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First Aid Kit – Minimum Requirements SOP

Purpose

To ensure that all childcare personnel have immediate access to properly stocked first aid supplies in order to respond promptly and appropriately to injuries or medical emergencies, in compliance with childcare licensing regulations.

Scope

This SOP applies to all childcare personnel and covers first aid kit availability, storage, transport, and required contents at the facility and during off-site activities.

Policy Statement

The facility shall maintain fully stocked, accessible first aid kits at all times. First aid kits must be stored safely, labeled clearly, and restocked after each use to ensure readiness in emergency situations.

Procedure

Step 1: First Aid Kit Availability on Premises

  1. At least one (1) first aid kit must be maintained on the facility premises at all times.

  2. First aid kits must be:

    • Easily accessible to childcare personnel at all times

    • Stored out of reach of children

  3. If a first aid kit is stored in a food preparation area, it must be stored in a manner that:

    • Prevents contamination of food

    • Prevents contamination of food-contact surfaces

    • Prevents contamination of first aid supplies

  4. All first aid kits and supplies must be restocked immediately after each use.

Step 2: First Aid Kits for Off-Site Activities

  1. A first aid kit must be accessible and available to childcare personnel during:

    • Field trips

    • Transportation of children

    • Any activities conducted away from the facility premises

Step 3: First Aid Kit Container and Labeling

  1. Each first aid kit must be:

    • Kept in a closed container

    • Clearly labeled “First Aid”

Step 4: Required Contents of Each First Aid Kit

Each first aid kit must include, at a minimum, the following items:

  1. Soap and hand sanitizer

    • Hand sanitizer may be used with supervision when hands are not visibly soiled and when water is not available

  2. Adhesive bandages

  3. Disposable, non-porous gloves

  4. Cotton balls or applicators

  5. Sterile gauze pads or rolls

  6. Adhesive tape

  7. Digital thermometer

  8. Tweezers

  9. Pre-moistened wipes

  10. Scissors

  11. Bottled water (for cleaning wounds or eyes)

  12. A current resource guide on first aid and CPR procedures

Compliance and Monitoring

  • Directors or designated staff are responsible for:

    • Ensuring first aid kits are properly stocked

    • Verifying accessibility during daily operations and off-site activities

    • Replacing expired or used supplies promptly

  • First aid kits are subject to review during licensing inspections.