First Aid Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type (First Aid Room Equipment, Automated External Defibrillators, First Aid Training Products), By End-use (Hospital & Clinics, Home & Offices), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2024 - 2030

First Aid Market Size & Trends

The global first aid market size was valued at USD 4.64 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.57% from 2024 to 2030. Key market drivers include the increasing number of accidents & injuries, growing demand for first aid training & certifications, growing awareness regarding first aid, and advancements in first aid products. The rising number of accidents and injuries is a major factor driving the growth of the market. Accidents and injuries occur at home, on the road, and at the workplace. Major accident cases are observed on the road. For instance, as per WHO reports of 2022, approximately 1.3 million people die every year in a road crash, whereas on average 3,700 people lose their lives every day on the road.

High number of accidents and injuries creates a significant demand for first-aid products and services to help people manage injuries. According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, around 14,000 people die in the U.K. and around 700,000 people are admitted to the hospital with major injuries. The high number of accidents and injuries puts pressure on the market to provide products and services to help people in such emergencies. The demand for first aid training and certification is increasing, as people are recognizing the importance of being prepared to respond to medical emergencies.

Due to rising awareness about health and safety, people are willing to learn basic first aid skills, which is expected to lead to a surge in the demand for training and certification programs. Due to the pandemic, online training courses for CRP, AED, and first aid are more popular, with people understanding the importance of being ready for emergencies. According to the American Red Cross report, the demand for online training courses has increased after the pandemic and people are striving to be better equipped to respond to medical emergencies. Several new & innovative mobile applications and online resources have been launched in the market, which makes it easier for individuals to access first aid information and training, allowing them to respond more effectively to medical emergencies.

In September 2022, DrySee created a patented bandage that changes color when it is time to change, improving wound care. The color-changing feature helps users visually identify the moisture and determine when dressings and bandages need replacement. Furthermore, recently, researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles have developed a Smart Bandage that uses electrical stimulation to enhance the wound healing process and decrease the chances of infection. These types of advancements continue to drive growth in the first aid industry and make first aid more accessible and effective for everyone.

Market Concentration & Characteristics

The global first aid market is characterized by the development of novel materials and approaches to wound care and emergency medical procedures is facilitated by developments in biomedical engineering. Industry key players are providing first aid treatments that have been customized to particular domains or settings.

Several market players such as 3M, Johnson & Johnson Service Inc., Vector Solutions, and Stryker are involved in collaboration and partnership activities. Through such activities, these companies can expand their geographic reach and enter new territories.

Regulations in several countries require companies to make sure that their employees are healthy and safe. This frequently includes specifications for emergency response plans, trained people, and first aid kits. Certain laws mandate training courses for particular professions or sectors, guaranteeing that people have the knowledge and abilities needed to administer first aid efficiently.

The substitutes are available, for first aid in-person training given to the healthcare providers. First aid training certifications and online courses could replace traditional on-site training. Applications for smartphones also offer assistance in emergency response, step-by-step instructions, and first aid information.

Type Insights

Based on type, the market is segmented into first aid supplies - workplace, first aid supplies - consumer, first aid room equipment, sports care/braces, medicinal products, topicals, first aid training products, and automated external defibrillators. The first aid supplies - workplace segment dominated the market in 2023 by capturing a share of 26.65% owing to the growing number of injuries and accidents occurring at the workplace, coupled with the growing awareness about first aid procedures. Metal-detectable and X-ray-detectable products are essential tools for ensuring workplace safety for employees.

These products are specifically designed to detect and help prevent contamination incidents in hospitals and other healthcare settings. Metal-detectable first aid products, such as bandages, gauzes, and dressings, are made with a special type of metal that could be easily detected by metal detectors. This ensures that any metal debris or fragments from the product could be quickly identified and removed. X-ray-detectable products, such as sponges, needles, and instruments, are made with materials easily seen on X-rays, making it easier for medical professionals to locate and remove any foreign objects that have been left inside the patient’s body during surgery. These products improve the treatment of workplace injuries.

The sports care/braces segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period due to the growing awareness about the benefits of sports & fitness. The sports care and braces market primarily focuses on specialized products and gear designed to offer support and protection to individuals participating in sports and physical activities. This category comprises items like sports braces, athletic tape, and bandages, all crafted to meet the distinct requirements of active individuals, promoting their safety and well-being during sports and workouts.

