SURVIVAL First Aid Kits is a long-established,popularAustralian family-owned first aid brand known for making emergency preparedness simple and accessible. It has become a staple for families, workplaces, and outdoor adventurers with bespoke kits that provide a solution to any scenario.
“Our mission is to empower individuals and communities with the knowledge and tools necessary to act confidently in emergencies. We design and provide first aid kits that are not only comprehensive but also easy to use, ensuring that help is always within reach when it’s needed most.” SURVIVAL
Ahead of their exhibitor debut at The International Running Expo (IRX)2026 in November, we spoke with Mike Todd, International Sales Director of SURVIVAL First Aid Kits. to gain more insight into the company and to find out more about their plans.
1. When did SURVIVAL start and what was the initial catalyst behind the brand?
It all started in 1988, when twin brothers Jerry and Tim Tyrrell were struck by two harrowing family emergencies in a single year. Standing face-to-face with a crisis, they experienced first-hand the paralyzing helplessness that often compromises emergency responses.
Instead of letting adversity define them, they channelled it into a shared mission: to eradicate that helplessness.
Their journey began with the creation of the First Aid Emergency Handbook. It was an instant success - winning a prestigious Australian Design Award and going on to sell over two million copies worldwide.
That life-saving handbook was just the start. From those deeply personal roots, the brothers engineered SURVIVAL First Aid, a pioneering brand that transformed raw emotional drive into industry-leading, standard-setting first aid solutions. Over the past 34+ years, they have expanded into a comprehensive range of premium first aid products and recently launched the latest generation of their innovative iFirstAid app.
Today, that vital solution to a personal vulnerability stands as a premier global brand - proving that sometimes the greatest innovations are born from our most challenging moments.
2. What sets the kits apart from anything else on the market?
Our first aid kits stand out from rivals through their award-winning, paramedic-designed layout that prioritizes intuitive, stress-free use. Designed in Australia by leading first aid experts, these kits eliminate guesswork during high-stress emergencies with a revolutionary color-coded labelling system that clearly explains each item’s purpose. This thoughtful layout dramatically slashes response times and reduces panic when seconds count.
Maintaining readiness is equally seamless thanks to a numbered restocking system that prints exact quantities directly on the kit, paired with a dedicated portal for instant refills. Wrapped in a professional-grade, water-resistant 600D Oxford polyester shell, the kits are built to endure harsh environments while remaining easy to wipe down and disinfect.
3. What does the product development cycle look like at SURVIVAL?
Development is fuelled by a commitment to bridging the gap between clinical first aid expertise and real-world, high-stress user experiences. Driven by a mission to eliminate the feeling of helplessness during emergencies, the company continually pushes boundaries by blending rugged material engineering with responsive design. Every new product iteration is derived from extensive research, user feedback, and the integration of the latest safety standards, ensuring that any responder - whether a professional or a family member - can navigate an emergency calmly and effectively.
As we have a wide range of kits to choose from, we have a quiz on our site to help customers, be that individuals or workplaces etc determine the best kits(s) for their needs.
Innovation also extends far beyond the physical kit bag. Recent development milestones highlight a dual focus on hardware optimization and digital integration, such as pairing physical kits with the iFirstAid mobile app to give users instantaneous visual guidance.
Concurrently, hardware upgrades focus on modularity and personal customization, introducing features like weather-shielded zips, integrated MOLLE attachment systems, and dedicated, mesh-zipped "personal spaces" so users can tailor their kits to specific environmental demands.
4. Australian wildlife presents some very specific and demanding safety challenges. We'd love to hear more about how your Snake Bite Kit and SMART bandage technology work to address these issues.
Our SURVIVAL Snake Bite KIT is built directly for Australia's demanding terrain, serving as a comprehensive defense against venomous encounters like snakes, Funnel-web spiders, blue-ringed octopuses, and cone shells.
Developed alongside top first aid and snake safety experts like SSSafe, this specialized kit removes high-stress guesswork through our revolutionary SMART Bandage technology, which uses visual indicators to guarantee flawless Pressure Immobilisation Technique (PIT) application.
What makes the kit a true lifesaver is our revolutionary SMART bandage technology, which completely takes the high-stress guesswork out of first aid. Woven directly into the fabric are special rectangular designs that stretch and change shape as you wrap a limb. Once those rectangles turn into perfect squares, you know you’ve hit the exact, optimal pressure needed to safely slow down the spread of venom without cutting off circulation.
It's an incredibly clever system, but it isn't just a one-trick pony for snake bites. Because the bandage is so durable and easy to adjust, it works beautifully as a heavy-duty compression wrap for everyday trail mishaps like twisted ankles, fractures, or major cuts. Whether you are dealing with a venomous emergency or a nasty spill on a hike, the kit handles it effortlessly.
5. What are your plans for The International Running Expo (IRX)?
We are exhibiting at IRX to showcase our bespoke kits and gather real-time feedback. We are particularly focused in the running and alpine sectors, and we want to use this event to understand the industry's exact needs. This face-to-face insight will drive our strategic decisions, while the networking opportunities will help us forge great new connections.
6. Beyond IRX 2026, what are the plans for SURVIVAL?
For years, Australians have trusted us as their go-to source for first aid. From households to large-scale workplaces, our mission is safety. Looking ahead, we aim to take our award-winning kits beyond our shores to protect and prepare communities across the globe.
IRX 2026 is THE event for global brands, retailers, distributors and industry leaders
Join fellow industry professionals at TheInternational Running Expo (IRX) 2026 - Europe’s only dedicated business event for the running sector. Returning to RAI Amsterdam on 4-5 November, #IRX2026 features 200+ global brands showcasing the technologies and products shaping the future of the sport. Secure early-bird rates today.