Minister of Health Issues Comprehensive Bylaw Regulating, Classifying, and Specifying First Aid Kits and Their Contents
AbdulKarim Al-Abdullah
Health Minister Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadi issued Ministerial Decision No. 294 of 2026 regarding the approval of the bylaws governing the regulation, definition, classification, and specifications of first aid kits and their contents, as well as the inspection, supply, and quality control mechanisms. This decision establishes a comprehensive regulatory and technical framework to ensure the availability of first aid services in government entities, health facilities, the private health sector, workplaces, industrial and oil facilities, events, gatherings, stadiums, and public sites.
The decision, published by Al-Anbaa, comprises 20 articles alongside 17 detailed tables that regulate site classification and risk levels, the mechanism for assessing first aid needs, the minimum number of medics and first aid kits required, first aid points, the classification of kit types and equipment, their specifications and contents, regulations for first aid rooms, cold medicine containers, oxygen kits, and respiratory equipment, as well as inspection, follow-up, supply, quality control, and approved records.
**Unified Bylaws**
Article One stipulates the approval of the bylaws governing the regulation, definition, classification, and specifications of first aid kits and their contents, as well as the inspection, supply, and quality control mechanisms, in accordance with the provisions of the decision.
Article Two mandates that the decision’s provisions apply to government entities, health facilities, the private health sector, workplaces, industrial and oil facilities, events, gatherings, stadiums, public sites, and any entity whose activities necessitate the provision of first aid equipment or medical emergency services, within the limits of the licenses and regulations governing their operations.
**Key Terminology**
Article Three defines the terms used in the decision and its annexes, including:
* **The Ministry:** The Ministry of Health.
* **The Minister:** The Minister of Health.
* **The Competent Authority:** The regulatory unit designated by the Minister or the Deputy Minister to monitor the implementation of the decision’s provisions, within their respective jurisdictions.
* **First Aid Kit:** A bag designated for storing, organizing, and transporting supplies or devices necessary according to the type of use and service level.
* **General First Aid Kit.**
* **Workplace First Aid Kit.**
* **Ambulance Composite Kit.**
* **Cold Medicine Container.**
* **First Responder.**
* **Emergency Medical Technician.**
* **Operational Readiness.**
* **Supply.**
* **Assessment of First Aid Needs.**
Article Four classifies workplaces based on the nature of their activities into low, medium, and high-risk sites, according to Guideline Table No. (1) determined by the Competent Authority, taking into account the results of first aid needs assessments and factors affecting adequacy and response speed.
In cases where a single site involves multiple activities or risk levels, the highest level shall prevail, unless the Competent Authority approves a different technical assessment based on the nature of the activity and the site. The minimum first aid requirements shall be determined according to the risk degree and the number of employees.
Low-risk activities include wholesale and retail trade and vehicle repair; information and communications; financial and insurance activities; real estate investment; professional, scientific, and technical activities; administrative and support services; and education, with specific notes for certain activities based on their nature. Medium-risk activities encompass accommodation and food services, manufacturing (excluding hazardous activities), and transport and storage. High-risk activities include construction, mining and quarrying (including oil and gas), production of chemical materials and products, electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply, and water supply and sewerage. The decision also authorizes the competent authority to classify activities not listed in the schedule based on its technical assessment, in line with the nature of the activity and associated risks.
Classification of first-aid kits and equipment
Article Five stipulates the classification of first-aid kits according to scope of use and service level, distinguishing between general first-aid kits and those specifically designated for ambulances, as well as medicine and oxygen containers.
The decision categorizes equipment into four main groups:
- General first-aid kits: Including low, medium, and high-risk kits for various workplaces and facilities.
- High-risk site kits: Their additional equipment is determined based on an assessment of first-aid needs.
- Ambulance vehicle kits: Including assessment and resuscitation kits, airway management kits, oxygen supplies, intravenous access kits, and others, according to the licensing and service level.
- Fixed and supporting equipment: Including first-aid rooms, automated external defibrillators (AEDs), eye-washing equipment, burn care supplies, and others.