Medical bandages are applied to support and immobilize the injured region after it has occurred, lowering the possibility of further injury. Thus, the increasing incidence of sports injury among the athletes drives the market. As per the data published by Johns Hopkins Medicine in 2023, approximately 30 million kids and teenagers participate in professional sports in the U.S., and each year more than 3.5 million of them have injuries that restrict their ability to play. Sports-related injuries constitute nearly one-third of all juvenile injuries. Sprains and strains are among the most frequent injuries. Every year, over 775,000 children, 14 and below, receive treatment for sports-related injuries in emergency departments at hospitals. The majority of injuries during disorganized or informal athletic events included falls, being hit by an object, collisions, and overexertion.

End-use Insights

Hospital & clinics accounted for the largest revenue share in 2023 owing to an increasing number of road accidents, a large number of snakebites in some regions, and rising cases of severe injuries due to falls. As per the WHO report of 2023, more than 5.4 million people suffer from snake bites every year with up to 2.7 million suffering from envenoming. It also reported that approximately 81,000 to 138,000 people die due to snake bites and around three times suffer from amputations and other permanent disabilities. Also, the increasing number of people visiting emergency departments. Hospitals and clinics are increasingly investing in first aid products to enhance their emergency response.

Sports and recreation segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. With emphasis on sports and recreation, the first aid industry encompasses a diverse array of products and services that are tailored to enhance the safety of athletes and participants. These offerings are geared towards ensuring prompt and effective care in cases of injuries or medical emergencies. Prioritizing safety and preparedness is imperative for event organizers, participants, and facilities to establish a secure and enjoyable environment for sports and recreational activities.

Regional Insights

North America held the dominant revenue share of 44.77% in 2023 and is expected to continue its dominance over the forecast period. This is attributed to the presence of a highly developed healthcare infrastructure and major global players along with continuous strategic initiatives undertaken by these players to maintain their market share. North America is also anticipated to register lucrative growth owing to initiatives that promote the deployment of public access Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and other development efforts by key market players. In January 2023, Avive Solutions, Inc. obtained premarket approval from the U.S. FDA for Avive AED, an innovative AED.

The company estimates that over 4 million AEDs have been deployed nationwide, aiming to offer speedy and life-saving support during Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest (OHCA). The regulatory process for product approvals is comparatively less stringent in China than in Western countries, which facilitates easy entry of advanced products into the market. The availability of resources enables advancements in technology at cheaper costs, which has boosted the number of local manufacturing facilities. Order 650 (former Order 276), Regulations for the Supervision and Administration of Medical Devices to restrict foreign investment in the country, significantly protects local medical devices & product manufacturing companies. Hence, the number of local first aid manufacturers is anticipated to increase, driving the market over the forecast period.

U.S. accounted for the largest share of the market in North America in 2023. Increasing sports injuries, road accidents, and the presence of several key players in the region are some of the major factors anticipated to foster the country’s growth. In addition, an increase in the number of surgical procedures/hospital visits, a well-established healthcare infrastructure, and favorable reimbursement & regulatory rules in the healthcare industry are expected to present significant regional growth opportunities in the market.

For instance, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) estimated that health spending was 7.5% in the U.S. in 2022. In 2023, it is anticipated that spending will reach USD 1 trillion for the first time. As Baby Boomers stop enrolling and sequester cutbacks continue to deepen, the growth of Medicare spending is anticipated to drop to 4.3% by 2030. In addition, high disposable income in developed economies & skilled professionals is some factors responsible for the large share of the market of the region.

Europe held a significant market share in 2023. A greater extent of public funding in Europe’s healthcare system has contributed to this growth. Consumer demand for first aid supplies that are easy to use and readily available is rising in Europe. As people buy first aid kits, portability and simplicity are important factors to consider. First aid education and training are becoming more and more important. Consumers are seeking not only products but also knowledge and skills to respond effectively to emergencies.

