Always Prepared: The Importance of a Car First Aid Kit

Are you prepared for the unexpected? Accidents happen when we least expect them, especially while driving. That's why having a first aid and a bleed control kit in your car can make all the difference. From minor injuries to emergencies, this kit could save someone's life. So, buckle up and let's dive into this crucial topic! 

As always, in any emergency, make sure you call 911 first.

Why is a Car First Aid Kit Important?

Most people think of a first aid kit as something to be used in the event of a minor injury, like a cut or a scrape. However, a well-stocked first aid kit can also be a lifesaver in the event of a major accident. A car first aid kit should be one of the essential items in your car emergency backpack. 

What Should be Included in a Car First Aid Kit?

A car first aid kit does very little to help if it’s not properly stocked and maintained. The kit should always be easily accessible. You should also update it regularly - we recommend when the time changes as an easy reminder. Replace any expired items or switch out seasonal items as needed. 

Many recommend a clear tackle box that makes it easy for storage and organization, while others prefer a bag that is easy to grab-and-go. For items easily squished, put them in a small clear box to keep them safe and visible.

In the case of a medical emergency, timing is everything and you need to know where all your equipment is.

Items for your car first aid kit:

• Adhesive bandages, tape, and gauze
• Safety pins for holding bandages together
• Antibiotic or antiseptic ointment
• Hydrocortisone and anti-itch ointment for skin irritation or bug bites
• Antihistamines, aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen or other pain-relieving medication (don’t forget medication for children if you’re travelling with little ones)
• Aloe Vera or other ointments to treat burns
• Cotton balls and swabs
• Digital thermometer
• Tweezers
• Medical scissors
• Hand sanitizer
• Saline solution or other solution for washing eyes
• Hot and cold packs
• Rubber gloves
• A CPR mask for mouth-to-mouth resuscitation
• Epi-Pen (if applicable)
• Specialized Bleed Control Kit

Keep in mind that a car first aid kit should be part of a larger car emergency backpack.  

How to Prepare for Bleeding Injuries?

In 2015, the White House launched the Stop the Bleed® campaign in response to mass casualty events such as school shootings. The goal of the campaign is to train and equip as many people as possible to provide immediate bleeding control in an emergency. Bleeding is the #1 cause of preventable death after an injury. This is why having a bleed kit as part of your larger car first aid kit is so important.

Having the proper equipment to stop bleeding and knowing how to use it is essential. At Premier Body Armor, we’ve put together a specialized bleed control kit that can easily be carried anywhere. Our bleed control kit includes:

• XFORCE Tourniquet
• 1 Compressed Gauze (in the standard kit, Celox™ clotting gauze in the upgraded kit)
• 1 Compression bandage
• 1 Pair of Nitrile Gloves
• 1 Emergency blanket
• Scissors
• Easy to follow bleed control instruction card

One of the most important things to keep in mind when treating a bleeding injury is to learn how to properly apply direct pressure to the wound. This will help slow the flow of blood and give you time to seek medical help. And remember, it’s not just adults who should know how to administer this life saving aid. Children should also know how to use a bleeding control kit and what to do if they find themselves in an emergency. 

It's always important to be prepared for the worst, and that's especially true when it comes to car accidents. A car first aid and bleed control kit can be a lifesaver in the event of a serious accident. 

A car first aid kit is also essential for treating other common injuries like cuts, scrapes, and burns. And while you hope you'll never have to use it, it's better to be safe than sorry.

Written by Emily Johnson