Basic First Aid Supplies
Keeping first aid supplies in your vehicle is something that can be helpful in a number of different situations, including the event of a car accident. In fact, first aid supplies are so essential that having a basic first aid kit in your vehicle, your home, and your place of work is recommended. This is in addition to the various other items to keep in your trunk in case of an auto accident.
What Things Need to Go in a First Aid Supply?
Your first aid kit may have different items depending upon whether or not you make the kit yourself or purchase a pre-made kit. Pre-made kits can be purchased at survival stores, some large multipurpose stores, and online. The American Red Cross also sells kits directly.
Of course, you can always assemble your own kit instead of buying one that’s already made. If you put together your own kit, remember that the more comprehensive, the better. Items that should go in your first aid kit include:
- First aid instruction booklet;
- Scissors;
- Tweezers;
- Bandages of different shapes and sizes;
- Thermometer;
- Gauze pads;
- Gloves;
- Hydrocortisone ointment;
- Cold compress;
- Breathing barrier;
- Antiseptic wipes;
- Aspirin;
- Flashlight or headlamp;
- Compress dressings; and
- Gauze.
It is also very important that you put any items that are specific to you or your family members within the first aid kit, such as an EpiPen, inhaler, or prescription medications.
Other items that you may consider being part of your kit are bottled water and nonperishable food items.
What If I Don’t Know How to Administer First Aid?
Knowing what to do in the event of an accident that results in an injury to another person can be difficult, especially if you’re not trained in first aid. This is one of the most pressing reasons that keeping the first aid booklet with your first aid kit is a must; the booklet will provide some basic first aid instructions.
For more complicated first aid matters, such as what to do if someone is bleeding severely, is not breathing, or has suffered a serious bone fracture or another injury, remaining calm and waiting for help is advised unless you are otherwise certified or trained to administer care. Taking a first aid class is always a good idea.
One of the first things that you should do upon being in the accident and learning of injuries to persons in your vehicle or the vehicle of the other driver is to call 911. Report the injuries on the phone, and wait for the operator’s instructions. You may be instructed to apply pressure to a wound or be guided through CPR. You may also be told to wait until help arrives.
Ask Surrounding Witnesses for Help
If there are witnesses to your accident and someone has been injured, don’t be afraid to ask for help from surrounding parties. You never know if there is a doctor or nurse nearby who would be more than happy to administer first aid care.
Add to Your Kit Throughout the Years
Remember that things like aspirin expire and that if you use your first aid kit for small cuts and scrapes throughout the years, you may not have all the supplies you need in the event of an accident. Add to your supply kit overtime and make sure that anything with an expiration date is replaced.