When we were first-time parents, we took our infant son to the doctor (I can’t remember why), and he kindly told us there were two items we must have at home.  A thermometer and pain relief suitable for infants.  We didn’t know much back then!  Twenty-seven years later, we gave the same advice to our son when he brought home his baby girl.  We bought them for him! 

First Aid Kits in your Kid’s Ministry are not only necessary, they’re mandatory!  An organised and properly stocked first aid kit is part of the Safe Churches requirements Australia-wide.  When running children’s programs, factors such as curiosity and impulsiveness across a range of ages and developmental stages mean that accidents are bound to occur from time to time.  Should something more significant happen, you need the ability to give immediate care to a child or adult volunteer until full medical treatment can be administered.  It makes sense to be as prepared. 

If you belong to a large church congregation, they have probably purchased a first aid kit from an approved supplier and kept it fully stocked.  However, if, like my church, you’re a smaller congregation, you may find it cost-effective to purchase supplies to make up your own. 

What Should Be Included in Your First Aid Kit?

• a first-aid manual
• a list of emergency phone numbers
• sterile gauze pads of different sizes
• adhesive tape
• adhesive bandages in different sizes
• elastic bandages (crepe or conforming)
• antiseptic wipes
• antiseptic solution (like hydrogen peroxide)
• sterile water, saline (saltwater), or irrigation solution and a large syringe for washing cuts
• tweezers
• sharp scissors
• safety pins
• a triangular bandage/sling (to support and immobilise an injury)
• disposable instant cold packs
• plastic non-latex gloves (at least 2 pairs)
• a mouthpiece for giving CPR
• an eye shield
• eye wash solution
• notebook and pen (you will be required to fill out an Incident Report)

What Next? 

• Familiarise yourself with the first-aid manual and keep an up-to-date copy
• Store first-aid kits out of children’s reach but where your volunteers can see and easily access them (and make a note of their location in your volunteer training manuals)
• Check the kits regularly to replace missing or expired items

What NOT to Include!

Do not include any medications such as paracetamol, as some people may have an allergic reaction.  In any case, they’d need to be locked away and not freely available in a first aid kit.  EpiPens and prescription medications should be carried by the families of children with a known allergy or condition, rather than being part of a general-purpose first aid kit. 

Training Your Volunteers

Although not legally required, it’s a good idea if one of your Kid’s Ministry volunteers is a trained First Aider undertaking yearly CPR training updates.  Every volunteer needs to be made aware of children who have allergies so they don’t inadvertently put them at risk.  If your church is large and uses a checkout system, the child’s name tag will identify allergies, special needs and an emergency contact number.  

Bible Lessons with a Medical Theme:

Well, I found two!

Huff Fever

The Bible Story about Martha getting in a huff and her temperature rising when Mary wouldn’t help her: https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Huff-Fever.pdf

Heart Trouble

A teaching lesson on the heart and how to guard it with a heart surgeon ready to assist: https://cooeekidsministry.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Heart-Trouble-2Ed.pdf