help you out in an emergency situation.

The kit contains:

Two instant cold (ice) packs, one 15ml sterile eye wash, two conforming bandages (4.5m x 7.5cm), two conforming bandages (3.6 m x 5.0cm), two triangular bandages, one first aid tape roll, three wound dressings, one crepe bandage roll, two sterile eye pads, thirty adhesive plasters (1.9 x 7.6 cm), ten adhesive plasters (1.0 x 4.0 cm), one foil emergency blanket, three non-adherent pads, two knuckle fabric strips, two fingertip fabric strips, ten antiseptic wipes, twelve safety pins, two pairs of medium gloves, one pair of plastic tweezers, one pair of medical scissors.

A Thought-Out Design

We can't leave without attention the fact that this kit is organised pretty well. It has several compartments with extra space so that you could add some medicines when the need be. Therefore, you can organise all the contents the way it is more convenient and include the items that are essential for you. There are two main compartments inside the bag: mesh pocket and zipped waterproof pouch. The former is good for a cold compress, plasters, etc. In the zipped compartment, on the other hand, you can store pills, sterile gloves, and other medical items that require safer storage. Plus, with user's safety and convenience in mind, the manufacturer has added an organizer with small pockets for tweezers, scissors, and other pointed tools.

Compact, Portable, and Very Durable

In spite of its quite spacious design, this bag is compact enough to take it almost anywhere you go. It has two perdurable handles and is made of hard nylon. Therefore, the bag will serve you well for many years to come. Besides, the outer case is water resistant that allows to use it not only at home or in the office but also outside whilst hiking, camping, or backpacking.

A Useful Advice

Everyone knows that cold can relieve pain and limit bruising. It can also decrease inflammation, swelling, and help stop the bleeding. You can use an ice compress to restrict blood circulation and keep the pain down. So every time you go cycling or for a long walk in the woods don't forget to take an ice compress with you, just in case. However, take note that in order to avoid deterioration it is better not to apply ice directly to the skin, hold it on one area for too long, or compress very severe injuries.

Last updated price £19.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B00GQGUSK4

An Excellent Solution for a Workplace

Everyone who runs a business, small or large, wants to protect his/her employees and make their workplace safe. A medicine set is a must-have at any enterprise and must correspond to the BS8599-1 British Standard as well. The JFA Medical is such a set. It is equipped with 210 items for any emergency at large workplaces and is compliant with the BS8599-1. Created with the help of hospital doctors, this box includes only essential items for good basic medical treatment.

The kit contains:

One guidance leaflet, eight medium sterile dressings, two large sterile dressings, four triangular bandages, twenty-four safety pins, four eye pad sterile dressings, hundred sterile adhesive plasters, forty sterile cleansing wipes, one adhesive tape, twelve pairs of nitrile disposable gloves, four finger sterile dressings, two resuscitation face shields, three foil blankets, two hydrogel burn dressings, one pair of shears, two conforming bandages, one green moulded case.

A Solid Box for Extended Use

Not only has the JFA Medical enough supplements to treat various injuries, it also has a quite durable box. Being made of plastic, this sturdy container guarantees that all the medicines, bandages, plasters, and other items will be safe in it. Plus, thanks to a built-in handle the box is very convenient to carry, and it won't break quickly. Without a doubt, this rescue case from JFA is a pretty reliable complement.

Equipment Approved by Professionals

This British Standard BS8599-1 Compliant kit will be suitable for most situations that may occur at a workplace with up to 100 employees. Therefore, you can be sure that in case of emergency you or a competent person will be able to render first aid to the injured. Moreover, with a certified kit at your office, you won't be fined for scrimping on safety measures.

A Few Simple Tips

Without a doubt, knowing how to treat wounds properly whether they are serious or not is essential to prevent worsening. There are some conventional rules we'd like to share with you.