Mandatory assessment of site needs
Article Six obligates the owner or operator of a site to assess first-aid needs based on specified factors. Re-assessment is required in the event of a fundamental change in the number or distribution of workers, the nature of risks, or the site’s design, as determined by the competent authority.
Minimum number of first aiders
Article Seven mandates that the minimum provision of first aiders and general first-aid kits shall follow Schedule No. (6), unless a risk assessment requires a higher number. The decision specifies the required personnel for low-risk sites as follows:
- Sites with 1 to 50 persons: One general first-aid kit and one first aider.
- Sites with 51 to 100 persons: Two kits and two first aiders.
- Sites with more than 100 persons: Three kits and three first aiders, plus one additional kit and one first aider for every additional 50 persons or part thereof.
For medium-risk sites, the decision specifies the following requirements:
- Sites with 1 to 50 persons: One kit and one first aider.
- Sites with 51 to 100 persons: Two kits and two first aiders.
- Sites with more than 100 persons: Three kits and three first aiders, plus one automated external defibrillator (AED) and one first-aid station, with one additional kit and one first aider for every additional 50 persons or part thereof, and additional equipment as determined by the risk assessment.
For high-risk sites, the decision specifies the following requirements:
- Sites with 1 to 25 persons: Two kits and two first aiders.
- Sites with 26 to 50 persons: Two kits and two first aiders, plus an AED and additional equipment as determined by the work assessment.
- Sites with more than 50 persons: One additional general first-aid kit, two additional first aiders, an AED, and additional equipment according to the nature of the activity, with one additional kit and one first aider for every additional 25 workers or part thereof.
Standardized Specifications for First Aid Kits
Article Eight affirms the commitment of entities subject to the Decision to provide general first aid kits, their contents, and specifications, while prohibiting the inclusion of medications unless otherwise approved by the competent authority based on a specified list.
The key technical specifications for the kit include:
* The outer shell must be manufactured from durable materials such as Cordura, Ballistic Nylon, or equivalent.
* Resistance to water and moisture, with surfaces that can be wiped and disinfected.
* Distinctive coloring using approved, high-visibility colors.
* A size appropriate for the contents, avoiding overcrowding or compression.
* A weight suitable for easy carrying.
* A sturdy top handle and adjustable shoulder straps.
* Easy opening and access to contents.
* Internal compartments allowing for quick and organized access to supplies.
* Mechanisms to secure contents and prevent movement.
* Compatibility with approved disinfectants for cleaning.
* Inclusion of an inventory label, identification number, or inspection and handover code.
Additional Equipment for Medium and High-Risk Sites
Article Nine stipulates that medium and high-risk sites must be equipped with additional items necessitated by the nature of the risks and the outcome of first aid needs assessments. These include personal protective equipment (PPE), single-use medical gloves, medical masks, bandages and gauze in various sizes, elastic bandages, moldable splints, burn-specific dressings, sterile saline solution, sterile alcohol wipes, burn gel, instant cold compresses, safety medical scissors, medical tweezers, a simplified first aid manual in Arabic and English, and other supplies determined according to the nature of the risks.
Article Ten mandates the establishment of a first aid room at sites where the nature of the activity, size, level of risk, or distance from medical services requires it. The room must be equipped according to the following basic requirements:
* Located in a clear, easily accessible area, marked with a “First Aid” sign.
* Sized appropriately based on the number of workers and the nature of the risks.
* With a minimum area of 200 square feet, or within a 15-minute travel time from health services, in accordance with the Decision’s standards.
* Subject to periodic review every three years, or whenever the nature of the risks or site design changes, to assess the need for its continued existence.
The room’s equipment includes a folding stretcher, a first aid cabinet, a treatment table or dressing tray, a storage cabinet for supplies and blankets, a sharps container, waste bins, electrical outlets, medical furniture, a medical drape, a wheelchair, informational signage, a stretcher, a first aid kit, an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), oxygen cylinders, a blood pressure monitor, a thermometer, and a blood glucose testing device.
