What to Buy for a First Aid Course

A first aid course needs more than CPR manikins and an AED trainer. You also need a clear set of participant materials, presentation equipment, refreshments and serving items ready before the room opens. Use the expected participant count to calculate manuals, notepads, pens and certificates, then add a small reserve for late arrivals or damaged supplies. Check catering and dietary requirements several days ahead, and test power, projection and training equipment before participants arrive.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 24
Registration desk
Clothing rack

Equipment

Laptop
Projector
Projection screen
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3
AED trainerqty 2
CPR manikinsqty 6
Practice walkie-talkiesqty 4

Kitchen

Kettlesqty 2
Coffee maker
Coolersqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 2
Serving spoonsqty 4

Tableware

Coffee cupsqty 24
Drinking glassesqty 30
Platesqty 30
Cutlery setsqty 30
Serving plattersqty 6
Serving traysqty 3

Course materials

Writing foldersqty 24
Notepadsqty 24
Ballpoint pensqty 30
First aid manualsqty 24
Certificate foldersqty 24
Flip chart
Flipchart markersqty 8

First aid practice materials

Practice first aid kitsqty 6
Triangular clothsqty 12
Hydrophilic bandagesqty 24
Non-adherent compressesqty 30
Bandagesqty 100
Glovesqty 100
Practice woundsqty 6
Emergency blanketsqty 12

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 3
Cleaning clothsqty 10

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea bags - 60 pieces
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Mints - 1 box
- Semi-skimmed milk - 4 liter
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Mineral water - 24 bottles
- Sparkling water - 12 bottles
- Cola - 4 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 3 liters
- Orange juice - 3 liters
- Wholemeal bread - 6 loaves
- White bread - 3 loaves
- Whole wheat rolls - 30 pieces
- Butter - 500 grams
- Young cheese - 1,5 kilo
- Back ham - 1 kilo
- Chicken breast topping - 1 kilo
- Hummus - 1 kilo
- Cream cheese - 750 grams
- Peanut butter - 1 jar
- Strawberry jam - 1 jar
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Lettuce - 4 heads
- Carrots - 2 kilo
- Bell peppers - 12 pieces
- Apples - 24 pieces
- Bananas - 24 pieces
- Grapes - 2 kilos
- Yogurt - 3 kilos
- Muesli - 1 kilo
- Vegetable soup - 5 liters
- Breadsticks - 4 packs
- Paprika chips - 3 bags
- Plain chips - 3 bags
- Mixed nuts - 1 kilo
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Mayonnaise - 1 jar
- Napkins - 100 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 1 roll
- Cling film - 1 roll
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Garbage bags - 30 pieces
- Dish soap - 1 bottle
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls

Tips

Prepare one writing folder, notepad, ballpoint pen and first aid manual per participant, plus 10% extra. For a group of 20, that means 22 sets so a late registration does not leave someone without materials.
Buy or print certificates and certificate folders for every confirmed participant, with at least two spare copies. Keep them separate from the handouts so they are not handed out or marked during the training.
For a half-day course, plan roughly two drinks per person for the first hour and one additional drink per person for each following hour. Chill what should be served cold and keep the rest in coolers or thermos flasks before the room opens.
Match tableware to the catering order rather than assuming the venue has enough: provide one plate, glass, cup and cutlery set per person, plus about 10% spare. Serving platters, trays, spoons, cutting boards and bread knives are easy to overlook when food arrives ready to serve.
Test the laptop, projector, projection screen, extension cords and power strips at least one day before the course. Training equipment such as CPR manikins, the AED trainer and practice walkie-talkies should be checked before setup, not when participants are checking in.

Frequently asked questions

What stationery do I need for a first aid course?: Plan one writing folder, notepad, ballpoint pen and first aid manual per confirmed participant. Add 10% extra; for 20 participants, prepare 22 of each item.
How many CPR manikins are needed for a first aid course?: The number depends on the practice group size, but one manikin for every two to three participants keeps hands-on practice moving. For 20 people, prepare about 7 to 10 manikins if everyone practices in the same session.
How much coffee and water should I buy for a first aid course?: For the first hour, allow about two drinks per person, then one more drink per person for every additional hour. For 20 participants in a four-hour course, plan roughly 100 servings, including a small reserve.
When should I buy catering for a first aid course?: Confirm the catering order and dietary requirements at least 3 to 5 days before the course. Buy or collect perishable food on the day, and chill drinks before participants arrive.

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