Whether you’re making your regular commute to work, taking a family trip, or visiting your local Porsche dealer for sales or service, there are five items every driver should always include in a car first aid kit. Injuries, breakdowns, and emergencies can occur anytime, and it’s best to anticipate your needs now to stay safe.
Personal Items and Info
Every kit should include emergency contact information for family members. It should also include your insurance company, local towing companies, and car repair shops. Stash extra cell phone chargers, eyeglasses, and prescription medications (with a list of medical conditions).
Remember to consider the needs of any young children in the family, too. In addition to prescription medications, a small stash of extra diapers, baby bottles, and comfort items like small toys can go a long way when life throws a curveball. Pet needs are crucial as well—include medications, an extra collar and leash, and a chew toy for your furry friends.
Medical Necessities
A standard first aid kit is essential to your car. It should consist of:
- First aid instruction manual
- Sterile adhesive bandages in various sizes
- Sterile gauze pads in various sizes
- Hypoallergenic adhesive tape
- Sterile roll bandages in various sizes
- Tweezers, medical scissors, safety pins
- Betadine, saline solution, antiseptic wipes
- Snap-activated hot and cold packs
- Hand sanitizer
- Antibiotic ointment and hydrocortisone cream
- Disposable latex gloves
- Aspirin, Ibuprofen, or other pain-relieving medication
Consider Adding Other Medical Items:
- Anti-diarrhea medicine, antacids, laxatives
- Antihistamine and allergy medicines
- Aloe vera, sunscreen
- Insect repellant, insect bite relief pads
- Petroleum jelly
- Cotton balls, cotton swabs
- Digital thermometer
- A sling
- Child and infant versions of any of the above items as needed
Emergency Items
In addition to general first aid items, your kit should prepare you for extreme emergencies.
Include:
- CPR mask
- Epi-Pen
- Plastic bag for disposing of contaminated items
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Prepaid emergency cell phone
- Extra blankets—enough for all passengers
- Warm clothing like hats and gloves
- Rain poncho
- Cold weather items such as a snow brush, shovel, and rock salt or cat litter for traction
- Windshield washer fluid
Basic Car Trouble Needs
If you’ve ever had a dead battery or a flat tire, you know how stressful it can be. Keeping basic supplies handy can minimize that stress.
Jumper cables, at least a basic set of tools, and flares are critical items to keep in your car. You should also have a spare tire and jack—and know how to use it! Include a reflective vest as well—the side of the highway can be a dangerous place at night.
Food and Water
Always keep non-perishable food—nuts, dried fruits, granola bars—and bottled water handy. Remember pet food, too.
Tailor your kit to your needs and available space. Assemble yourself or buy one already made. Just don’t wait—prepare for unexpected situations now.
Of course, once you have your kit, you’ll need a shiny Porsche to keep it in. We have you covered! Visit us at Porsche Stevens Creek of Santa Clara, CA today to get your new or used Porsche.
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