Professional Authorities
Article Eleven defines the possession, use, and authorities related to each category of kits and equipment, prohibiting the possession or use of any kit outside the scope of the professional license or authorization issued for it.
The general first aid kit is used in establishments, public sites, workplaces, and by various entities by a basic first aider who has completed an approved first aid course. The high-risk workplace kit is used by the employer or site manager based on a needs assessment. The advanced ambulance kit is reserved for emergency medical technicians or licensed entities. The cooled medication case is used by medical facilities, ambulances, or licensed health authorities.
The Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is used at sites where a needs assessment or regulatory Decision requires its provision, operated by a person trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and device usage in accordance with approved policies.
Special requirements for ambulance vehicles
Article Twelve mandated that licensed ambulance vehicles be equipped with medical kits and supplies commensurate with their licensing level and type of service, emphasizing that a general first-aid kit does not substitute for the specialized equipment required in an ambulance.
The decision specified the groups of kits and equipment to be carried in ambulances, including:
* First Aid and Assessment: For initial assessment, management of bleeding and wounds, monitoring vital signs, and basic wound care.
* Airway and Intubation: To provide and equip tools for securing the airway according to the level of service and professional competencies.
* Injections and Venous Access: To organize contents related to venous access and transport approved professional supplies.
* Oxygen and Respiration: To support oxygenation and ventilation in accordance with approved equipment.
* Refrigerated Medicine Case: To store medications requiring specific storage conditions, as per approved lists.
An independent refrigerated medicine case
Article Thirteen considered the refrigerated medicine case a separate piece of equipment from the general first-aid kit. It mandated that medications be stored, transported, and used in accordance with manufacturer instructions and protocols approved by the Ministry of Health, adhering to appropriate temperature and storage conditions. Its use is restricted to specified professional cases, with periodic inspections of the case and its contents conducted and documented. The article further stressed that no medication may be administered except by a professionally authorized person.
The refrigerated medicine list includes a detailed inventory of emergency preparations and medications according to the concentrations and pharmaceutical forms specified in the decision. These include glucose preparations, bronchodilators, allergy medications, cardiac emergency drugs, anticonvulsants, among others, as well as approved topical preparations and pharmaceutical supplies.
Oxygen kit
Article Fourteen classified the oxygen kit and respiratory equipment as operational medical equipment, subject to technical specifications and controls, and stipulated that it may only be used by trained and authorized personnel in accordance with approved policies.
The requirements include:
* Securing oxygen cylinders safely to prevent falling and injury.
* Maintaining the pressure regulator and ensuring no leaks or damage.
* Sterilizing oxygen masks and technical equipment suitable for adults and children, depending on the nature of the service.
* Providing a manually operated resuscitation bag of appropriate size.
* Storing equipment in a shock-resistant bag or cabinet, securely mounted.
* Ensuring that oxygen or respiratory devices are used only by trained and authorized personnel.
Article Fifteen emphasized the prohibition of using medical devices, medications, or supplies requiring licensing or professional training by individuals not authorized under applicable laws, decisions, and regulations. It affirmed that the presence of a kit or equipment at a site or in a vehicle does not confer any right to perform medical procedures outside the scope of licensing or professional competence.
Monthly periodic inspection
Article Sixteen obliged entities subject to the decision to inspect kits and equipment monthly, maintain their readiness, replenish shortages, and replace damaged or expired items. It also required designating a responsible person for follow-up and supply. Furthermore, it mandated documenting inspection and supply activities and retaining records for a period of no less than two years, unless prevailing systems require a longer duration.
The decision specifies the inspection and follow-up mechanism, the most prominent of which are: * Monthly inspection of first aid kits by the designated official. * Inspection after use, immediate replacement of consumed materials, and documentation of what was used. * Monthly inspection of support devices, such as AEDs and similar equipment, or in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. * Requisition requests when stock levels are low or to replace expired materials. * Periodic audits of inventory, records, and procedures. * Taking corrective action in the event of an observation or violation.
Mandatory Forms and Records
The decision approved a number of forms and records, including: * First Aid Needs Assessment Form. * Monthly Inspection Form for Equipment and Medications. * Daily Inspection Form for Ambulances. * Requisition Request Form. * First Aid Log. * Violation or Observation Form.
