Do First Aid Kits Expire? My 10-Minute Kit Check

When did you last open your first aid kit? Not grab a bandage out of it. Really open it, and look.

I'm Ryan. I'm a former fire captain, with more than 20 years as a paramedic, and a dad of three. People ask me if first aid kits expire. The short answer is yes. Not the whole bag, but a lot of what's inside it. Here's how I check mine. It takes about 10 minutes.

The full free printable checklist is at /expire.

Step 1: Dump it all out

Everything. You can't check what you can't see.

Step 2: Check what gets old

• Bandages and tape. The sticky part gets old. If it peels off its own wrapper, it's done.
• Sealed gauze. If a wrapper is torn, open, or wet, toss it.
• Wipes. They dry out. Do a squeeze test. If the pack feels dry, replace it.
• Ointments and creams. They have dates. Look at the tube.
• Instant cold packs. They leak or dry out. Check them.

Step 3: Medicines

If you keep medicine in your kit, look at the date on every box. Look at the packaging too. Is it cracked or wet? Did it sit in a hot car? I won't tell you what's safe to take or how much. If you have questions about an old medicine, ask a pharmacist. I ask at King Soopers. It's free.

Use your kit often. Each time you use it, you get a chance to check it. I like 4x4 gauze pads.

Step 4: Check for recalls

Sometimes a product gets recalled. That means the company or the FDA found a problem with it. This fall, the FDA posted a recall for the Safeguard Battle Bandage, a compression bandage. The FDA notice says it may be degraded. If you own one, look up your product and lot number on the FDA recall page.

You don't need to check recalls every week. Just search the names of the big items when you do your kit check.

Step 5: Restock, then date it

Make a short list of what you tossed. Buy new ones and put them back where they go. Then put a piece of tape on the outside of the bag and write the date on it. Next time you open it, you'll know how long it's been.

A good goal is twice a year, when the clocks change in the spring and fall. I do mine about once a year.

The short version

• Dump it out.
• Check bandage and tape adhesive, sealed gauze, wipes, creams, and instant cold packs.
• Look at medicine dates and the packaging. Ask a pharmacist if you're not sure.
• Use your kit often. Each use is a chance to check it.
• Check for recalls.
• Restock, then write the date on the bag.
• Twice a year. When the clocks change in the spring and fall, check your kit.

If someone is badly hurt, call 911 and stop the bleeding.

The full free printable checklist is at /expire.

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