In case you think that you will need some sort of medical knowledge, don’t be afraid. Preparing a first-aid kit requires only common sense. To make it easier, it’s best to view your car’s first-aid kit as a compact version of your medicine cabinet.
First of all, decide on whether to store your kit in a pouch or a box. If you drive a vehicle with limited space, consider a waterproof sealable pouch as a pouch’s flexibility allows for convenient storage in a side-door shelf, a glove compartment, or under a front seat and it would be a good idea to use a clear, see-through pouch so you can immediately locate needed contents.
Once you’ve decided on a pouch or box, you will need to stock the following:
- 1. Basic Medical Necessities
Adhesive tape.
Aluminum finger splints.
Antibiotic ointment.
Antiseptic solution.
Bandages of various sizes.
Instant cold packs.
Chemical hot packs.
Cotton balls and cotton-tipped swabs.
Disposable latex or synthetic gloves (at least two pairs).
Disposable mask for CPR.
Gauze pads and roller gauze in various sizes.
First-aid manual.
Petroleum jelly.
Plastic bags for disposal of contaminated materials.
Safety pins in various sizes.
Scissors, tweezers, and a needle.
Soap or instant hand sanitizer.
Sterile eyewash, such as a saline solution.
Thermometer.
Triangular bandage.
Any type of bulb suction device for flushing out wounds.
Medications
Antidiarrheal medication (essential for preventing dehydration).
Over-the-counter oral antihistamines.
Aspirin and nonaspirin pain relievers.
Calamine lotion.
Over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream.
Personal medications.
If prescribed by your doctor, drugs to treat an allergic attack, such as an autoinjector of epinephrine.
Syringe, medicine cup, or spoon.
- 2. Emergency Items
Cell phone with a dashboard-compatible recharger.
Emergency phone numbers, including contact information for your family doctor and pediatrician, local emergency service, emergency road service providers, and regional http://www.aapcc.orgPoison Control Center.
Small, waterproof flashlight with extra batteries.
Candles and matches for cold climates (never underestimate the lifesaving abilities of fire).
Sunscreen.
Emergency blanket.