What first aid items should your church keep on hand?
While many churches, organizations, and businesses continue to remain closed due to the pandemic, there are still several instances where someone could get injured at your church — staff coming and going from the building, weddings, funerals, or simply someone stopping in to drop something off. On the surface, these situations may seem harmless, but there is always the risk that someone could be injured, and it is important to be prepared for things that could arise.
Every good safety plan includes a first aid kit, and we’ve compiled some key items that are generally recommended to include in yours.
Gauze pads and rolls (assorted sizes)
Box adhesive bandages (various sizes and uses)
Triangular bandages
Wound cleaning agent such as sealed moistened towelettes
Scissors
At least one blanket
Tweezers
Adhesive tape
Disposable gloves (preferably latex-free)
Resuscitation equipment, such as resuscitation bag, airway, or pocket mask
Elastic wraps
Splint
Directions for requesting emergency assistance
The above list contains some key items to include in your first aid kit, but always consider specific hazards for your church that may require additional items. For example, depending on your ministry’s specifics, you may want to consider keeping multiple first aid kits on-site in case of a larger emergency or consider purchasing items like a defibrillator to be prepared for more serious incidents.
By keeping comprehensive first aid kits on-site at your church, you’re not only potentially reducing the financial and legal risks your church could face if someone is injured on your property, but you may also be helping save lives and are providing a safer environment for your ministry to thrive.
When you are covered by UMIP, we will be there when you need us. Churches have unique needs. As a part of the denomination, we understand the unique needs of United Methodist churches and their operations, which is reflected in our coverage options. Your ministry deserves outstanding insurance and UMIP works for you each day to help protect your church’s people, property, and finances.
Let's talk! Contact us at 484-654-3380 or at UMI@sovinsurance.com.
This content has been prepared by United Methodist Insurance Company (UMI) for informational purposes only. No article or document may accurately contemplate all possible scenarios or church resources. As such, this information is meant to foster discussion by the individual church and its members to develop a plan tailored to its own circumstances. UMI is providing this information with no warranties or guarantees of any kind and it should not be viewed as legal, financial, or other professional advice. All liability is expressly disclaimed. Any claim examples described herein are general in nature, may or may not be based on actual claims, and are for informational purposes only. Any coverage available for a claim is determined from the facts and circumstances of the claim as well as the terms and conditions of any applicable policy, including any exclusions or deductibles. In the event of a conflict with the content herein, the terms and conditions of any issued policy will control. Individual coverage may vary and may not be available in all states.
The commercial insurance coverages for United Methodist Insurance are sold and serviced directly or indirectly by Sovereign Insurance Agency (CA Lic. No. 0B01380) ("Sovereign") and underwritten by various available insurance markets. Sovereign pays United Methodist Insurance a royalty for the use of its intellectual property.