Is Your First-Aid Kit Summer Ready? What You Might Be Missing

 

Is Your First-Aid Kit Summer Ready? What You Might Be Missing

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A basic first-aid kit may no longer be enough, especially in labour camps and outdoor work environments. As heat-related incidents rise, so does the need for a smarter, better-equipped, and summer-ready first-aid setup.

Whether you're a facility manager, HSE supervisor, or camp operations lead, it’s time to revisit your first-aid kit with a summer lens.

Why First-Aid Kits Need a Summer Upgrade

The standard first-aid kit with antiseptic wipes, bandages, and gauze is designed for general injuries. But summer introduces a different risk profile altogether: heat exhaustion, dehydration, sunburn, and even heatstroke.

In labour camps across Abu Dhabi and the UAE, these risks aren’t theoretical; they’re lived realities. A heat-stress emergency can escalate within minutes. Having a well-prepared kit can make a life-saving difference.

Key Additions for a Summer-Ready First-Aid Kit

Here’s what every UAE-based camp or site should include beyond the basics:

1. Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) and Electrolyte Packs

Dehydration is one of the most common and dangerous summer threats. Stocking ORS helps workers recover lost fluids fast.

2. Cooling Gel Packs and Cold Compresses

These are essential for managing heat-induced headaches, overheating, and early signs of heatstroke. Keep them in shaded, accessible areas.

3. Burn Creams and Aloe Vera Gel

Workers exposed to the sun or working with hot machinery may suffer minor burns. These creams offer fast relief and prevent complications.

4. Sunscreen and Lip Balm with SPF

Preventing sunburn is just as critical as treating it. High-SPF sunscreen should be part of your proactive heat protection strategy.

5. Digital Thermometer

To monitor workers suspected of fever or heatstroke. A temperature above 40°C is a medical emergency and requires immediate cooling and medical attention.

6. Insect Repellent and Bite Relief Cream

Summer often brings pests and insects, especially in humid outdoor areas. These may not be heat-related but are still common summer complaints in worker housing.

7. Portable Fans or Personal Cooling Devices

While not typically part of a first-aid kit, many labour camps in Abu Dhabi are now including compact cooling aids in emergency kits, especially for mobile teams.

Regular Audits and Staff Training Are a Must

Having the right items isn’t enough. They must be usable, in-date, and known to your staff. Run monthly audits during summer to:

  • Check expiry dates
  • Restock fast-moving supplies like ORS
  • Re-train staff in heat emergency protocol

Also, ensure at least one team member per shift is trained in heat illness first response. If you want to know more about how to react in an emergency situation, Please read: Working Under the Sun: Smart Summer Tips for Outdoor Laborers. 

Compliance with UAE Safety Laws

The UAE Labour Law Summer Guidelines enforced by MoHRE require employers to ensure the safety and comfort of outdoor workers. While these laws don’t mandate a specific first-aid checklist, not having heat-related tools and treatments in your kit could risk non-compliance. Make your kit part of your midday break compliance routine, especially during inspections.

Labotel’s Example: Setting the Standard for Heat Safety

AtLabotel’s labour camps in Abu Dhabi, first-aid preparedness goes beyond the basics. As part of our Beat the Heat campaign, the facility:

  • Distributes ORS and electrolyte packs in all major rest areas
  • Conducts heat-stress response drills with updated first-aid protocols
  • Ensures cooling stations are stocked with burn gel, cold compresses, and hydration packs
  • Trains staff in heat stroke first-aid and recovery response

This proactive model ensures that the first response is fast, informed, and effective, reducing risk and boosting worker confidence.

Don’t Forget the Rest Areas

A well-stocked first-aid kit must be supported by infrastructure. Ensure that shaded rest zones are located close to worksites, hydration stations are always accessible, and workers know where to go during a medical emergency. If you want detailed information on how to create comfortable shaded areas, read this blog - “Beyond Breaks: Creating Comfortable Shaded Zones for Workers”

Is Your Kit Summer-Proof?

With rising temperatures and stricter inspection standards, your ability to respond quickly to a heat-related emergency could mean the difference between recovery and crisis. Now is the time to upgrade your kit, train your team, and build a culture of care.

By following best practices and learning from facilities like Labotel, you can stay ahead of both heat risks and inspection penalties, while keeping your workforce safe and supported.


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