The Difference Between General and Specialised First Aid Kits: What Your Workplace Needs

For people who take all things casually, it’s pretty natural to assume that every first-aid kit serves the same purpose. After all, they’re just boxes with bandages, antiseptic wipes and maybe a few other essentials.

What they may not know is that knowing the clear distinction between the types of first aid kits is an important matter, and it shouldn’t be ignored. Especially in a workplace where injuries can range from a tiny paper cut to something far more serious, choosing the wrong kit might leave you unprepared at the worst possible moment.

In this article, we’ll be educating you on the different types of first aid kits, as well as the core differences between the two major types.

The Classes of a First Aid Kit

Here are the main classes of first aid kits:

Class A First Aid Kits

These are your everyday heroes. Class A kits are designed to handle common injuries like small cuts, scrapes, and minor burns. They’re what you’d expect to see in a basic office environment or even in a home setting.

You’ll usually find things like adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze pads, and a pair of scissors.

Class B First Aid Kits

Class B kits are meant for workplaces where the risk of injury is higher, like factories, construction sites, or places with heavy machinery. These kits are stocked with more robust supplies, including trauma dressings, burn treatments, and a greater variety of bandages and tools.

Portable First Aid Kits

Sometimes, it’s not enough to have a kit sitting in the corner of a room. If your team works in remote areas or frequently moves between locations, a portable first aid kit is crucial. These are smaller, lightweight kits designed to be carried easily.

The beauty of portable kits is their flexibility. You might find them in work vehicles, outdoor job sites, or anywhere that requires mobility. They’re a scaled-down version of Class A or B kits but tailored for convenience without skimping on essentials.

Core Differences Between a General and Specialised First Aid Kit

Now, let’s discuss the core disparities between the two major types of first aid kits:

General First Aid Kits

A general first aid kit is exactly what its name suggests. It’s a kit designed to handle the most common, everyday injuries you’re likely to come across in a typical setting. These kits are created with versatility in mind and are packed with supplies to manage a wide range of minor incidents. Basically, they are the “all-purpose” first aid solution.

If you work in an office, a retail store, or any other low-risk environment, this is likely the kit you’ll find tucked away in a cupboard or mounted on the wall. It’s designed to take care of injuries that are inconvenient but not life-threatening. For example, a general first aid kit is perfect for dealing with:

• Paper cuts
• Small burns
• Minor scrapes or abrasions
• A splinter that somehow manages to find its way into your hand from a wooden desk or shelf.

General kits usually include items such as:

• Adhesive bandages of various sizes
• Antiseptic wipes
• Sterile dressings
• Tweezers
• Scissors, etc

These kits focus on covering the basics. They’re not too fancy, but they’re reliable, and that’s exactly what you need in low-risk settings. General first aid kits are affordable, portable, and straightforward to use, which makes them a go-to choice for workplaces where accidents tend to be minor.

Specialised First Aid Kits: Built for Specific Hazards

While generalised kits are great for everyday mishaps, they simply aren’t equipped to handle the unique risks found in higher-risk workplaces. You would need specialised kits for that.

Specialised kits are designed to handle injuries that are specific to certain environments. They go far beyond the basics and are packed with items that are tailored to the particular risks of a workplace. A snake bite kit is a typical necessity for areas that are prone to snakes, particularly venomous ones.

Take a construction site for example. The types of injuries workers might face here are very different from those in an office. There’s the risk of deep cuts from sharp tools, fractures from falling objects, or burns from equipment. In this kind of setting, a general kit won’t suffice. You need a specialised first aid kit that’s ready for things like:

• Trauma dressings to stop heavy bleeding in an emergency.
• Cold packs to manage swelling from sprains or strains.
• Splints for stabilising broken bones before medical help arrives.
• Burn gel to provide immediate relief and protection for burns caused by hot machinery or materials.
• Eyewash for rinsing out harmful chemicals or debris that might get into someone’s eyes.
• CPR face shields to help you perform life-saving resuscitation safely and effectively.

Here is a table showing the major distinctions between generalised kits and specialised kits:

The Problem with General First Aid Kits in High-Risk Environments

General first aid kits are designed to handle common, low-risk injuries. They’re stocked with items like adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, and basic dressings. This setup works well for environments where serious injuries are rare.

In an office, for example, you’re likely dealing with small incidents like a paper cut, a minor bump, or maybe a spill that leads to a slip. A general kit is great for handling these kinds of everyday mishaps.

But the story changes when you’re in an environment where the stakes are higher. If someone gets a serious burn in a kitchen or a deep cut on a construction site, a general kit just won’t be enough.

You’ll need specialised tools, like burn dressings, heavy-duty trauma bandages, or even splints to stabilise a broken bone. Without these items, there’s a risk of making the injury worse simply because you weren’t prepared with the right supplies.

Simply put, a specialised kit is always the better choice. Every place of business needs one that is tailored to serve the medical and emergency needs of their specific environment. Even the law mandates its availability. As a business owner, you would do well to make workplace first aid kits handy and ready for any emergency that may arise.

Also Read: How to Properly Maintain Your Workplace First Aid Kit: Best Practices