Asia Pacific is expected to grow at the highest CAGR over the forecast period. This is due to the presence of key market players such as Smith & Nephew PLC, Medtronic, 3M, B. Braun SE. Which drives the industry growth. The presence of a large patient pool and the growing need for technologically advanced & cost-efficient healthcare solutions are expected to present significant regional growth opportunities in the market. Moreover, the rising elderly population and the growing burden of chronic diseases are factors expected to boost the demand for medical tapes and bandages in the Asia Pacific in the coming years.

Japan’s healthcare system is witnessing a transition in service portfolio from nursing care to preventive care in disease management because of rising healthcare expenditure. In addition, increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, rising government initiatives for better healthcare infrastructure, and benefits associated with first aid services in the country are among the factors expected to propel market growth. China is the fastest-growing country in Asia Pacific due to increasing accident cases and growing preference for safe & effective first aid services.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

• Stryker, 3M, Johnson & Johnson Service Inc., are some of the dominant players operating in first aid industry.

• 3M has about 75 manufacturing plants in 30 U.S. states and operates around 110 manufacturing & converting facilities in roughly 35 other countries.

• Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc. is dedicated to developing products related to human health and well-being. It operates via three business units: consumer healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices.

• Advancis Medical, Urgo Medical, Hy-Tape International, are some of the emerging market players functioning in the first aid industry.

• Advancis Medical operates in 35 countries across the UK, Asia, and Europe, and supplies medical devices to various end users, such as hospitals.

• Urgo Medical is dedicated to developing wound healing and wound care products. To help patients heal from abnormal wounds, the company provides wound dressings, compression treatment, wound recording tools, and customer and healthcare professional resources on wound treatment and wound healing.

Recent Developments

• In July 2023, Epilepsy Foundation entered a strategic collaboration with Vector Solutions. Through this arrangement, educators and school staff who already have a contract with Vector will have a simple and accessible option to complete the seizure first aid course to support their children better.

• In February 2023, 3M introduced its novel medical adhesive for use with a variety of sensors, long-term medical wearables, and health monitors. This adhesive adheres to the skin for up to 28 days. This initiative was expected to expand the company’s product portfolio.

• In June 2022, Acme United Corp. acquired the assets of Live Safely Products, LLC, a manufacturer of first aid kits. In 2021, the company generated USD 4.9 million in revenue and USD 1.2 million in EBITDA Such initiatives are expected to boost the market for first aid industry during the forecast period.

First Aid Market Report Scope

Global First Aid Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global first aid market report based on type, end-use, and region:

• Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • First Aid Supplies - Workplace

    • Metal-detectable & X-ray-detectable Products

    • Advanced Wound Care

    • Basic Wound Care

    • Trauma Dressings

    • Splints

    • Gauze

    • Slings

    • Hot & Cold Packs

    • Eyewash

    • Diphoterine

    • Povidone-Iodine

    • Surgical Instruments

    • Gloves

    • Cohesive Bandages

    • Vomit Bags

  • First Aid Supplies - Consumer

    • Basic Wound Care

    • Trauma Dressings

    • Gauze

    • Slings

    • Hot & Cold Packs

    • Eyewash

    • Diphoterine

    • Povidone-Iodine

    • Gloves

    • Cohesive Bandages

    • Vomit Bags

  • First Aid Room Equipment

    • Metal-Detectable & X-Ray-Detectable Products

    • Advanced Wound Care

    • Surgical Instruments

  • Sports Care/Braces

    • Cohesive Bandages

    • Hot & Cold Packs

  • Medicinal Products

    • Pain Relief Medication

    • Asthma Relief Products

    • Electrolyte Products/Hydralyte

  • Topicals

    • Povidone-Iodine

    • Antiseptics

  • First Aid Training Products

    • Basic Wound Care

    • Trauma Dressings

    • Gauze

    • Slings

  • Automated External Defibrillators

• End-use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Hospital & Clinics

  • Home & Offices

  • Fire Department

  • Military

  • Sports & Recreation

  • Warehouse (Manufacturing)

  • Food Preparation

  • Others

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

  • Europe

    • U.K.

    • Germany

    • France

    • Italy

    • Spain

    • Denmark

    • Sweden

    • Norway

  • Asia Pacific

    • Japan

    • China

    • India

    • Australia

    • Thailand

    • South Korea

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Mexico

    • Argentina

  • Middle East & Africa

    • South Africa

    • Saudi Arabia

    • UAE

    • Kuwait