9 Items That Should Be in Every Car First Aid Kit

If you talk to any Mercedes dealer about best auto practices, all would likely recommend a quality car first aid kit at the top of the list. Find out what you should include in your kit to improve your health and safety on the road.

1. First Aid Manual

Many books, including American Red Cross-certified manuals, give invaluable insight into common emergency procedures like cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). You can have all the necessary equipment, but if you do not know how to properly utilize these tools, they may prove useless.

First aid manuals can serve as step-by-step guides that can navigate you through a crisis.

2. Medication

Medicine for first aid should come in small, easily accessible forms. Tablets typically fit the bill for inclusion. Aspirin in particular is a good all-purpose ingestible tablet that alleviates inflammation and pain that may result from injury or illness. This medicine can also tackle fevers, which can prove dangerous if they rise too high and you are unable to get medical care.

One common ailment for individuals on the road is motion sickness, so including tablets directed toward relief of these symptoms could serve you well.

3. Bandages

If you have an open wound, protecting the injury from infection is vital to your health. Adhesive bandages in fabric or plastic form can be one quick fix. In the event of larger or more expansive injuries, you may want to stock up on gauze rolls and dressing pads.

4. Antiseptic Products

Antibiotic creams and ointments and antiseptic wipes can also be incredibly helpful in staving off a potential infection. Take advantage of multi-pack buys on these products, and consider including gels directed toward specific issues like aloe vera for burns.

5. Tape and Scissors

If you are a dressing a wound, these two products work in tandem to make your job much easier. Medical, curved l scissors that can cut through thick tape or clothing, if necessary, can be a useful ally. In addition, adhesive tape designed for such tasks can properly secure your dressing and protect your injury from further damage.

6. Thermometer

Since we were children, these devices have remained one of our most reliable indicators of sickness. This small instrument is available in digital or traditional form and can let you know quickly if a fever or hypothermia is imminent.

7. Cold or Hot Packs

These packages, commonly available in reusable gel form, can give you needed comfort from pain or inflammation when applied to affected areas.

8. Disposable Gloves and Sanitizer

You want to keep yourself and anyone you are treating safe while applying emergency care. Hand sanitizer and plastic medical gloves can provide these safeguards.

9. Signaling Devices

If you have a mobile phone and cell reception on hand, you can call for assistance. In the event you cannot contact anyone by phone, however, you will need other options. Light is one good option, so flares or strong flashlights can help. Flashlights can additionally offer you better visibility if you are in the dark. Whistles can also capture the attention of any by-passers.

Safety should be a top priority when you’re on the road. Schedule a service appointment at Mercedes-Benz of Pleasanton and let us ensure your ride is safe, secure, and in prime working order.