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  • Vehicle Kit Essentials: Must-Have First Aid Items for On-the-Go Safety

    A family loading their first aid kit into the trunk of their car.

    Date Published: July 29, 2024

    Having a first aid kit handy helps you be prepared for emergencies. The American Red Cross recommends keeping one in your home and your vehicle. First aid kit essentials may vary depending on the type of vehicle.

    To streamline your vehicle first aid kit creation, we’ve compiled a checklist for cars, boats, RVs, and commercial vehicles to get you started.

    Get Started with Pre-Packaged First Aid Kits for Vehicles

    First aid kits come in many shapes and sizes. Some kits are well suited for specific activities like hiking, camping, or boating, so keeping your vehicle type and activities in mind is important.

    The American Red Cross has a few first aid kits for vehicles to consider.

    Another applicable Red Cross product to consider adding to your vehicle first aid kits is the Emergency Hand Crank Weather Alert Radio with LED Flashlight. This hand-crank, solar-charging radio receives AM/FM and weather bands, can charge your smartphone via a USB cord, and works as an emergency LED flashlight.

    Why You Need a First Aid Kit for Vehicle

    When you're traveling, a first aid kit is beneficial because first aid supplies aren't always readily available — especially if you're in less populated areas. But vehicle first aid kits are valuable for all types of transportation — whether traveling by land or water—enabling you to administer first aid until advanced medical intervention is available.

    Injuries can happen anywhere and anytime. Injuries that can happen in vehicles include, but not limited to:

    Remember, first aid kits for vehicles aren’t just for extreme injuries. They're versatile tools that can be used in a variety of situations. If traveling with children, you may need to tend to a scraped knee or bruised elbow.

    Types of Vehicles and What to Pack in a First Aid Kit

    What to pack in your vehicle first aid kits may vary. We’ve outlined essential first aid kit supplies specifically for cars, boats, RVs, and commercial vehicles below:

    Car Kit Essentials

    Car accidents can happen anytime, anywhere. In fact, there’s an average of 17,000 accidents in the United States every day. Having a first aid kit is an excellent way to prepare for an emergency while on the road.

    While everyone’s preferences for car kit essentials may vary, there are a few standard items every auto first aid kit should include.

    • Adhesives bandages
    • Adhesive tape
    • Alcohol wipes
    • Antibiotic ointment or spray
    • Antiseptic wipes
    • Bandages and gauze
    • Bleeding Control Kit with Tourniquet
    • Disposable gloves
    • First aid guide
    • Hand sanitizer
    • Medications (for pain relief, motion sickness, or allergies)
    • Safety pins
    • Saline solution
    • Tweezers

    Boat First Aid Kits

    Proper preparation ensures a safe and enjoyable day on the water, whether you’re a seasoned boater or new to the experience. Checking life jackets, VHF radios, and flares should be a standard part of your pre-departure checklist. But don’t forget to check your boat first aid kit!

    Even if you’re setting off for a few hours, your boating first aid kit could save you a trip to the emergency room — or be the thing that saves a life.

    When checking your boating first aid kit list, you may be thinking about cuts and bruises. But sunburn, heatstroke, and overexposure to the elements can pose serious health risks so be sure to take those into consideration.

    Here are some staples to include in your boating first aid kit.

    • Adhesives bandages
    • Adhesive tape
    • Alcohol wipes
    • Antibiotic ointment
    • Antiseptic wipes
    • Bandages and gauze
    • Bleeding Control Kit with Tourniquet
    • Burn cream
    • Disposable gloves
    • Fabric tape
    • First aid guide
    • Foil space blanket
    • Hand sanitizer
    • Instant cold pack
    • Large adhesive pads
    • Medications (pain relievers, motion sickness, or allergic reactions)
    • Rolled gauze
    • Safety pins
    • Saline solution
    • Scissors
    • Sterile absorbent pads
    • Thermometer
    • Triangular bandage
    • Tweezers

    RV First Aid Kits

    Camping makes you vulnerable to all kinds of incidents — burns, bruises, cuts, insect bites, scrapes, and splinters are almost always part of camping. So, before you head on out to your next camping adventure, make sure to check your RV first aid kit.

