It does not matter whether you are a good driver or a bad driver! Statistics show the average person is going to be in three to four car accidents in their lifetime. Most drivers have been in at least one accident by the age of 34.
Knowing this information, it is important for every driver to keep a first-aid kit in their car for the day when the unexpected accident or breakdown occurs. Here are some important points to consider when it comes to building your kit:
1. Clear Container Box
The container should be a clear box. In the moments right after an accident, seconds could matter, so make it as easy as possible to find the items you need to treat injuries to passengers, other people involved in the accident, or even yourself.
2. Items to Include
- Duct tape
- Super glue
- Adhesive tape
- Gauze pads
- Antibiotic ointment
- Antiseptic Wash
- Alcohol wipes or ethyl alcohol
- Thermometer
- Tweezers
- Soap
- A Split
- Eyewash solution
- Sunscreen
- Aloe Vera for burns
- A needle
- Saline solution for eyes
- Antihistamines for allergic reactions
- Epi-Pen
- Pain relievers
- Medical scissors
- Safety pins
- Cotton balls
- Cotton swabs
- Instant cold packs
- Instant hot packs
- Surgical Mask
- Insect bite relief pads
- First aid manual
3. Child Versions for Babies and Younger Children
Those who have young children need to have children’s versions of the list above. You may want to include a second container with the same items designed specifically for kids.
4. Other Items to Keep In Your Vehicle
There are a few other items you should plan to keep in your automobile too. People who are prone to motion sickness should keep Dramamine or comparable medicine in the car.
There are many roadside necessities everybody should keep in their car in case of a breakdown. Blankets are essential for keeping warm in the winter months. If you are in an accident at night, you will want to have a sturdy flashlight and an extra set of batteries ready to go. A flashlight is essential if you need to administer first aid outside at night in the cold. A portable cell phone charger is not a bad idea for when the car battery dies and you are stuck on the side of the road.
If there is a chance you could be stuck for a few days, keeping snacks in the car is a good idea too. Bottled water should be kept in the car at all times of the year, and not just in the hot summer months. You can purchase survival food at many retail stores to keep going for many days in a survival situation.
5. Update it Once a Year
Schedule a time on your Google Calendar to review all of the items in your kit at least once per year. Batteries do not last forever, and most medications and over the counter drugs have to replaced regularly.
You can also take classes through the American Red Cross to make sure you are up to date on all of your first-aid skills.