These forms include the minimum data required regarding the location, responsible persons, risks, equipment, dates, quantities, validity status, corrective actions, closure dates, and other data necessary for documentation and follow-up.
Ambulance Oversight
Article Seventeen stipulates that ambulances belonging to the private health sector are subject to inspection and verification of kit and equipment readiness by the Emergency Medical Services Administration at the Ministry of Health, in accordance with the license level and type of service. It also obligates operators to maintain inspection, requisition, validity, and replacement records, and to submit them upon request.
Article Eighteen obligates entities organizing events, occasions, gatherings, stadiums, and public venues to provide a minimum number of first aid responders and first aid kits and stations based on the expected number of attendees at any one time, according to Table No. (16), with increased requirements when the nature of the event or risk level dictates. The decision sets the minimum requirements as follows:
* Up to 500 persons: Two first aid responders, one first aid kit, and one first aid station.
* 501 to 1,000 persons: Four first aid responders, two kits, and one first aid station.
* 1,001 to 2,000 persons: Six first aid responders, three kits, and one first aid station.
* 2,001 to 5,000 persons: Eight first aid responders, four kits, and two first aid stations.
* 5,001 to 10,000 persons: Twelve first aid responders, six kits, and two first aid stations.
* 10,001 to 20,000 persons: Twenty-two first aid responders, eleven kits, and four first aid stations.
* More than 20,000 persons: According to a special assessment, with no less than one kit per two first aid responders, and according to a special assessment for first aid stations, with no less than four stations.
The decision emphasized that these numbers represent the minimum, and may be increased based on the nature of the event, attendee distribution, and risk assessment.
Updating lists and contents in light of developments
Article Nineteen stipulates that the competent authority shall review the lists of contents of first aid kits, equipment, technical schedules, quantities, forms, and operational procedures. It authorizes their update by decision or technical circular, in accordance with the prescribed authorities, provided that the update does not involve modifications to the fundamental regulatory provisions of the decision. The cases for review and update include:
* Changes in professional protocols or authorities.
* Changes in risks or the nature of the site.
* Changes in materials or material specifications.
* An increase in the rate of deficiencies or damage.
* Audit findings or incidents.
* Scheduled periodic reviews.
Corresponding procedures include reviewing the contents of kits and equipment, reassessing needs, and modifying the number of kits, their locations, or supporting equipment; reviewing quality and compliance and approving suitable alternatives; analyzing the causes of deficiencies and damage and adjusting the inspection, supply, and storage systems; issuing corrective actions and updating forms or instructions; and conducting a comprehensive review every three years or as determined by the competent authority.
Implementation from January 1, 2027
Article Twenty of the Minister of Health’s decision stipulates notifying the decision to those required to implement it, and enforcing it as of January 1, 2027, with its publication in the Official Gazette, and repealing any decision or provision that conflicts with its provisions.
Thus, the decision establishes a unified and comprehensive framework for regulating first aid at workplaces, facilities, events, public sites, and ambulances. This framework begins with assessing the level of risk and determining needs, proceeds through specifying the number of first aid responders, kits, and equipment, their specifications and contents, and the professional authorities for their use, and culminates in inspection, supply, documentation, quality control, oversight, and periodic updates.
Seven factors for assessing first aid needs
The decision identified a set of factors that must be considered when assessing a site’s needs, including:
1. The number of workers and individuals present during working hours, shifts, or events.
2. The nature of risks, including cuts, burns, eye injuries, electric shocks, falls, suffocation, and heat- or cold-related injuries, among others.
3. The site’s layout and the number of buildings, floors, workshops, or warehouses, and the ease of access to kits or first aid points.
4. The site’s distance from medical care and the response time for ambulances or transport to the nearest health center or hospital.
5. The shift system and the availability of qualified basic first aid responders to cover all working periods.
6. The historical record of incidents, including the frequency and types of injuries.
7. Additional factors, such as the presence of visitors, temporary workers, or sports or industrial activities.
