An important safety update from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has been released regarding non-sterile, alcohol-free cleansing wipes—products commonly found in first aid kits and training environments.
Since 2018, there have been dozens of confirmed infections caused by Burkholderia stabilis, a bacteria linked to contaminated wipes. While the overall risk is low for healthy individuals, the consequences can be serious or even fatal for vulnerable people.
What this means for first aid training
Many standard first aid kits contain wipes intended for general skin cleaning. However, if these wipes are not labelled as “sterile”, they may carry a risk of contamination.
As trainers, it’s important to reinforce that:
- Not all wipes are suitable for wound care
- “Alcohol-free” does not mean sterile or safe for clinical use
- Using the wrong product could increase infection risk—particularly in higher-risk casualties
Key messages to pass on to learners
When delivering courses, ensure learners understand:
- Only use sterile wipes or sterile saline for:
- Open wounds
- Broken skin
- Around medical devices (e.g. ports, lines)
- Do not use non-sterile wipes for wound care
- Encourage learners to:
- Check their workplace and home first aid kits
- Remove any wipes that are not clearly labelled “sterile” for wound use
Trainer actions
To keep your training current and aligned with best practice:
- Review the contents of your training kits and demonstration materials
- Update your course delivery to highlight the difference between sterile and non-sterile products
- Use this as a teachable moment when covering infection control and wound management
- Remind learners that infection prevention is a key part of first aid, not just treatment
You can read the official HM Government guidance here.