If you do not have a first aid kit in your car, you do really need one. We are not going to go into why today. What we are going to tell you, is the basics that you should have in your first aid kit. It can be impossible to anticipate every emergency, so it is always a good idea to go above and beyond what is listed here.
Medications
It is best to keep your first aid kit a bit more tailored to your family and frequent passengers. If you are buying a premade kit, try to find one with enough room to add in the additional items you need. Also, these need rotated regularly and kept in as cool and dry of a place as possible.
- Any prescription medications commonly used by frequent passengers.
- Allergy medication or an EpiPen for those with potential allergic reactions.
- Mild pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or acetaminophen.
- Stomach relief medications, for heartburn, indigestion, or an upset stomach.
- Burn Relief medications, such as aloe vera gel, or burn ointment.
- Insect bite/sting relief medications, such as witch hazel or calamine lotion.
- Eyewash, to rinse out irritants or chemicals splashed into the eyes.
Bandages/Dressings
These are just the basics. Having a more expanded list would be a good idea if you can manage it.
- Bandages – in a variety of shapes and sizes. These come in a variety of types. My family prefers the fabric bandages for the better adhesion and flexibility.
- Butterfly closures – nice if available in a variety of sizes.
- Elastic/Compression bandages – for larger wounds or ones that require pressure.
- Splint(s) – used for stabilizing broken bones, it is good to have these available for fingers/toes and arms/legs.
- Gauze – for cases where normal bandages won’t work or for emergency splinting. Get gauze in both rolls and premade pads for quick application.
- Tape – this has a plethora of uses.
- Special Use Bandages – such as eye patches, sling bandages, and head bandages.
Tools
We are covering a few musts for today but in reality there are several more that are very good to keep on hand that have not been listed. Space can be limited though in a vehicle first aid kit.
- Scissors – for cutting gauze, tape, and the like.
- Tweezers – for removing splinters and for fine detail work.
- Thermometer – take temperatures quickly to aid in diagnosis.
- Exam gloves – to protect the wearer from bodily fluids of the injured.
- Cotton applicators – for safely applying creams and ointments.
- Emergency Blanket – to keep body temperature up or to help stabilize temperature.
- Activatable Cold/Hot Compress – for reducing swelling and or relieving muscle cramps.
- Quick Clot Compress – stops bleeding fast, especially if there is a lot of bleeding to be stopped.
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