How Long Do Your First Aid Kits Last?

Obtaining an emergency kit is a significant first step in preparing for unexpected incidents. An equally important second step is ensuring that the first aid supplies in your kit are in good working condition.

Contrary to popular opinion, first aid kits have a shelf life, and the supplies should be replaced periodically. Let us find out how long your first aid kit should last, what items you need and when to replace them.

Do First Aid Kits Have an Expiration Date?

While the emergency kit has no expiration date, the supplies it holds often do. Most medical supplies have a shelf life of between three and five years from the date of manufacture.

To avoid situations with a kit full of obsolete supplies, check expiration dates at purchase. Note them down and set a reminder to replace items in good time. Exercise extra caution with medications as they lose their potency after expiration and could be harmful.

When to Replace Items with No Expiration Date

Supplies that have no expiration date do not necessarily last forever. It is essential to conduct periodic inspections to ensure their quality is not compromised. Exposure to air and moisture and frequent use can damage these items rendering them obsolete.

One of the factors to keep in mind during an inspection is sterility. Though many sterile items have an expiration date, you might find some exceptions in your kit. In this case, check the integrity of their packaging for signs of wear and tear. Discard all sterile items that are opened or damaged, as these are no longer sterile.

Another helpful hint during the inspection is to check for signs of materials degrading. With time, items like latex gloves and rubber bands start degrading and could tear when used. Some gloves have expiration dates even though federal authorities do not mandate this.

However, exposure to moisture or the elements could lead to degradation before the required time elapses. Check for surface cracks or stretch them to see whether they tear. If the surface layer is hard or the inside is gooey, discard them and purchase replacements.

Inspect the box or pouch holding your emergency supplies to ascertain its condition. Check if the zippers or latches open and close with ease. Check for cracks if the container is plastic or metallic, and confirm whether the parts are rusty. Replace damaged kits to ensure that your supplies remain in optimal condition.

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The final category includes supplies that never go out of date and rarely wear out. Such items include tweezers, scissors, thermometers, emergency thermal blankets, distilled water, hot and cold compresses, and notepads. Unless these items break, you may not have to replace them for a long time. Remember, though, that how long they last will depend on the condition of your emergency supplies storage kit.

Keep Track of First Aid Kit Supplies

Expired or damaged first aid supplies are just as bad, if not worse, than having none at all. With this in mind, make it a practice to keep track of all supplies, replacing those that are obsolete or compromised. Keep your kit in good condition to protect the items inside, and you will be armed with the right tools to tackle emergencies when they occur.