What you need for a first aid competition

A first aid competition needs more than CPR manikins and bandages. You also need reliable timing, clearly marked stations, registration supplies, power for equipment and enough catering for participants, judges and volunteers. Use this list to check what must be bought, borrowed or brought before competition day. Confirm specialist training equipment early, especially if several teams will practise at the same time.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 50
Registration desk
Waste binsqty 4

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 60
Platesqty 50
Cutlery setsqty 50
Coffee cupsqty 30

Kitchen

Thermos flasksqty 4
Water jugsqty 4
Serving traysqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Kitchen knivesqty 3
Serving spoonsqty 4

Equipment

Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 3
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3
Megaphone

Sports equipment

First aid kitsqty 6
CPR manikinsqty 3
Practice AEDsqty 3
Practice stretchersqty 2
High-visibility vestsqty 8
Practice bandaging materialsqty 6
Scenario propsqty 12
Stopwatchesqty 6
Conesqty 20
Barrier tapeqty 4
Pensqty 30
Clipboardsqty 8
Evaluation formsqty 80
Team numbersqty 10

Decorations

Competition notice boardsqty 6
Name badgesqty 60
Prizesqty 3

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Broom and dustpanqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Coffee creamer - 2 tubs
- Still water - 30 liters
- Sparkling water - 12 liters
- Cola - 6 liters
- Cola Zero - 6 liters
- Orange soda - 4 liters
- Apple juice - 4 liter
- Orange juice - 4 liters
- Sandwich rolls - 60 pieces
- Pistolets - 30 pieces
- Butter - 500 grams
- Cheese slices - 1.5 kilo
- Ham - 1 kilo
- Chicken breast topping - 1 kilo
- Hummus - 750 gram
- Peanut butter - 1 jar
- Jam - 2 jars
- Cucumber - 6 pieces
- Tomatoes - 1 kilo
- Lettuce - 3 heads
- Carrots - 1 kilo
- Grapes - 2 kilos
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Snacks - 3 bags
- Muesli bars - 60 pieces
- Cookies - 4 packs
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Mustard - 1 jar
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Salt - 1 pack
- Aluminum foil - 1 roll
- Cling film - 1 roll
- Napkins - 150 pieces
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Hand soap - 3 bottles

Tips

Plan one CPR manikin, practice AED and stopwatch for each station running simultaneously. If teams rotate through four stations, prepare four complete sets rather than making teams wait for shared equipment.
Allow at least one practice stretcher and one set of scenario props per active scenario. Order or borrow these early; specialist equipment is easy to leave until the final week.
Bring more practice bandaging materials than the exercises require. A reserve of roughly 20% covers mistakes, repeated attempts and demonstrations without interrupting a round.
Set aside one registration desk, pens and a megaphone before setting up the competition stations. These basic items are often moved into the scenarios and then missing when teams arrive.
For catering, plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, plus water jugs and reusable cups. Count judges, volunteers and participants, and check dietary requirements before buying food.

Frequently asked questions

How many CPR manikins do I need for a first aid competition?: Use one CPR manikin per station operating at the same time. For four simultaneous stations, prepare four manikins, plus one spare if the budget or venue allows.
How much first aid practice equipment should I buy?: Prepare one complete set of core equipment for every active team or station: a CPR manikin, practice AED, stopwatch and relevant scenario materials. Add about 20% extra bandaging materials and small consumables.
How many drinks do I need for a first aid competition?: Allow two to three drinks per person during the first hour, then about one drink per person for each additional hour. Include participants, judges and volunteers in the count, and provide extra water for practical rounds.
When should I arrange specialist competition equipment?: Confirm availability of CPR manikins, practice AEDs, stretchers and scenario props at least two to three weeks before the event. Check the equipment again during the final week and on the day before setup.

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