No medication in a first aid kit
First aid at work does not include giving tablets or medicines to treat illness and it is recommended that medication is not stored in the first aid container.
There are reasons for not holding medication including legal issues around the storage and administration of medicine in the workplace, allergic reactions and drug interactions.
The only exception is where aspirin is used for a casualty with a suspected heart attack. While waiting for the emergency services it may help to chew and then swallow an aspirin tablet (ideally 300mg) but the first aider must be sure that the casualty is not allergic. Aspirin must not be administered to anyone under the age of 16.
Some employees will carry their own prescribed medication such as an asthma inhaler. The first aider’s role is generally limited to helping them to take their inhaler if required and contacting the emergency services as appropriate.
Legislation specifies certain prescription-only medications can be administered for the purpose of saving a life in an emergency and an adrenaline auto-injector to treat anaphylaxis comes under this category. An employee may carry an adrenaline auto-injector and if a first aid needs assessment highlighted that the administration of an adrenaline auto-injector may be required in an emergency, the employer should provide first aiders with training in their use.
