First aid equipment

First aid kits 

Every employer must provide an adequate number of first aid kits. They must be easy for workers to access and as close as possible to the work area.

The employer must make sure that the contents of the kit are clean, complete and in good condition. Equipment must be replaced as needed; for example, if the equipment has not been replaced after use, if it is yellowed or dirty, or if it has passed its expiry date. The first aid kit should be checked each time it is used, and the equipment should be replaced.

For workplaces with a risk of severe allergic reaction, it is recommended that an epinephrine auto-injector be made available to the first aider near the first aid kits.

Choose the right first aid kit

The minimum contents of first aid kits must comply with CAN/CSA standard Z1220-17, First aid kits for the workplace. The equipment in first aid kits is based on the risk level in the workplace. The quantity of equipment is established based on the number of workers per shift.

Choice of kit based on the risk level in the workplace

The employer is responsible for assessing the risk level in their workplace in order to determine the type of kit to be made available.

Assessing the risk level is an assessment of the types of injuries or illnesses that can occur in the workplace, the probability that they will occur and their potential severity. It allows the employer to determine whether they have all the equipment they need to deal with the various injuries that can occur in their workplace.

Mandatory equipment by kit type

We recommend including in the kit the “Practical Guide for First Aiders in the Workplace – Intervention Protocols.” This guide may be useful to help first aiders update their knowledge and to validate their interventions.

Lists of kit contents are available on the website of the Réseau de santé publique en santé au travail.

Basic kit – Low- or moderate-risk workplace

The basic kit must be used in most workplaces.

The training that is part of the First Aid in the Workplace Program refers to the basic kit.

This type of kit must also be present in vehicles intended solely for the transport of or use by workers travelling in places where a kit is not accessible. These vehicles must carry more than 5 workers, and workers must be more than 30 minutes from a medical facility.

Small kit – 1 to 25 workers per shift

Items	Quantity
Adhesive bandages, sterile, assorted sizes (standard, large, fingertip, knuckle, patch)	25
Conforming stretch bandages, relaxed length, individually wrapped, 5.1 cm x 1.8 m (2 in. x 2 yds)	1 roll
Conforming stretch bandages, relaxed length, individually wrapped, 7.6 cm x 1.8 m (3 in. x 2 yds)	1 roll
Bandage scissors, stainless steel (angled blunt tip), min. 14 cm (5.5 in.)	1 pair
Abdominal pads, sterile, individually wrapped, 12.7 cm x 22.9 cm (5 in. x 9 in.)	1
Gauze pads, sterile, individually wrapped, 7.6 cm x 7.6 cm (3 in. x 3 in.)	12
Compresses/pressure dressings with ties, sterile, 10.2 cm x 10.2 cm (4 in. x 4 in.)	2
Emergency mylar rescue blanket, non-stretch polyester, min. 132 cm x 213 cm (52 in. x 84 in.)	1
Triangular bandage, cotton, with 2 safety pins, 101.6 cm x 101.6 cm x 142.2 cm (40 in. x 40 in. x 56 in.)	2
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) barrier device with unidirectional valve	1
Examination gloves, disposable, medical grade, one size, latex free, powder free	4 pairs
Hand and skin cleansing towelettes, individually wrapped (or equivalent)	6
Antiseptic wound cleansing towelettes, individually wrapped	25
Contents list	1
Antibiotic ointment, topical, single-use	6
Splinter forceps/tweezers, fine point, stainless steel, min. 11.4 cm (4.5 in.)	1 pair
Adhesive tape, 2.5 cm (1 in.)	2.3 m
Biohazard waste disposal bag, single-use	1

Medium kit – 26 to 50 workers per shift

Items	Quantity
Adhesive bandages, sterile, assorted sizes (standard, large, fingertip, knuckle, patch)	50
Conforming stretch bandages, relaxed length, individually wrapped, 5.1 cm x 1.8 m (2 in. x 2 yds)	2 rolls
Conforming stretch bandages, relaxed length, individually wrapped, 7.6 cm x 1.8 m (3 in. x 2 yds)	2 rolls
Bandage scissors, stainless steel (angled blunt tip), min. 14 cm (5.5 in.)	1 pair
Abdominal pads, sterile, individually wrapped, 12.7 cm x 22.9 cm (5 in. x 9 in.)	2
Gauze pads, sterile, individually wrapped, 7.6 cm × 7.6 cm (3 in. x 3 in.)	24
Compresses/pressure dressings with ties, sterile, 10.2 cm x 10.2 cm (4 in. x 4 in.)	4
Emergency Mylar rescue blanket, non-stretch polyester, minimum 132 cm × 213 cm (52 in. x 84 in.)	1
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) barrier device with unidirectional valve	1
Triangular bandage, cotton, with 2 safety pins, 101.6 cm x 101.6 cm x 142.2 cm (40 in. x 40 in. x 56 in.)	4
Examination gloves, disposable, medical grade, one size, latex free, powder free	8 pairs
Hand and skin cleansing towelettes, individually wrapped (or equivalent)	12
Antiseptic wound cleansing towelettes, individually wrapped	50
Contents list	1
Antibiotic ointment, topical, single use	12
Splinter forceps/tweezers, fine point, stainless steel, min. 11.4 cm (4.5 in.)	1 pair
Adhesive tape, 2.5 cm (1 in.)	4.6 m
Biohazard waste disposal bag, single use	2

