If you or someone else gets injured and you reach for a first aid kit, you want to be confident that the items inside it will be effective and won’t make things worse. Some supplies in a first aid kit expire. If you use products that have passed their expiration dates, they may be ineffective and may even cause additional problems.
Items in a First Aid Kit That Can Expire
Any first aid kit should contain an assortment of bandages. They have expiration dates and need to be replaced once they reach that date. After bandages have expired, they may no longer be able to stick to the skin. The same goes for tape.
In addition, bandages that have expired may no longer be sterile. If a person’s cut is covered with a bandage that isn’t sterile, that can put the patient at risk of infection.
The wipes and other supplies that are used to clean wounds also have expiration dates. After they have expired, those products will no longer be sterile. They can also dry out, which means they will be useless for cleaning wounds.
When treating a wound, a person providing first aid should wear gloves to protect both parties. Gloves can degrade over time, which can make them ineffective.
Instant cold packs have expiration dates. After a pack has expired, it’s likely to be ineffective.
First aid kits typically contain pain relievers and other over-the-counter medications. Expired medicines can be ineffective, or even harmful.
Go through Your First Aid Kits Once a Year
Make it a habit to check the supplies in your first aid kits annually. If anything has expired, replace it. It’s important to note that you may have to replace items in a first aid kit before their expiration dates if the kit is stored in an area where it’s exposed to extreme temperatures, such as in your car.
You should also check the packaging on your supplies, especially items that need to remain sterile, such as bandages and gauze. If the packaging is damaged or wet, replace the item.
Order Supplies to Replenish Your First Aid Kits
If some items in your first aid kits are expired, that doesn’t mean you have to buy a whole new kit. You can order just the supplies you need so you’ll always have a well-stocked first aid kit available.
1st Aid Supplies offers bandages, hot and cold packs, over-the-counter medications, gloves, gauze, ointment, antiseptics, and a wide range of other essentials. Look over the supplies you currently have in your first aid kits, figure out what you need to replace, and place your order today.
