Does your first aid kit have all the essentials?

The last time I had to open my car’s first aid kit, I had my finger wrapped up in a Kleenex after I accidentally nicked it. Trying to fumble through the zipper case I discovered some dried-out antiseptic wipes, some gauze, some tape, a pair of scissors, and some expired aspirin.

I quickly realized that this neglected first aid kit would do no good in a real emergency. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly half of Americans don’t even own a first aid kit. Let alone a first aid kit for the car.

“First aid kits are more commonly used for minor injuries like cuts, but they can also help you in less common emergencies, such as heart attacks or life-threatening bleeding,” said a member of the Scientific Advisory Council for the American Red Cross. The message is to build yourself a good kit, then keep one at home, and one in the car, and be sure to take along one if you go camping.

So what does a “good kit”

consist of?

Aspirin - two 81 mg tablets of chewable aspirin can be life-saving if taken within the first hour of a suspected heart attack. You will need to call 911 first and await instructions because it is not safe for everyone, especially those people on blood thinners.

Disposable latex gloves – when helping another person it’s important to have these on hand to avoid any cross-contamination.

Hand sanitizer - if you’re unable to wash your hands, use this before treating any wounds. Wash or sanitize your hands before putting on gloves.

Antiseptic wipes - if you don’t have access to clean water or running water, use these to clean and disinfect cuts before applying a bandage or ointment.

Antibacterial ointment - this helps prevent infection by stopping the growth of bacteria in minor wounds.

Hydrocortisone cream - use this to relieve itching and irritation from insect bites or poisonous plants.

Abdominal dressings - these large dressings can help control heavy bleeding from major wounds. Always remember to keep firm pressure on the dressed wound until help arrives.

Gauze - it comes in small squares and rolls, and both are good for packing and dressing wounds and stabilizing protruding objects which you should never try and pull out.

Waterproof adhesive tape - use this to firmly secure the dressing on a wound.

Self-adhesive bandages - ideally try to keep a variety of sizes in your kits for minor cuts and scrapes.

Instant cold packs - these items work just as well as ice and are ready when you need them. All you have to do to activate them is give it a good squeeze and they are ready to help reduce pain and swelling for muscle sprain or bruises.

Tweezers - the pointy tips are the best for removing ticks or splinters. They can also be used for cleaning debris from a wound.

Scissors - it’s worth having a quality pair so you can quickly and easily cut through thick bandages or clothing, if needed.

CPR face shield - if you ever are in a position to perform rescue breaths, this shield provides a one-way valve and a good barrier against bacteria and viruses.

Burn cream - burn cream or gel saturated pads, cool and soothe damaged skin. They are ideal when it’s not possible to run skin under cold water.

Mylar blanket - these space-like blankets help maintain a person’s core temperature after a severe injury or shock.

Tourniquet - if bleeding from an extremity is so severe that direct pressure can’t stop it, a tourniquet may be the answer.

Warning triangle - (for the car’s First Aid Kit) to put beside the vehicle in case you have to pull over.

Once you have it all assembled, you should keep it in a waterproof bag or an airtight container. If you don’t want to assemble it yourself, look for a quality, ready-made first aid kit, as many of them will have most, if not all of the things suggested above.