  1. Clean your hands before debriding a wound and use sterile gloves. This will help avoid infection.
  2. Put some pressure on a cut to stop bleeding. You can use a clean bandage or cloth for this. By the way, if you have injured your arm, finger, or leg, you can raise them above your heart. Such movement can also help slow bleeding.
  3. Irrigate your wound with clean water to remove dirt from it. Use sterilized tweezers to remove foreign particles if the need be.
  4. Daub an antibiotic cream on your cut to protect it from infection after you stop the bleeding. Do not use alcohol or hydrogen peroxide since they can harm the tissues.
  5. Cover the wound with the bandage and change it every day. This way, you will monitor the wound healing.
Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B01MRERP0N

Take It With You Whenever You Go

Do you devote much of your time working outdoors where injuries are a common thing? Or do you like active sports and holidays in areas where a risk of injury is high? If so, a reliable first aid kit is irreplaceable for you. The MediSpor 100-Piece will be the best pick. It is easy-to-use and has most of the essential items to deal with a wide range of injuries. The set is compact, lightweight, and has a comprehensive first aid guide with tips on critical emergency help. So if you are looking for a complete kit in a durable case, MediSpor is the right choice for you.

The kit contains:

One first aid guide, one carabiner, one pair of scissors, metal tweezers, one tourniquet, one compass, three stainless steel lancets, one CPR mask, one emergency blanket, one emergency whistle, two plastic finger splints, four safety pins, five cotton-tipped applicators, two L-size vinyl gloves, one small instant cold pack, one blister relief, three sting relief prep pads, nine alcohol pads, six iodine prep pads, six antiseptic cleansing wipes, two sterile eye pads, four sterile gauze pads (2" x 2"), two sterile gauze pads (3" x 3"), two sterile gauze pads (4" x 4"), one sterile abdominal gauze pad (5" x 9"), one roll of adhesive tape, one triangular bandage, one confirming bandage (2.4" x 13.1"), one elastic fixative bandage (2.4" x 13.1"), ten small strip bandages, ten butterfly bandages, ten regular strip bandages, one knuckle bandage, two knee bandages.

Simple Design and Excellent Organisation

This set comes with a semi-hard case which is available in two colours (green and red). There is a white cross on the front of it that stands out a mile hence you won't confuse it with anything else. The case has a zip and opens like a book for quick and convenient access to all the contents. Besides, there are clear pockets inside the case that let you see everything right away once you open it. There is also some extra space in the pockets so that you could add some essentials of your own.

One More Thing

The manufacturer has equipped this set with a small booklet on First Aid Tips with detailed instructions. So don't panic if you don't know how to treat a certain wound or injury, for thanks to this guide, you can always check on how to give proper help to an injured person.

A Very Useful Extra

If you are a mountaineer or like hiking, you will like this MediSpor set. Although it holds so many required medical items, the case is super compact and will fit almost any marching pack. The manufacturer has also added a carabiner to one side of the case. So if you don't have enough space for your first aid kit in your backpack, you won't have to leave it at home, just clip the set to the outside of your rucksack or belt with a carabiner and feel safer anywhere you go.

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B01BLH39T4

Infographics


What is a First Aid Kit?

A first aid kit is an essential item for any household, especially if you have kids. Having a good aid kit at hand with all the right aid items can let you handle all sorts of problems before they burst open to a bigger trouble. A first aid kit is a must-have thing to keep in a car, for you never know where the trouble may come from. It's always better to have the essential supplement right there beside you than rely on ambulance only in an emergency situation. Sometimes very basic things can help you out during bad times, giving just the right assistance and care you'd need. Therefore, we strongly recommend you to get one for yourself and store it in a drawer or a medicine cabinet at home.

If you suffer from muscle pains or strains, try one of the pain relief devices that will help you relieve sore muscles and take off discomfort. Meanwhile, heating pads are designed to promote ligament tension healing and damaged tissues restoration.

What Features to Compare

Class and Intended Use

The first thing to consider when choosing a first aid kit is for what purposes you’ll need it. Depending on the intended use, you will understand how much supplies the kit would need to have to provide you with the essentials in an emergency situation. There are first aid kits that you can use in everyday life, those that you can grab to go on trips, basic kits to keep in a car and those that you can take with you when going on excursions/tours with a group of people.

