Stricter checks on first aid kits in police vehicles should be in place to help officers cope with life-or-death situations, it was claimed today.

The Police Federation, which represents rank-and-file officers, says it is possible equipment in patrol cars can fall below the acceptable standard because thorough checks are not always made.

Tom McGhie, West Yorkshire Federation chairman, said that generally officers had enough equipment available to deal with situations they were trained for. But he added: "There is an issue with how well and how regularly police vehicles are scrutinised.

"Vehicles do have a minimum amount of equipment they are supposed to carry, like plasters, cotton wadding and plastic gloves. But if they are not regularly checked they can sometimes fall below the standard.

"It's not impossible West Yorkshire has that situation."

His concerns follow claims by an off-duty nurse who tried to save the life of murdered Bradford traffic officer Ian Broadhurst that his police patrol car had an "inadequate" first aid kit.

Mary Simpson, who received a police medal for her bid to save the officer, said the first aid kit in his car was "a little green box with just a pair of nail scissors and a bandage".

The West Yorkshire Force says PC Broadhurst's injuries were so severe, no amount of first aid equipment would have saved his life.

But the Police Federation nationally said Mrs Simpson had identified a fault because there were no UK guidelines on what should be in a first aid kit, or who was responsible for checking they were complete and up to date.

Paul Lewis, secretary of the Federation's health and safety committee, told Police Review magazine: "If you took a sample you would find different cars will have different kits, even in the same force. Some cars will have none at all."

Mr McGhie said police vehicles had the basic first aid kits, but there was only a limited amount officers could do without the right training.

He said: "Officers get basic first aid training. If they can close up a wound and stop a person bleeding to death, that's the best they can hope for. It's going to be a rare occurrence.

"We are not looking for anything extra from the force. Procedures are in place but need to be scrutinised.

"Vehicles are supposed to be checked on a regular basis to make sure they've got the equipment they should have, but the system is only as good as the individuals who operate it.

"It should be raised so people are aware of their responsibilities."

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said standard first aid kits were available in all cars and should be checked each time they were taken out.

The spokesman added: "All officers and police staff who are in contact with the public receive training in line with the Association of Chief Police Officers standards.

"Officers in other specialist roles, such as firearms and public order teams, carry advanced medical kits and receive enhanced training."