First Aid Car Kit: Why Is It Important?

When you first get a new car the last thing you think about is purchasing or putting together a first aid kit for your car. Why should you have a first aid kit in your car? Because what if your car broke down and you were stranded and injured from an accident, how would you treat a bleeding wound? This is why it is extremely important to keep a first aid kit in your car, for the same reasons you have them at sporting events or when you go camping in the woods.

If you are planning on taking a long road trip, especially one that requires you to take back roads, a well-stocked, all-inclusive first aid car kit could save your life if you were to get in a serious accident, have a medical emergency or get lost without cell phone service or a nearby hospital. If you drive a small vehicle that doesn’t offer a lot of room you can keep your supplies in a small pouch or box. Larger vehicles have more room for things like a tackle box or an art-supply box. If you buy a box that has compartmentalized trays you will be able to organize your instruments and supplies in a way that works best for you.

What Your Kit Should Include

  • Reflectors
  • Antibiotic ointment
  • Various size bandages
  • A few pair of disposable latex or synthetic gloves
  • Plastic bags
  • Scissors
  • Tweezers
  • A needle
  • Medications you would normally have in your bathroom vanity
  • A blanket
  • Gauze pads
  • Safety pins
  • Adhesive tape
  • Any antibiotics you take (make sure to check expiration dates periodically)
  • Antispetic and hydrocortisone creams
  • Insect sting relief pads
  • Cotton balls
  • Vaseline
  • Pain relievers
  • Digital thermometer
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Saline solution

If you have children, it’s a good idea to have children’s versions of all the above necessities, such as baby and children’s pain reliever, prescribed medications, Benadryl spray, a syringe or medicine cup for administering medications and baby wipes. If your children have any allergy or asthma medications, require an Epi-Pen, or have issues with motion sickness, address this when you are building your first aid car kit.

For more serious potential injuries you may want to include hot and cold packs, a disposable mask, some anti-diarrheal medication, eye wash and plastic bags for the disposal of unhygienic items. Also, an easy-to-comprehend first aid manual should be present in your kit for those who are not familiar with how or what to use in emergency situations.

Ways Having a First Aid Car Kit Can Help

You never know what can happen when you are out on the open road or when you might be involved in an accident, so it’s always good to be prepared for any situation that may arise. Having a first aid kit for your car is just one of those things people overlook until they wish they had one. This type of kit may not just come in handy for you and your loved ones, it can also be a great tool to have if you see someone stranded and needing help.

Bio
This article is produced by Peter Kennedy and the idea for this article is provided by Mountainside medical – home health supplies.