What Expires in a First Aid Kit: Understanding the Shelf Life of Medical Supplies

A well-stocked first aid kit is a necessity in all workplaces, schools, businesses and healthcare settings. But as well as ensuring the first aid kit is equipped with everything you may need, it's also important to know what expires in a first aid kit, and the typical shelf life of first aid items.

To be fully prepared in the event of a medical emergency, all the products in a first aid kit should be in good working order - and this includes still being within date.

What expires in a first aid kit?

First aid kit expiry date will vary for individual items, and you should follow the advice of the manufacturer where possible. Most items in a first aid kit that have a limited shelf life will have their expiry date printed on them, as well as the manufacture date.

Here is a general guide for the shelf life of some common products found in first aid kits:

Sterile items

Sterile items will almost always have an expiry date, as the packaging can lose integrity over time. This can lead to contamination of the previously sterile product, which can cause a risk of infection if applied to a wound.
Items such as sterile dressings and sterile gauze typically have a shelf life of 2 to 5 years - so make sure you check the date printed on sterile products each time you take stock of what's in the first aid kit.

Bandages

Adhesive bandages will lose their effectiveness over time, as the adhesive becomes less sticky. In addition, cohesive bandages can lose their sterility over time. On average, bandages have a shelf life of around 3 to 5 years.

Pain relief medication

Pain relief medication, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen tablets, may have varying expiration dates. Rather than being a date where the item 'goes off', it's the date that the manufacturer can guarantee the product will be equally potent up to. To ensure correct dosing, always check pain relief medication is within date.

Antiseptic wipes

Antiseptic wipes can dry out over time and be ineffective, as well as losing their sterility. The shelf life of antiseptic wipes is usually 1 year, but follow the printed expiration date on the product. If the wipes are dry to the touch, it's a good sign they need to be replaced.

First aid gloves

Gloves can degrade over time, increasing the likelihood of them tearing during use. The use of gloves is important when handling anything infectious, so gloves within a first aid kit should always be in date.

Expired first aid supplies

In a medical emergency, some items in a first aid kit that have passed their expiration date may still be used if they are all that is available. But when expired, first aid supplies are potentially not as effective or sterile, which can cause issues. It’s best to ensure that expired products in a first aid kit are replaced with up to date items before they are needed.

Other factors that impact medical supplies expiring

There are factors other than time that can contribute to the degrading of items in a first aid kit. Things that might cause first aid products to degrade faster include:

• Where the kit is stored: Aim to store it in a cool, dry place where possible to reduce the chance of damage to the first aid supplies

• Humidity

• Moisture: First aid products that get damp or wet can go mouldy

• Extreme temperatures (hot and cold): Can damage items and medications

• Exposure to light

While also following the expiration date on the medical products, it's a good rule to examine the products regularly for any damage to packaging or signs of degradation that may impact the item or render it ineffective.

Regularly check your first aid kit

Be aware of what expires in a first aid kit - and this may vary depending on the brands of the individual products themselves. Medical kits should regularly be checked not only for items that have been used and need to be replaced, but also for products that have passed their expiration date.
Ordering wholesale medical supplies is a great way to keep your first aid kit stocked with all the essentials, and ensure they are within their expiry dates and in good working order. Be prepared for anything from minor injuries to medical emergencies in your workplace, school or healthcare setting by ensuring your first aid kit is fully stocked with everything you may need.

Shop wholesale medical supplies

Here at LFA First Response, we stock a wide variety of high quality first aid supplies at wholesale prices to help you replenish your first aid kit and ensure all the products are effective and up to date.

Our products have the best expiry dates so you know your first aid supplies will have a long shelf life. As you use items from the first aid kit, and as products expire and need to be replaced, shop wholesale medical supplies to replace them and keep the first aid kit in your workplace or classroom fully stocked at all times.

FAQs

Do first aid kits expire?

First aid kits themselves do not have a single expiry date, but many of their components do. Items like antiseptic wipes, creams, burn gels, and sterile dressings have expiration dates, meaning the kit should be regularly checked and restocked.

Does burn gel expire?

Yes, burn gel expires. Over time, the active ingredients can break down, making the gel less effective at soothing burns and preventing infection. Always check the packaging for an expiry date.

Do antiseptic wipes expire?

Yes, antiseptic wipes have an expiry date. The disinfectant in the wipes can degrade over time, reducing its ability to kill germs. Expired wipes may also dry out, making them ineffective.

What is the expiry date for wound dressings?

Sterile wound dressings typically have an expiry date of 3–5 years. After this period, their sterility is not guaranteed, which could lead to infection if used on open wounds.

Why does sterile gauze expire?

Sterile gauze expires because the packaging can degrade over time, compromising sterility. If the packaging is damaged or past its expiry, the gauze should not be used on open wounds due to infection risk.

Do cotton buds expire?

Cotton buds do not have a strict expiry date but can degrade over time, especially in humid environments. If they appear discoloured, damp, or contaminated, they should be discarded.Common expired items in a first aid kit include:

• Antiseptic wipes and creams

• Burn gels

• Sterile dressings and gauze

• Bandages (if the adhesive weakens)

• Saline solution

• Medications like pain relievers and antihistamines

Should medical equipment in your first aid box be replaced before its expiry date?

Yes, medical equipment and supplies should be replaced before they expire to ensure they remain effective and safe to use in emergencies.

Can you use out-of-date wound dressing?

It is not recommended to use expired wound dressings, as they may no longer be sterile, increasing the risk of infection. If no alternative is available, assess whether the packaging is intact before using it.

What should you do with expired first aid supplies?

Expired first aid supplies should be properly disposed of. Medications should be returned to a pharmacy for safe disposal, while expired sterile items should not be used. Some non-sterile items like bandages may be used for practice or training.

Do bandages expire?

Bandages without adhesives may last indefinitely if stored correctly. However, adhesive bandages (e.g., plasters) can dry out over time, reducing their effectiveness. Always check before use.

Do sterile gloves expire?

Yes, sterile gloves have an expiry date, as the packaging can degrade over time, compromising sterility. Expired gloves should not be used in medical or wound care situations.

Does antiseptic cream expire?

Yes, antiseptic creams expire. Over time, their active ingredients become less effective, and using expired creams may not properly prevent infections. Always check the expiry date before use.