Criterion PF123
There is a first aid kit that is:
sufficient for the number of children at the service
is easily recognisable and readily accessible to adults and
is inaccessible to children.
There is a system for reviewing the first aid kit so that it stays well-stocked and that any used or expired items are promptly replenished or replaced.
Guidance
How to show you are complying
You must have at least one first aid kit for your service. The kit(s) should have a broad range of supplies that help adults treat children, as needed. For example, items to help care for wounds, bandage and support children, tools to help administer first aid, and other emergency items.
The specific items (and number of items) for each first aid kit depends on the number of children and the age of children in the service. You can find a list of recommended items to be included in a First Aid kit in the ‘Tools to help you comply’ section.
Access to first aid kits
It should be easy to identify as a first aid kit. This could be done by clearly labelling it as a ‘First Aid Kit’. It should also be easily accessible to adults but inaccessible to children. This could be done by storing it in a clearly marked area at shoulder height for a typical adult, and away from children's play areas.
To make sure adults can readily access first aid supplies, you may require multiple kits. The number and placement should reflect the service’s layout and the number and age of children. As a general guide, at least one medium or large first aid kit should be available for every 50 children in attendance.
At least 1 adult accompanying children on an excursion should have a first aid kit on hand.
System for reviewing the contents of the first aid kit
You will need a clear system in place to show that your first aid kit(s) are well stocked, with items promptly replenished and replaced. Your system should reflect your service and include a list of supplies you plan to keep in your first aid kit, along with a method to ensure items are regularly checked and replaced. This could involve assigning someone responsibility for checks, using a maintenance log, or doing monthly audits of first aid kit contents.
When assessing whether you comply with PF123
Questions we are likely to ask
Can you show me where the first aid kit is located? If you have several first aid kits, where is each kit located?
How do you determine the number of first aid kits your service needs?
How did you determine the contents of your first aid kit(s) are sufficient for the number of children at the service?
What is your system to make sure the first aid kit stays well stocked and that anything used or expired gets replaced?
We are likely to look at, measure or count
Look at whether the location of first aid kit recognisable and accessible to adults.
Look at whether children can access the first aid kit or not.
Check whether the first aid kit(s) is sufficient for the number of children at the service and their specific needs.
Look to see the first aid kit is easily recognisable and accessible to adults.
We are likely to request
We might ask for evidence of your system to ensures supplies are regularly checked and replenished.
The tools below are here to support you, but you do not have to use them. You can use other tools or methods that work better for your service.
Recommended first aid kit contents
First aid kit recommended contents [PDF, 60KB]
How many kits might I need
WorkSafe has provided a helpful guide to help businesses decide how many first aid kits workplaces may need to meet their responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.
By having a well-stocked and accessible first aid kit, adults in your service can address children’s minor injuries and illnesses. It can also help to temporarily address more significant injuries and illnesses, while waiting for more urgent medical assistance.
Doing more than the minimum can shape better outcomes for children. Here are some ideas or examples you might like to consider.
Checking your first aid kit(s) monthly will help to make sure supplies are replaced, when needed, and less-well used items never expire. You may choose to assign someone to check this each month or use a roster system.
Regularly reviewing the minimum stock level will also allow you to make changes as your service’s roll changes.