Based on the assortment, quantity and intended use of supplies, first aid kits must correspond to British standards. For example, if you need a set for your workplace, it must comply with the British Standard BS8599-1. The size and component parts will vary depending on the number of employees. If you'd like to purchase a first aid set for travelling, backpacking, or other sorts of activities, the one that corresponds DIN 13164 will be enough.

Supplies

When you decide on the first aid kit intended use and class, you need to consider the contents of a bag. The more components the kit contains, the more useful and helpful it will be. Aside from basic stuff like bandages, blister tapes, surgery gloves, and antiseptics, some of the first aid kits may contain emergency items such as a compass, whistle, or flashlight for rescue situations.

Size and Weight

Next, make sure to pay attention to design and weight of the bag, for if you plan to use it daily and you need it to be portable, it should not add too much weight to your backpack. Most first aid sets have reflective strips so that you could find the kit in the dark. A waterproof enclosure, at the same time, allows you to store items in there that must not be exposed to the moisture. There are also handy zippers to give you quick access to the supplies inside, shoulder straps, and much more. Consider all these little things that might seem minor at first but can make a huge difference in an emergency situation.

FAQ:

Q: What is a first aid kit meant for?
A: Commonly, a first aid kit is meant to provide an emergency care to an injured person prior to professional medical services arrival. Traditional first aid kits contain a number of supplies to tackle both major and minor injuries.

Q: What types of first aid kits exist?
A: Depending on the purpose and the length of trip, you can choose a first aid kit from basic, standard, sports, outdoor, and medical types of kits. They differ by the assortment of supplies, their number, and the type of a bag. Basic and standard kits include basic supplies for treating minor injuries, while specialized kits offer a bigger range of components as well as rescue items like a compass, a whistle, etc.

Q: Why do I need an emergency response kit?
A: It's impossible to predict an injury. Therefore, it’s better to be prepared for the unexpected before the emergency strikes.

Q: Where is a first aid kit a must?
A: Usually, a first aid kit is a must-have item for all vehicles (passenger vehicles, private cars, RVs, etc.) and public places (restaurants, bars, cafes, cinemas, etc.). It is strongly recommended that an emergency kit becomes a staple for every household, kindergarten, school, and workplace.

Q: What is the best place to store a first aid kit?
A: It depends upon the intended use of your kit. If you buy one for a family use, you can store it in a kitchen, a closet or a medicine cabinet. The kit that you choose for your car or RV will find a place in a glove compartment or a boot, subject to the kit size. When selecting an emergency or survival kit for your outdoor adventures, including both great outdoors (camping, hiking, backpacking or even fishing and hunting) and leisure activities on milder terrains (picnics in the park or on the beach, some excursions and sports events, etc.), opt for comprehensive all-purpose kits that compactly fit into a backpack, a travel bag, or a suitcase.

Q: Do first aid kits have expiration dates?
A: Yes. Many of the components from the kit, especially medicines, have expiration dates. Normally, the expiration date is specified on each of the items individually. Do not forget to check the emergency supplies on a regular basis and replace the components timely.

Q: Will using a first aid kit replace calling 911?
A: No. Any first aid kit is meant to provide an emergency aid during the first critical minutes before the help arrives. In many situations, the appropriate first aid measures can save somebody's life. However, you can't ignore professional medical services and must call 911 in any of the emergency situations.

Sources:

1. First-aid kit shopping list, BabyCenter.

2. First aid kit, Wikipedia. January 17, 2017.

3. Gentry Houghton & Cam McKenzie Ring How to Choose the Best First Aid Kit, OutdoorGearLab. July 21, 2015.

4. First Aid Kit Buying Guide, eBay. February 22, 2016.

5 How to Make a First Aid Kit for Kids, wikiHow.

6. First-Aid Checklist, REI.

7. First Aid Kits, WebMD.

Other reviews