Can first aid items go off over time?? for example:?

Question

if i bought this: http://www.practikitplus.com/Our_First_Aid_Kit.html

and didn't need it for even say a YEAR.. would i need to replace certain items??

Answer 1

The batteries will go bad fairly soon, and most of the medicines and chemicals will have expiration dates.

Most of the bandaging with elastics in it, and the self-cohesive bandages (if any of them are) will go bad as well.

Annoyingly, the sterile packs will often degrade as well, and the tools can easily rust.

Any first aid or emergency kit should be reviewed annually for completeness and 'freshness'.

Answer 2

As part of my last job I had to go through the first aid kits and replace items that were past their use by date, so they can.

Answer 3

I think all medical equipment has a use by date. Check the packaging before using and make sure to maintain your first aid box by checking the items regularly.

Answer 4

It depends upon how and where you store them.  I've learned that in extreme heat, vet wrap melts.  Iodine, betadine, betadine scrub, furisone, hydrogen peroxide and cotton wraps and gauze if stored in baggies, keep.  Any tube meds such as terimycin and such have expiration dates, so does butte and isoxophrine.

Answer 5

Yes, any medical supplies can expire. Even bandages, such as gauze, can go funky after a while, especially if the kit has been exposed to sunlight and weather. Ever leave a box of band-aids in your car, and re-discover it after a while? They go all yellow and don't stick any more, and the wrappers open up all by themselves since the adhesives break down after a while.

SO...

I would go through the kit and look at the expiration dates on all medications and ointments, and check the wrappers on everything else to make sure it's all still sealed. Everything (except the hoof pick, wire cutter, etc.) needs to be replaced at least every 12-18 months. You don't want stuff that doesn't work when you need it.