A church, of any size, should have a well-stocked first aid kit. It’s a critical element of preparedness for handling minor injuries and emergencies that may occur during church services or a church event.
Well stocked first-aid kits can be purchased through the American Red Cross, or at local retailers or if you have someone qualified, you can even build your own. It might be advisable however to purchase them directly since those will most often come with an easily recognized bag.
Either way, here are some essentials for having an efficient first-aid kit for your church.
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After you have bought or created the proper first-aid kit for your organization (see recommend basics below), it is important to make others aware of its availability and location, especially those who are commonly helping with activities (Ushers, Greeters, Parking Lot Attendants, Welcome Desk Personnel).
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Your kit should be kept in a place that is out of reach of young children but easily accessible to adults.
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If your first-aid kit did not come with its own first-aid bag, the contents of your first-aid kit should be stored in a durable container that is easy to notice, carry and open.
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Along with keeping a first-aid kit at your main facility, you should also have additional kits elsewhere, such as your fellowship hall, gymnasium, youth building and other high-activity areas. Sometimes it’s a good idea to have an extra first-aid kit that you can take with you to camps or other organized events.
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Keeping your kit in good working condition is very simple but requires a checkup that’s recommended four times a year – or after a known use. The checkup should include the restocking of used items (keep a desired contents inventory), and replacement of expired ointments or creams.
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Train staff and volunteers in basic first aid and CPR.
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Have a system for documenting incidents and treatments.
A well stocked first-aid, such as from the American Red Cross will include:
(keep this as a checklist for ordering future supplies)
Bandages or Band-Aids
☑️2 Combine Pads 5″ x 9″
☑️2 Knuckle Bandages
☑️2 Fingertip Bandages
☑️25 Adhesive Bandages 3/4″ x 3″
☑️5 Adhesive Bandages 1″ x 3″
☑️10 Adhesive Bandages 3/8″ x 1 1/2″
☑️5 Adhesive Bandages 1 1/2″ x 1 1/2″
☑️1 Plastic Bandage 2″ x 4 1/2″
☑️1 Rolled Bandage 3″
☑️1 Rolled Bandage 4″
☑️2 Triangular Bandages
☑️2 Rolls Kit Tape 1″ x 5 yds (adhesive tape for securing bandages, dressings)
Gauze Pads
☑️5 Sterile Gauze Pads 3″ x 3″
☑️5 Sterile Gauze Pads 4″ x 4″
Equipment
☑️1 Pair Tweezers
☑️1 Pair Scissors
☑️1 Emergency Blanket
☑️1 CPR Barrier
☑️1 Disposable Thermometer
Gloves
☑️2 Pair Latex Gloves
Sanitizers
☑️5 BZK Towelettes
☑️2 Hand Sanitizer Packs 0.9g
Treatment and Medications
☑️2 Hydrocortisone Packs 0.9g (topical cream used to relieve itching, redness, swelling)
☑️5 Triple Antibiotic Packs 0.9g (commonly known as Neosporin, first-aid antibiotic to help prevent infections and temporary pain relief from minor burns, cuts, and scrapes.
☑️1 Instant Ice Pack
Emergency First Aid Instructions
☑️1 First Aid Instruction Booklet
Other Considerations:
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For cardiac emergencies, establish an AED program that includes placement, training, and maintenance, in compliance with any state requirements.
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Depending on your church’s activities and congregation’s needs, you may want to include a bleeding control kit, epinephrine auto-injectors, glucose tablets or gel, and an asthma inhaler. We recommend consulting with medical personnel before obtaining any of these.
By following these steps, you can create a comprehensive and efficient first aid kit for your church, helping to ensure the safety and well-being of your congregation and visitors.
