Back to School Essentials: Setting Up Health Offices and Safety Stations for Fall

As students and staff head back to school, campus health teams play a vital role in making sure learning environments are safe, well-prepared, and ready for anything. From health screenings to emergency response, school nurses and administrators need reliable tools and supplies to protect student well-being year-round.

Here’s a quick guide to help schools prepare their health offices, screening stations, and safety areas ahead of the fall semester.

Vision & Hearing Screening Tools

Back-to-school season often means catching up on routine health checks—especially vision and hearing screenings for younger students or those with IEP requirements.

Recommended equipment:

• Spot Vision Screener – A portable, fast, and non-invasive way to detect common vision issues in seconds
• Audiometers – Ideal for quick hearing tests in school settings
• Snellen Vision Charts – A low-cost, standard visual acuity test for everyday use

These tools help schools identify issues early and make timely referrals—supporting better academic performance and student development.

Nurse’s Office Essentials

The school nurse’s office is often the first stop when a student isn’t feeling well. It should be stocked with accurate tools and ready for high-volume use during cold, flu, and allergy seasons.

Must-haves for daily care:

• Touchless thermometers for quick fever checks
• Basic diagnostic tools (BP cuffs, pulse oximeters, penlights)
• Gloves, masks, and hand sanitizer for hygiene and infection control

Having dependable equipment on hand ensures minor issues don’t become bigger health concerns—and keeps your office running efficiently.

Emergency Preparedness

Unexpected emergencies like playground injuries to serious trauma require fast, organized response. Every school should have visible and accessible emergency supplies available at key locations.

Essential kits and tools:

• Stop the Bleed Kits – Compact, life-saving packs designed to control bleeding in critical situations
• 4 Square Direct Communicator – A simple, color-coded communication board that helps non-verbal or injured students indicate their needs clearly
• First Aid Stations and mobile emergency bags for field trips, athletic events, or remote areas of campus

Routine drills and staff training paired with the right equipment can make a major difference in the moments that matter most.

General Health & Safety Support

Beyond emergencies, schools also need the basics that support everyday hygiene and wellness.

Consider restocking:

• Sanitizer dispensers in classrooms and entryways
• Disinfectant sprays or wipes for shared surfaces
• Sharps containers if medication administration or injections occur on campus

Proactive planning ensures the school year begins smoothly, and your health staff stays focused on student care instead of last-minute ordering.

For Nursing Schools

If you’re equipping a university or nursing program this fall, simulation and training spaces also need attention. From Spot Vision and hearing screeners for diagnostic labs to Stop the Bleed kits for trauma scenarios, these tools support both teaching and clinical readiness.

Let us know if your nursing program needs classroom bundles, simulation trainers, or safety stock for the upcoming semester.

Need help building your back-to-school health supply list? Our team can help you source exactly what you need—and ensure it arrives in time for the first bell.