    Here is a list of first aid kit for RV essentials.

    • Adhesives bandages
    • Adhesive tape
    • Alcohol wipes
    • Antibiotic ointment
    • Antiseptic wipes
    • Bandages and gauze
    • Burn cream
    • Cotton swabs and pads
    • Disposable gloves
    • Fabric tape
    • First aid guide
    • Foil space blanket
    • Hand sanitizer
    • Heat packs
    • Instant cold pack
    • Knife
    • Large adhesive pads
    • Medications (anti-diarrheal, antacids, cold and cough, pain relievers, or allergic reactions)
    • Pain relief medication
    • Rolled gauze
    • Safety pins
    • Saline solution
    • Scissors
    • Soap
    • Sterile absorbent pads
    • Sunburn relief spray
    • Thermometer
    • Towel
    • Triangular bandage
    • Tweezers

    Commercial Vehicle First Aid Kits

    You never know when you’ll find yourself in an emergency—one can even strike while on the job. Vehicle first aid kits provide security and peace of mind, knowing you're always prepared. The items you store in your first aid kits in commercial motor vehicles could save a life.

    Here's what to include in your first aid kits for commercial vehicles.

    • Adhesive tape
    • Alcohol wipes
    • Antibiotic ointment
    • Antiseptic wipes
    • Bandages and gauze
    • Bleeding Control Kit with Tourniquet
    • Burn cream
    • Disposable gloves
    • Fabric tape
    • First aid guide
    • Foil space blanket
    • Hand sanitizer
    • Instant cold pack
    • Large adhesive pads
    • Medications (for pain relief, motion sickness, or allergies)
    • Pain relief medication
    • Rolled gauze
    • Safety pins
    • Saline solution
    • Scissors
    • Sterile absorbent pads
    • Thermometer
    • Triangular bandage
    • Tweezers

    No matter what type of vehicle you’re driving, it’s crucial to regularly check the expiration dates of items in your first aid kits for vehicle(s). This responsibility ensures that all items in your vehicle first aid kits are free from damage, in good working order, and do not exceed their expiration date, keeping you proactive and your safety intact.

    First Aid Courses and First Aid App

    Whether you buy a first aid kit or put one together, make sure it has all the items you may need. Include personal items like medications, emergency phone numbers, or other items your health care provider recommends.

    However, it's important to note that having a first aid kit for vehicle is only part of being prepared. Having the knowledge and skills to use the items in the kit effectively is also crucial. Consider taking a first aid training course to enhance your preparedness.

    You can also have lifesaving information at your fingertips so you can respond with confidence. The free First Aid mobile app by the American Red Cross puts expert advice for common emergencies in the palm of your hand — from the latest First Aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) techniques to the nearest hospital location. The First Aid App keeps you up to date on your lifesaving skills.

    Download the American Red Cross First Aid mobile app on the Apple App Store.
    Get the American Red Cross First Aid mobile app on Google Play.

    Or text: "GETFIRST" to 90999

    What to Read Next

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    Learn to perform First Aid – and help during times of crisis. Find out how the Red Cross can help you prepare for the unexpected.
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    Is Your First Aid Kit Expired?
    First aid kit contents do expire and lose effectiveness over time. Read the Red Cross guide to learn about average life cycles of first aid kit components.
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    Take a Course and Refresh Your First Aid Skills

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    About Red Cross Training Services

    Training Services is a division of the American Red Cross with the mission to spread knowledge and educate as many members of the national community in lifesaving procedures. Our services include training courses for CPR and AED, First Aid, BLS (Basic Life Support), babysitting, Caregiving, Lifeguarding Water Safety, and more.