A First Aid Kit in a vehicle can help to minimize the effect or even prevent death while waiting for emergency services after an accident. You can purchase emergency kits that are available and readily packed for your convenience, but did you know that it may be less costly to pack your own? Additionally, building your own first aid kit allows you to customize it to fit the needs of your family!

So, what should you pack in your First Aid Kit? Continue reading below for all of our tips and tricks!

Container

The container that houses all of your items is arguably the most crucial piece of your First Aid Kit. Ideally, it will be waterproof to keep moisture out, while also having plenty of compartments to keep all of your items easily accessible. Our biggest piece of advice is to never put a padlock on your kit! You will need to get into it quickly in the event of an emergency, and fumbling with a lock will waste precious time.

Essential First Aid Items

The following items should always be well-stocked. Be sure to keep an eye out for their expiry dates and replenish anything that you use:

• Easy to read First Aid manual
• Notepad and pencil to keep track of vitals and essential information
• Resuscitation mask or face shield for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
• A selection of adhesive dressing strips or band-aids of various sizes
• Non-adhesive dressings to apply to burnt or grazed skin
• Cotton-gauze swabs, for cleaning wounds and placing over non-adhesive dressings
• Triangular calico bandages to use as slings or to hold splints
• Crepe stretch bandages of varying widths to compress injuries and hold dressings in place
• Compress dressings to help control bleeding
• Non-allergenic adhesive tape and safety pins to keep bandages in place
• Sterile tubes of saline solution (at least 10 ml) to wash wounds
• Antiseptic cream
• Ointments that reduce the itching and inflammation of insect bites
• Hydrogel solution for treating burns
• Alcohol swabs
• Disposable gloves, preferably of non-latex material and in medium and large sizes – and lots of them
• Hand sanitizer
• Rust-resistant tweezers and rust-resistant scissors
• Thermal blanket
• Instant cold pack
• A hand towel or packet of tissues
• Several resealable plastic bags

The contents of your basic first aid kit will undoubtedly come in handy if someone needs a cut dressed or a sprain treated, and it’s also beneficial for you to prepare for some common ailments which can afflict both drivers and passengers. Motion sickness, headaches, hay fever and stomach upset can all make a road trip unpleasant. After discussing with your doctor which treatments are best for you and your family, as well as safe to use when driving, it’s a good idea to add these non-prescription medications to your vehicle’s first aid kit:

• A packet of painkillers to help treat headaches or muscle pains while driving
• Motion sickness medication, in particular ones that are child-friendly
• Non-drowsy hay fever medication
• Anti-diarrhoeal medicines
• Sterile eyewash solution to flush dust, insects, sand or similar items from the eye – you should never try to remove an embedded foreign object from the eye yourself, instead see a medical professional urgently.

You can also include other medications or treatments specific to you and your family’s medical requirements.

Bonus Items

In the event of an accident, you may need to administer roadside first aid. There are a few items that will improve the safety of the situation. In the event of an accident or even a breakdown, the following objects will be of help

• A flashlight or a couple of headlamps and spare batteries
• A reflective triangle to warn other vehicles that your car is stopped and to make it easier for emergency services to see you
• A woollen blanket to keep you warm and comfortable while waiting for assistance
• A couple of bottles of water and some non-perishable snacks; these are essential supplies to have while waiting for roadside assistance in a remote area.

It is essential to check your first aid kit periodically, and especially before a big trip to ensure that all medications and solutions are in-date, and promptly replace any first-aid items you use. We recommend keeping an inventory of your contents to help you maintain a well-stocked first-aid kit!

A first aid kit for your vehicle is a fundamental part of being prepared for when things don’t go according to plan. Another important part of being prepared is to ensure you have the right coverage in the event of an accident. Contact Sussex Insurance today.