Large kit – 51 to 100 workers per shift

Items	Quantity
Adhesive bandages, sterile, assorted sizes (standard, large, fingertip, knuckle, patch)	100
Conforming stretch bandages, relaxed length, individually wrapped, 5.1 cm x 1.8 m (2 in. x 2 yds)	4 rolls
Conforming stretch bandages, relaxed length, individually wrapped, 7.6 cm x 1.8 m (3 in. x 2 yds)	4 rolls
Bandage scissors, stainless steel (angled blunt tip), min. 14 cm (5.5 in.)	1 pair
Abdominal pads, sterile, individually wrapped, 12.7 cm x 22.9 cm (5 in. x 9 in.)	2
Gauze pads, sterile, individually wrapped, 7.6 cm x 7.6 cm (3 in. x 3 in.)	48
Compresses/pressure dressings with ties, sterile, 10.2 cm x 10.2 cm (4 in. x 4 in.)	8
Emergency Mylar rescue blanket, non-stretch polyester, minimum 132 cm x 213 cm (52 in. x 84 in.)	1
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) barrier device with unidirectional valve	1
Triangular bandage, cotton, with 2 safety pins, 101.6 cm x 101.6 cm x 142.2 cm (40 in. x 40 in. x 56 in.)	8
Examination gloves, disposable, medical grade, one size, latex free, powder free	16 pairs
Hand and skin cleansing towelettes, individually wrapped (or equivalent)	24
Antiseptic wound cleansing towelettes, individually wrapped	100
Contents list	1
Antibiotic ointment, topical, single use	24
Splinter forceps/tweezers, fine point, stainless steel, min. 11.4 cm (4.5 in.)	1 pair
Adhesive tape, 2.5 cm (1 in.)	9.1 m
Biohazard waste disposal bag, single use	2

Intermediate kit – High-risk workplace

This kit is suitable for workplaces with a high risk environment, such as construction sites or forestry work sites. These sectors have activities with a higher probability of injury and a higher injury severity. It contains the items in the basic kit and additional items to deal with serious injuries.

Small kit – 1 to 25 workers per shift

Items	Quantity
Splint, padded, malleable, minimum 10.2 cm x 61 cm (4 in. x 24 in.)	1
Adhesive bandages, sterile, assorted sizes (standard, large, fingertip, knuckle, patch)	25
Conforming stretch bandages, relaxed length, individually wrapped, 5.1 cm x 1.8 m (2 in. x 2 yds)	1 roll
Conforming stretch bandages, relaxed length, individually wrapped, 7.6 cm x 1.8 m (3 in. x 2 yds)	1 roll
Bandage scissors, stainless steel (angled blunt tip), min. 14 cm (5.5 in.)	1 pair
Abdominal pads, sterile, individually wrapped, 12.7 cm x 22.9 cm (5 in. x 9 in.)	1
Gauze pads, sterile, individually wrapped, 7.6 cm x 7.6 cm (3 in. x 3 in.)	12
Gauze pads, sterile, individually wrapped, 10.2 cm x 10.2 cm (4 in. x 4 in.)	6
Cold compresses (cold pack), instant (or equivalent)	1
Compresses/pressure dressings with ties, sterile, 10.2 cm x 10.2 cm (4 in. x 4 in.)	1
Compresses/pressure dressings with ties, sterile, 15.2 cm x 15.2 cm (6 in. x 6 in.)	1
Glucose tablets, 4 g (10 per pack) or acceptable alternative (hard candy, orange juice or other juices with fructose)	1 package
Emergency Mylar rescue blanket, non-stretch polyester, min. 132 cm x 213 cm (52 in. x 84 in.)	1
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) barrier device with unidirectional valve	1
Triangular bandage, cotton, with 2 safety pins, 101.6 cm x 101.6 cm x 142.2 cm (40 in. x 40 in. x 56 in.)	2
Examination gloves, disposable, medical grade, one size, latex free, powder free	4 pairs
Arterial tourniquet	1
Hand and skin cleansing towelettes, individually wrapped (or equivalent)	6
Antiseptic wound cleansing towelettes, individually wrapped	25
Contents list	1
Antibiotic ointment, topical, single-use	6
Elastic support and compression bandages/dressings, relaxed length, individually wrapped, 7.6 cm (3 in.)	1
Non-adherent dressings, sterile, individually wrapped, 5.1 cm x 7.6 cm (2 in. x 3 in.)	4
Splinter forceps/tweezers, fine point, stainless steel, min. 11.4 cm (4.5 in.)	1 pair
Adhesive tape, 2.5 cm (1 in.)	2.3 m
Biohazard waste disposal bag, single-use	2
Eye pad dressings, sterile, and eye shield with elastic strap	2 sets

