Every church should have a medical kit. It’s a simple way for us to be prepared to take care of those who walk into our buildings each week. Let’s take a look at some recommendations on what should be in those kits. We’re going to look at 2 ideas: first aid kits and medical response kits.
First Aid Kits
For our purposes, a first aid kit is one of those things probably everyone has. I like to call them “scratch and dent” kits. They have things like band aids, gauze pads, tape, alcohol wipers, ice packs, antibiotic cream and similar things. These are usually very inexpensive, and I recommend every kid’s area and kitchen have one, as well as ones available for general use. The contents don’t require training to use. These are the most frequently used items, but they are also for the most minor injuries. This means that if the supplies get depleted and not replaced, getting a band aid from another room won’t be time critical. This also serves to keep people from taking supplies from the medical response kit.
Medical Response Kit
The medical response is for more serious situations and will generally be used by staff or volunteers with more advanced training. Many of these are items that, when they’re needed, are needed right now. While it will contain most of the items found in a first aid kit, it will have much more. Some items that I think belong in every medical response kit include:
- TCCC recommended tourniquets. (Don’t buy fakes)
- Wound packing gauze (hemostatic or plain)
- Chest seals
- Pressure bandages
- Shears
- CPR face shield
- A SAM Splint
- Glucose gel packs
- Plain aspirin for cardiac incidents
- Burn treatment kits
- Reflective blanket
- Elastic bandages
- Abdominal pads
- Triangle bandages
- Pulse oximeter
- Automatic blood pressure monitor
Other Useful Items
Sadly, more and more churches find themselves needing to have NARCAN available to counteract opioid overdoses. While those can happen anywhere, churches in areas with a higher number of homeless in the area or that have an active recovery ministry should make it a priority.
A wheelchair can also be a huge convenience. If circumstance allow for the person to get into it safely, they can be moved easily. For times where a wheelchair is not the answer, quick litters can be an option. These fold up to book size but can make moving a patient much easier. Selling between $20-40 they are affordable options for most churches.
Routine Maintenance
All first aid kits, especially the medical response kit, need routine maintenance. Checking to make sure that supplies are at the proper level or haven’t expired should be done at regular intervals. This interval will vary from church to church, so use your own judgment and then set those reminders.
Make your first aid kits readily accessible and keep your medical response kit stocked. Get training and give the best care you can to your congregation.
About the author
Alan Hughes brings a wealth of law enforcement experience to the table, spanning across local, state, and federal agencies. His roles have included assignments as a detective, drug interdiction specialist, and tactical team leader. Furthermore, he boasts extensive experience serving on protective teams for numerous diplomats and government officials. For over a decade, Alan has served as the safety director of a large, multi-campus church. Additionally, he is the co-founder of Better Protectors, a Florida-based training firm.
