Gear criteria
First-aid kits
Household first-aid kit criteria for UK readiness—contents, expiry tracking and limits of kit versus training.
What we compare
- Contents mapped to common injuries (plasters, sterile dressings, gloves, tape, antiseptic, thermometer, eyewash)
- Distinction between compact home kits and BS workplace kits without overclaiming
- Prescribed medication kept separately by the household
- Expiry tracking for sterile items
- Face masks included where Scottish guidance lists them as optional kit items
- Kits do not replace first-aid training
Check the plasters and dressings you already own. Top up sterile items on your six-month review rather than buying duplicate full kits.
Sources
Last reviewed 14 November 2026.