Medium kit – 26 to 50 workers per shift

Items	Quantity
Splint, padded, malleable, minimum 10.2 cm x 61 cm (4 in. x 24 in.)	1
Adhesive bandages, sterile, assorted sizes (standard, large, fingertip, knuckle, patch)	50
Conforming stretch bandages, relaxed length, individually wrapped, 5.1 cm x 1.8 m (2 in. x 2 yds)	2 rolls
Conforming stretch bandages, relaxed length, individually wrapped, 7.6 cm x 1.8 m (3 in. x 2 yds)	2 rolls
Bandage scissors, stainless steel (angled blunt tip), min. 14 cm (5.5 in.)	1 pair
Abdominal pads, sterile, individually wrapped, 12.7 cm x 22.9 cm (5 in. x 9 in.)	2
Gauze pads, sterile, individually wrapped, 7.6 cm x 7.6 cm (3 in. x 3 in.)	24
Gauze pads, sterile, individually wrapped, 10.2 cm x 10.2 cm (4 in. x 4 in.)	12
Cold compresses (cold pack), instant (or equivalent)	2
Compresses/pressure dressings with ties, sterile, 10.2 cm x 10.2 cm (4 in. x 4 in.)	2
Compresses/pressure dressings with ties, sterile, 15.2 cm x 15.2 cm (6 in. x 6 in.)	2
Glucose tablets, 4 g (10 per pack) or acceptable alternative (hard candy, orange juice or other juices with fructose)	2 packages
Emergency Mylar rescue blanket, non-stretch polyester, min. 132 cm x 213 cm (52 in. x 84 in.)	2
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) barrier device with unidirectional valve	1
Triangular bandage, cotton, with 2 safety pins, 101.6 cm x 101.6 cm x 142.2 cm (40 in. x 40 in. x 56 in.)	4
Examination gloves, disposable, medical grade, one size, latex free, powder free	8 pairs
Arterial tourniquet	1
Hand and skin cleansing towelettes, individually wrapped (or equivalent)	12
Antiseptic wound cleansing towelettes, individually wrapped	50
Contents list	1
Antibiotic ointment, topical, single-use	12
Elastic support and compression bandages/dressings, relaxed length, individually wrapped, 7.6 cm (3 in.)	2
Non-adherent dressings, sterile, individually wrapped, 5.1 cm x 7.6 cm (2 in. x 3 in.)	8
Splinter forceps/tweezers, fine point, stainless steel, min. 11.4 cm (4.5 in.)	1 pair
Adhesive tape, 2.5 cm (1 in.)	4.6 m
Biohazard waste disposal bag, single-use	4
Eye pad dressings, sterile, and eye shield with elastic strap	2 sets

