Emergency Supplies Blog

 Sometimes in our life we face certain unusual or emergency situations or accidents for which we are generally not prepared. In today’s fast paced life, most of us use cars for traveling. In the rush of reaching our destinations we often make the mistake of avoiding important safety measures, the result of which can be disastrous road accidents.  A road accident may happen due to a vehicle colliding with another vehicle, pedestrian, animal, or with geographical or architectural obstacles. Most of these accidents result in injury, property damage and sometimes even death. Though a well designed and well managed vehicle with good brakes, tires and well adjusted suspension is always easier to control in an emergency situation, keeping emergency supplies within easy reach is highly advisable.

The absence of proper auto emergency kits and first aid kits in cars can prove very costly. Accident survivors may succumb to death in the absence of emergency medical care or first aid. Many accident victims have come out as survivors of automobile accidents as they had disaster kits in their cars. Statistical records show that motor vehicle collisions are one of the leading preventable causes of death in the United States. Since accidents do not come with a warning, acquainting yourself with proper first aid supplies in your car can save you in life risk situations.

What all should you have in your auto emergency kit? When it comes to long distance travel, a road emergency kit should be selected based on the road conditions, distance of the journey, the environment, weather as well as the traffic conditions on the road. Keep these factors in mind while deciding what should be there in your kit and what can be left behind. Some of the basic items to help you get back on the road quickly and safely include the following.

Since tire bursts or slow leaks are a common cause of accidents, carrying a 12 Volt tire pump or an aerosol tire inflator is necessary.

A car battery charger or simple jumper cables that you can use to start the car if it has failed without warning. It works wonders if charged fully.

Duct tape and wire to fix windows or pipes are other important items to carry in your automobile emergency kit.

A fire extinguisher.

A flash light if you are driving at night or have to cover a long distance that might include night-time driving.

If it is winter, carry ice scrapers, solar blankets, and heating sticks to keep you warm.

If you are stranded in your car a few food bars and some water will be needed.

Your auto emergency kit should have a sharp pocket knife to cut seat belts and duct tapes if required.

The basic first aid supplies are cotton balls, plastic bandages, more wet naps, large gauze, and rubber gloves are a must.

Cleansing agent/soap and antibiotic towelettes for disinfection.

Antibiotic ointment to prevent infection.

Adhesive bandages, sterile dressings and surgical tapes.

Eye-cleansing solutions and burn ointment.

Over-the-counter medicines such as pain relievers and anti-diarrhea medications.

All of these will help accident victims to survive a crash before the paramedics and other rescue services arrive.

Last but not the least is an injury-information card that describes the symptoms, treatment, the cognitive rehabilitation and the recovery from any mishap prior to getting professional help.

By now you must have an idea that how important it is to carry an automobile emergency kit in your car before stepping out of home. After all, your safety is in your hands. So, what are you waiting for? Just order for emergency car kit and enjoy a safe and peaceful journey.

What is in your first aid kit?  The Red Cross suggests keeping a first aid kit in your home and another in your car.  There are a lot of first aid kits available today.  You probable do not have to buy a first aid kit if you would rather make your own.  Here is my recommended list of items that should cover 90% of basic care.  You can also add items you feel are important.

Bandages & Medical Supplies:  Two 4 by 6 absorbent compression dressings, 30 adhesive bandages in assorted sizes, one large roll of cloth tape, an assortment of gause pads, and an assortment of roller bandages, 10 packets of antibotic ointment, 2 packets of hydrocortisone ointment for bee stings and rashes, and aspirin. 

Protective Gear: A breathing barrier with a one way valve and some latex gloves.

Additional Supplies:  a couple of space blankets, scissors, tweezer, a first aid book, an oral thermometer, and a list of emergency phone numbers.

Accidents can happen at any time to anybody, and the family that’s determined to be as safe as possible will acknowledge this possibility. If you want to make sure that your family has access to at least basic medical aid, make sure that you choose a first aid kit for your family. Sort through all the first aid kits at the store to ensure that you’re picking the one that’s right for your family. If you find that it’s lacking something, purchase the missing elements and make sure that they fit within the first aid kit. In this way, all the emergency medical supplies are together in one place.

The first thing to do with a first aid kit is make sure that everyone in the family knows exactly how to use all the elements within the kit. They aren’t of much use, after all, if no one can actually identify or use the products within it. The other important thing is that you check the kit every month to ensure it’s still fully stocked. Minor things like Band-Aids are sure to get used first, and a kit can quickly run out of these items.

Great suggestion on adding in the Ipecac for poisoning.  I am a EMT.  So you know I have more to add.  Besides the basics you could also add more Ace bandages, for sprains, etc…; antibotic ointment and/or Antiseptic wipes will be used on just about everything; a birting kit; a blanket blood presure unit burn gel, draws the heat out; burn ontiment; butterfly stiches; calamine lotion; eye dropper; eye wash kit; flashlight face mask; insect/snake bite kit; cold packs; heat packs; magnifing lens; smelling salt; sponge sterile pads; stethescope; tourniquet; tounge depressor, and a tweezer.    

