Car first aid kit essentials

South Africa is the most dangerous country in the world to drive in, according to a recent study by driver education app Zutobi, entitled The World’s Safest Roads. 

The study cited an estimated 24.5 road traffic deaths per 100,000 people in the country, with 57.5% of those fatalities attributed to alcohol-related road accidents. The study further highlighted the worrying fact that only 31% of South African front-seat passengers wear seatbelts.

With these alarming stats in mind, it’s easy to see why travelling with a car first aid kit in your vehicle is a good idea. Whether you find yourself or one of your passengers injured in a road accident, or witness an accident taking place, having essential first aid supplies on hand during a roadside emergency can be a lifesaver.

What is a car first aid kit?

A car first aid kit, or motorist first aid kit, is essentially a standard Regulation 3 first aid kit that forms part of a larger car emergency kit (sometimes called a roadside emergency kit). An emergency car kit is designed to give you the tools and supplies you need to deal with a range of roadside emergencies, from flat tires to engine trouble. Your car first aid kit is an essential element that enables you to treat injuries on the road.

What should be in a car emergency kit?

A car emergency kit often includes the following items:

• Car first aid kit
• Jumper leads
• Q20
• Tow ropes
• Safety gloves
• Reflective vest
• Reflective warning triangle
• Emergency puncture repair kit
• Torch or headlamp with spare batteries
• Whistle
• Car jack

What should be in a car first aid kit?

A standard Regulation 3 first aid kit contains the following basic first aid items, as stipulated by General Safety Regulation 3 of the Occupational Health & Safety Act:

• 1 x Cetrimide solution (100ml)
• 1 x Gauze swabs (100s)
• 1 x Cotton wool (100gr)
• 2 x Sterile swabs (5s)
• 1 x Plastic forceps
• 1 x Safety pins (12s)
• 1 x First aid scissors (10cm)
• 4 x Triangular bandages
• 4 x Conforming bandages (75mm)
• 4 x Conforming bandages (100mm)
• 1 x Fabric roll plaster (25mm x 3m)
• 1 x Anti-allergic tape (25mm x 3m)
• 1 x Box of plasters (20s)
• 4 x First aid dressing 3 (75 x 100mm)
• 4 x First aid dressing 5 (150 x 200mm)
• 2 x Wooden splints
• 4 x Pairs latex gloves
• 2 x CPR mouthpieces

Absolute Health Services stocks a Regulation 3 first aid kit that comes in a nylon bag, perfect for stowing in your boot or luggage compartment.

If the car medical kit is for private use, individuals can add over-the-counter medications to the kit that may come in handy on long journeys. These might include:

• Anti-nausea medication
• Painkillers
• Antihistamines or allergy medication
• Refresh eye drops
• Antacids

(Remember, it is not advisable for employers to dispense medication, so medications or drugs cannot be included in a car first aid kit supplied in a company vehicle for employee use.)

How often should you check or refill your car medical kit?

Any time you use your car first aid kit, remember to replace any used supplies. Even if you’re fortunate enough to not have to use your car first aid kit, it’s important to check the contents of your kit every three to six months. (Use this First Aid Kit Essentials Checklist to run through the contents of your kit.) Remember to check the expiry date of your cetrimide solution, as well as that of any medications you may have added to your kit.

If you need a complete restock of your first aid kit, you can purchase a full first aid kit refill, excluding the nylon bag.

Make sure you know what to do in a roadside emergency by attending a First Aid NQF Level 1 course.

With a first aid kit on hand, scrapes, bumps, and minor injuries are easy enough to treat, but the reality is that road accidents can result in injuries that are much more serious. In addition, heart attacks, diabetic episodes, choking, or strokes can happen anytime, including while travelling.

The best way to prepare yourself to help in a medical emergency is to attend a First Aid NQF Level 1 course. Whether you need to treat injuries sustained by your own passengers or family, or simply happen to be the first person on the scene of a road accident, this two-day course gives you the knowledge and skills needed to provide critical lifesaving care before emergency services arrive.

Absolute Health Services runs regular accredited First Aid NQF Level 1 courses at our training centres in Johannesburg, Durban, Gqeberha, and Cape Town. Download our course schedule to find a date that suits you.