What you need for a first aid training day

A first aid training day needs more than course books and coffee. You need separate practice equipment for CPR, AED exercises, bandaging and simulated wounds, plus a working presentation setup and enough writing materials for every participant. Buy or collect supplies early, especially manikins, practice AEDs and certificates. This checklist also helps you prepare the reception table, training stations and refreshments before participants arrive.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 24
Reception desk
Waste binsqty 3

Equipment

Laptop
Projector
Projection screen
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3
Presentation remote

Course materials

Adult CPR mannequinsqty 4
Child CPR manikin
Baby CPR manikin
Practice AEDsqty 4
Practice bandagesqty 10
Practice woundsqty 6
Practice safety vestsqty 6
Course booksqty 22
Worksheetsqty 24
Ballpoint pensqty 24
Notepadsqty 24
Name badgesqty 24
Certificatesqty 22
Markersqty 12
Flip chart
Flipchart markersqty 6
Tapeqty 2
Scissorsqty 2
Clipboardsqty 6
Training bandageqty 6
Training glovesqty 50
Training blanketsqty 6

Tableware

Coffee cupsqty 24
Drinking glassesqty 24
Platesqty 24
Cutlery setsqty 24

Kitchen

Coffee makerqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 3
Coolersqty 2
Serving plattersqty 4
Serving spoonsqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea bags - 100 pieces
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Mints - 1 box
- Milk - 4 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Mineral water - 24 bottles
- Sparkling water - 12 bottles
- Cola - 3 bottles
- Cola Zero - 3 bottles
- Orange juice - 4 liters
- Apple juice - 2 liter
- Apples - 24 pieces
- Bananas - 20 pieces
- Grapes - 2 kilos
- Wholemeal bread - 6 loaves
- White rolls - 30 pieces
- Whole wheat rolls - 20 pieces
- Butter - 500 grams
- Young cheese - 1,5 kilo
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Chicken breast topping - 1 kilo
- Jam - 2 jars
- Cucumber - 6 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Lettuce - 4 heads
- Vegetarian soup - 5 liters
- Tomato soup - 5 liters
- Breadsticks - 4 packs
- Crackers - 4 packs
- Paprika chips - 3 bags
- Plain chips - 3 bags
- Cookies - 4 packs
- Honey - 1 jar
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Napkins - 150 pieces
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Garbage bags - 20 pieces
- Dish soap - 1 bottle
- All-purpose cleaner - 1 bottle
- Disinfectant wipes - 2 packs
- Paper towels - 6 rolls

Tips

Count one adult CPR manikin for every two to three participants so everyone gets regular hands-on practice. Add child and baby manikins when those skills are part of the course.
Prepare one practice AED and one set of practice bandages for every two to four participants. Check batteries, pads and reusable materials before the training day.
Pack one course book, worksheet, notepad, ballpoint pen and name badge per participant, plus at least 10% extras for late registrations or damaged items.
Test the laptop, projector, projection screen and presentation remote at least one day beforehand. Bring the required extension cords and power strips rather than assuming the room has enough outlets.
Order catering against the final participant list and include collected dietary requirements. Chill drinks several hours before the start, and set out coffee and tea before registration opens.

Frequently asked questions

How many CPR manikins do I need for a first aid training day?: Plan for one adult CPR manikin per two to three participants. For a group of 12, prepare four to six adult manikins, plus one child and one baby manikin if those exercises are included.
What first aid training materials does each participant need?: Allow one course book, worksheet, notepad, ballpoint pen and name badge per participant. Buy or pack at least 10% extra, so a group of 20 needs supplies for 22 people.
When should I order materials for a first aid course?: Order course books, certificates and specialist practice equipment at least two weeks before the training day. Confirm the participant count and dietary requirements five to seven days beforehand.
How much catering and drinks should I buy for the training day?: Use the confirmed participant list for catering and add about 10% extra portions. For a full-day session, plan roughly 2 to 3 drinks per person during the first hour, then 1 drink per person per hour.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.