Automobile First Aid Kit 101

AUTOMOBILE FIRST AID KIT 101

While most people have some type of first aid kit in their home; many people are lacking a first aid kit in their automobile.
Having a well-stocked and ready-to-use first aid kit is one of the best ways you can prepare for emergencies. Medical emergencies may occur near a car while only makes it that more important to carry a first aid kit with you at all times. First Aid kits can be pre-purchased, however, the ability to customize your first kit yourself is a great advantage.
In this article, we will review the items that you need to keep in the first aid kit in your car.

1. Find a Container to Hold Your First Aid Items. Look for a container or box as opposed to a plastic or paper bag. When purchasing the first aid container also look for one that comes with transparent inner compartments so you can have a clear view of the items inside. Also, look for a light-weight tackle box with handles, and never put a padlock on your kit because you will need to get to it quickly in an emergency.
2. Begin Buying Essential First Aid Items. The following is a list of first aid items that you should always have in the first aid kit in your car:

• Cotton balls
• Cotton swabs
• Vaseline
• A digital thermometer
• Safety pins for closing bandages
• Adhesive tape
• Antibiotic ointment
• Antiseptic and hydrocortisone cream 
• Antihistamine for allergic reactions
• Antiseptic wipes to sanitize your hands
• Aspirin, Ibuprofen, or other pain relieving medication
• Aloe Vera to treat mild burns
• Sunscreen
• Insect bite relief pads
• Adhesive Band-Aids for covering cuts
• Gauze pads for treating wounds
• Tweezers
• Curved scissors
• A needle
• Hand sanitizer
• Saline solution for eye washing or cleaning wounds 

    3. Make Sure You Have Items for Serious Emergencies.  The following are items that you may need to use in medical emergencies such as choking, cardiac arrest, drowning, severe allergic reactions, and car accidents.​

• Hot and cold packs
• Synthetic gloves to manage and treat more serious wounds
• A CPR mask for mouth-to-mouth resuscitation
• Anti-diarrhea medication
• Epi-Pen for severe allergic reactions and anaphylaxis
• Bio-hazard bag for disposing contaminated items

    4. Include an Easy To Read First Aid Manual. 

    Hints for Using The First Aid Kit. Here are a few tips you can follow to use the items in your first aid kit the correct way.

• Immobilize the injured area. For trauma and broken bones, make sure that the injured area is immobilized without excess weight or pressure on top of it. Unless you’re a doctor, don’t try to reset or stint the bone yourself.
• Perform CPR for non-responsive persons who aren’t breathing. If a person isn’t breathing and is unresponsive, perform CPR. 
• When in doubt, call 911. For individuals in need of CPR, call 911 as soon as you determine that CPR is needed. For those with serious injuries or anyone that you suspect needs additional medical care; call 911. 
• Always disinfect. Open wounds and skin-to-skin contact can result in infections, sepsis, and the spread of illness. It is always important to try to disinfect your hands and the area of injury before bandaging a wound.

LASTLY, create your car's first aid kit and take the next step with Help-A-Heart CPR. In order to ensure that you know how to use your first aid kit, further prepare yourself by enrolling in a CPR and Basic First Aid certification class from our team here at Help-A-Heart CPR. Look into our classes offered daily and online and choose a date and time that accommodates your busy schedule.