Large kit – 51 to 100 workers per shift

Items	Quantity
Splint, padded, malleable, minimum 10.2 cm x 61 cm (4 in. x 24 in.)	2
Adhesive bandages, sterile, assorted sizes (standard, large, fingertip, knuckle, patch)	100
Conforming stretch bandages, relaxed length, individually wrapped, 5.1 cm x 1.8 m (2 in. x 2 yds)	4 rolls
Conforming stretch bandages, relaxed length, individually wrapped, 7.6 cm x 1.8 m (3 in. x 2 yds)	4 rolls
Bandage scissors, stainless steel (angled blunt tip), min. 14 cm (5.5 in.)	1 pair
Abdominal pads, sterile, individually wrapped, 12.7 cm x 22.9 cm (5 in. x 9 in.)	4
Gauze pads, sterile, individually wrapped, 7.6 cm x 7.6 cm (3 in. x 3 in.)	48
Gauze pads, sterile, individually wrapped, 10.2 cm x 10.2 cm (4 in. x 4 in.)	24
Cold compresses (cold pack), instant (or equivalent)	4
Compresses/pressure dressings with ties, sterile, 10.2 cm x 10.2 cm (4 in. x 4 in.)	4
Compresses/pressure dressings with ties, sterile, 15.2 cm x 15.2 cm (6 in. x 6 in.)	4
Glucose tablets, 4 g (10 per pack) or acceptable alternative (hard candy, orange juice or other juices with fructose)	2 packages
Emergency Mylar rescue blanket, non-stretch polyester, min. 132 cm x 213 cm (52 in. x 84 in.)	2
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) barrier device with unidirectional valve	1
Triangular bandage, cotton, with 2 safety pins, 101.6 cm x 101.6 cm x 142.2 cm (40 in. x 40 in. x 56 in.)	8
Examination gloves, disposable, medical grade, one size, latex free, powder free	16 pairs
Arterial tourniquet	1
Hand and skin cleansing towelettes, individually wrapped (or equivalent)	24
Antiseptic wound cleansing towelettes, individually wrapped	100
Contents list	1
Antibiotic ointment, topical, single-use	24
Elastic support and compression bandages/dressings, relaxed length, individually wrapped, 7.6 cm (3 in.)	2
Non-adherent dressings, sterile, individually wrapped, 5.1 cm x 7.6 cm (2 in. x 3 in.)	16
Splinter forceps/tweezers, fine point, stainless steel, min. 11.4 cm (4.5 in.)	1 pair
Adhesive tape, 2.5 cm (1 in.)	9.1 m
Biohazard waste disposal bag, single-use	8
Eye pad dressings, sterile, and eye shield with elastic strap	4 sets

Forest first aider kit

Where there are 10 or more workers on a forestry work site, a first aider who has completed 40 hours of first aid training specific to the forestry sector must have access to a large intermediate kit.

Specific provisions for forestry work

Where there are 5 or more workers on a work site, the employer must ensure that:

• one rigid stretcher, one backboard or equipment combining both functions is available and placed near work sites where workers are concentrated
• one rigid cervical collar, one head immobilizer and one blanket are available
• backboards, rigid cervical collars and equipment combining both functions are used by a qualified person

The material must be available within 30 minutes where the work site is accessible by road and within 60 minutes where workers are deployed in a territory to respond to an emergency.

If the work site is not accessible by road, the material must be available as soon as possible.

Personal kit

This kit is intended for workers who work in isolation (in French only) and who do not have access to a first aid kit. This kit can also be used in vehicles that transport 1 to 5 workers, for example municipal workers who use a city vehicle to do work in a municipal park where there are no kits.

This is also the type of kit to use in a vehicle that transports more than 5 workers but is less than 30 minutes from a medical service.

Personal kit (work in an isolated area or transport vehicle)

Items	Quantity
Adhesive bandages, sterile, assorted sizes (standard, large, fingertip, knuckle, patch)	16
Conforming stretch bandages, relaxed length, individually wrapped, 5.1 cm x 1.8 m (2 in. x 2 yds)	1 roll
Gauze pads, sterile, individually wrapped, 7.6 cm x 7.6 cm (3 in. x 3 in.)	6
Compresses/pressure dressings with ties, sterile, 10.2 cm x 10.2 cm (4 in. x 4 in.)	2
Triangular bandage, cotton, with 2 safety pins, 101.6 cm x 101.6 cm x 142.2 cm (40 in. x 40 in. x 56 in.)	1
Examination gloves, disposable, medical grade, one size, latex free, powder free	2 pairs
Hand and skin cleansing towelettes, individually wrapped (or equivalent)	4
Antiseptic wound cleansing towelettes, individually wrapped	6
Contents list	1
Antibiotic ointment, topical, single-use	2
Splinter forceps/tweezers, fine point, stainless steel, min. 11.4 cm (4.5 in.)	1 pair
Adhesive tape, 2.5 cm (1 in.)	2.3 m
Biohazard waste disposal bag, single-use	1

First aid room

The employer of an establishment with more than 100 workers or the principal contractor of a construction site with more than 100 workers must set up a room where the first aider can provide first aid.

Requirements for the premises

• Be easily accessible
• Be accessible at all times during working hours
• Be kept clean and in good repair
• Be well ventilated
• Be well lit
• Be heated
• Be provided with water

Mandatory equipment in the room

• 1 stretcher
• 1 table and 2 chairs
• Soap and 1 nail brush
• Paper to wipe hands
• Minimum contents of a first aid kit