There are lots of things that can make your car a much safer place to be. An interior that is free of alcohol is a major one, a light accelerator foot is another, airbags and crumple zones do their bit, and a passenger that can answer your phone is a godsend! One of the simplest safety additions to your car is actually a first aid kit. Think of it as car insurance for your body - this is why every car should have one.
Your likelihood of having a crash
Over 2007, there were 7,904 serious injuries as well as 78 deaths... just on Victorian Roads. These figures are fairly representative of all the statistics for the last ten years. If you, one of your passengers, or someone involved in a crash you witness happens to be included in this substantial number of people, a first aid kit could mean the difference between life and health, or disability/death.
Because they are generally handy
First aid kits aren't just good for that odd occasion when you witness (or are involved in) a particularly bad crash. They're just generally handy! We humans aren't made of steel and carbon fibre, unfortunately, and we're always doing something to our relatively fragile bodies. First aid kits include supplies for splinters, minor burns and bites/stings as well as essential items for cleaning and dressing major wounds. Just remember to re-stock what you use!
Because they could save your own life or limbs
If you're involved in a crash, you may as well take your safety into your own hands - ensure that anyone who stops has the proper supplies to dress your wounds, prevent life-threatening infections, and generally keep you alive until an ambulance gets there.
Because you could save someone else's life or limbs
For most of us, this reason comes a close second behind saving our own life or limbs. Whether it is one of your passengers in trouble, or simply a passer-by, the simple action of leaving a first aid kit in your boot could make a massive difference to somebody's life.
Contents of car first aid kits
Car first aid kits range from the very simple, designed to do little more than clean and dress major wounds, to very comprehensive kits that also include items for taking care of minor disturbances, and for making the care of a serious injury infinitely easier.
A comprehensive first aid kit contains:
- Support bandages
- Secure dressings
- Slings
- Cold packs
- Wound cleaning/dressing and bleeding control items
- Sterilization items
- Splinter, bite and sting, minor burn treatment items
- Blankets
- Note pads
- Biohazard bags
- Quick-reference first aid book
Simple first aid kits usually contain:
- Secure dressings
- Wound cleaning/dressing supplies
- Sterilization supplies
- Quick-reference first aid book
You wouldn't drive without car insurance... why drive without your first aid kit as 'body insurance'?!
