Did you know… about first aid kits? 

By Adam Hunt

At COPA we receive several questions regarding first aid kits. Most people know that they need one in their plane – but what is supposed to go in it? As usual a voyage into the depths of the CARs reveals the answer, sort of.

The right CAR to check in this case is CAR 602.60 Requirements for Power-driven Aircraft. It says “No person shall conduct a take-off in a power-driven aircraft, other than an ultra-light aeroplane, unless the following operational and emergency equipment is carried on board:” and then goes through a list of things you need. The last item says “a first aid kit.” That is all it says.

There are specific standards for first aid kits in the CARs, but only if your aircraft is operated commercially or under a CAR 604 Private Operator Certificate. Those don’t apply to most private aircraft operated in Canada.

For private aircraft (other than 604) there is no standard or list of things that must be in the first aid kit. Fortunately the good old AIP (and new AIM) has some suggestions that make good sense. It says: 4.13 First Aid Kits on Privately Owned and Operated Aircraft CAR 602.60 requires a first aid kit to be carried on board every power-driven aircraft, other than an ultra-light aeroplane.

The CARs include the first aid kit contents for all operators except those aircraft that are privately owned and operated. Therefore, the following is a list of the recommended items that should be carried in a first aid kit on board aircraft that are privately owned and operated.

Quantity Item

1 Antiseptic – wound solution, 60 ml or antiseptic swabs (10 pack)

1 Applicator – disposible (10 pack) (not needed if antiseptic swabs used)

25 Bandage – adhesive strips

2 Bandage – gauze 7.5 cm x 4.5 m

2 Bandage – triangular 100 cm folded and 2 safety pins

4 Dressing – burn 10 cm x 10 cm

2 Dressing – compress, sterile 7.5 cm x 12 cm approx.

4 Dressing – gauze, sterile 7.5 cm x 7.5 cm approx.

1 First Aid Manual – current edition

1 Hand cleaner or cleansing towelettes, 1 package

1 Pad with shield or tape for eye

1 Scissors – 10 cm

1 Splint set with padding – assorted sizes

1 Tape – Adhesive, surgical 1.2 cm x 4.6 m

1 Tweezers – splinter