We spend a great deal of time in our vehicles, from commuting to and from work to driving to a vacation destination. While we hope during those travel times that nothing bad happens, it is always very important to prepare for emergencies. That way, if something bad happens, then we are prepared. Everyone should have a vehicle first aid kit. Beyond that, there are certain items that you want to make sure are always stocked in that kit. Here are eight things that you always want to make sure you have stocked and readily available.
1. A Flashlight
Another option is a headlamp. Having some sort of light can be crucial, especially if you break down or are involved in a collision at night. Being able to see injuries or damage, or even flag down help is vital to your safety.
2. Contact Details
Include a paper, laminated preferably, that includes contact details for family doctors and any family or friend emergency contacts you have.
3. Bandages
Adhesive bandages of all sizes should be in your vehicle first aid kit. You can also include gauze bandages and tape, but adhesives, at minimum, are a must.
4. Antiseptic Wipes and Antibiotic Ointment
These are important for minor scrapes and injuries to clean wounds and to ensure you don’t get an infection. Antiseptic wipes are one-time use, so make sure you have plenty of them in your first aid kit. Antibiotic ointment is available in larger tubes or one-time-use packets. The packets take up less room, but you will need a handful of them in your emergency kit.
5. Gloves
You can buy disposable gloves at chain stores and pharmacies. They can protect you if you are helping someone else who is injured and can help you avoid spreading germs and microbes.
6. Instant Cold Packs
They are used only once, but they can be very helpful to lessen bruising and swelling. Keeping several is a good idea. Cold packs are good for use for collision injuries, sprains, breaks, or contusions.
7. Sting and Bite Medications
A sting or a bite can be very painful and irritating. Keeping medication to lessen that irritation can be handy in an emergency first aid kit, especially if you spend a lot of time in the great outdoors.
8. Tweezers
Tweezers have a number of uses, from extracting splinters to removing ticks. Tweezers can also be used to remove small pieces of glass and other foreign objects from the skin.
No one wants to think about being in a medical emergency, a wrec, or some other type of vehicular accident. However, we have to think of it enough to be prepared. And, that means keeping your car, truck, or SUV stocked with the right first aid kit. While there are dozens of different things you could keep in one of these kits, there are certain things you should always have, including the eight listed above. Sometimes, medical emergencies or injuries happen outside of the vehicle, but closer to it than anything else. Once again, having the right supplies is vital.