Really I am more impressed just to see that people have a first aid kit in their homes and in their cars and then leave the more serious work to the professionals.  That really is the ideal situation. 

Just think—you’re driving on the highway and all of a sudden you hear a noise.  The next thing you know, your tire goes flat.  That’s not a good situation to be in.  However, you can make that situation a little more pleasant by having materials and tools on hand that you can use to replace the flat.

The first thing you need is a spare tire.  The spare may be a little smaller than the original tires on the vehicle, but it will suffice for the time being.  If you don’t have a spare, you are in trouble temporarily.  That means you will have to go a buy a spare tire from somewhere.  If you are in no-man’s land in a rural area, there’s no telling how far you will have to go.

However, if you do have a spare, then you must use it.  In addition to that, you will need a lug wrench to remove the nuts from the flat tire.  You will also need a light so that you can see, provided it’s already dark outside.  When it’s dark, you don’t have much, if any light to deal with.

If it’s the battery, it’s a good idea to have a pair of booster cables.  You can’t always assume or depend on another person having cables if they stop to assist you.  Once the vehicles are set up where you can get a boost, then the vehicle should charge up again.

However, if it’s not the battery, it may be the spark plugs.  In that case, have a spark plug tester available to see if they are operating properly.

Actually, anything could be wrong with your vehicle.  It doesn’t have to be either of the above.  However, it’s a good idea to have as many different tools and accessories as possible.  So when you find out what the problem is, you will be able to make a connection.  If it’s not severe, you can fix it right where you are.

Having a highway emergency kit is vital to have, no matter whether you are driving your vehicle or a rental vehicle.  It’s important to also have accessories such as screwdrivers, a tire repair kit, wrenches and definitely a first aid kit.

Having these accessories available should be a no-brainer for anyone that drives on a regular basis, especially if they are going long distances.  Having a good auto emergency kit can keep a minor situation from becoming a catastrophe.

Below, is my well stocked first aid kit list and a copy of my first aid book.  You should choose a large plastic bin or a large fishing box works great too.  Please note that you should keep a list of emergency contacts in your first aid kit.  Also, check any medications and smoke detectors for expiration dates.  

Neosporin , Hydrogen Peroxide, Antiseptic Wipes, Alcohol Wipes, Soap, Tweezers, Fingernail Clipper, Small Scissors, Safety Pins, Sterile Gauze, Adhesive Tape, Bandages in several sizes, Ibuprofen, Motrin or Advil for Children, Benadryl, Instant Cold Packs, Thermometer, Plastic non-latex Cloves, Flashlight, Solar and a Fleece Blanket, and of course a First Aid Manual.

In additon, to the normal items in your first aid kit, make sure your first aid kit contains Ipecac syrup to treat poisoning and/or keep numbers of the Poison Control Center, and other such numbers you may need. 

In addition, most people forget about burns and having some burn free spray or patches really helps. 

It’s important to be prepared for any and all emergencies; always keep your first aid supplies intact and up to date. Make sure to replenish items as necessary and take note of expiration dates so you can immediately replace them. Every home and office needs a first aid kit, but it’s also a good idea to have one in your car.

Here are some basic first aid supplies:

• Cleansing agent/soap and antibiotic towelettes for disinfection
• Antibiotic ointment to prevent infection
• Adhesive bandages, sterile dressings and surgical tape
• Disposable gloves and scissors
• Eye wash solution and burn ointment
• Over the counter medicines such as pain relievers and anti-diarrhea medications

First aid kits should be an essential item found in every household and vehicle. Accidents happen when we least expect them - sometimes, being prepared can mean the difference between life and death. The most common types of accidents include cuts, burns, and insect bites.  Every first aid kit should include the following basic items: an assortment of bandages, gauze, adhesive tape, antibiotic ointment, cotton swabs, eye drops, latex gloves, bottled water for cleaning wounds, and a first aid handbook. A large percentage of accidents happen in and around the home.  A first aid kit should be readily available both inside the home and when the family is outdoors.  It is important that each member of the family be familiar with the contents of the first aid kit and knows how to use them.

It is essential that first aid kits contain the proper supplies to meet each individual families needs.  All first aid kits should include prescription medications as well as non-prescription medications such as syrup of ipecac (used to induce vomiting if instructed by a poison control center), pain medications, antihistamines for itching and allergic reactions, and medicines for treating bee stings.  When putting together a first aid kit, you should consider the needs of each individual family member. It is very important to change the medications in the first aid kit periodically.  Most medications have an expiration date, which can be written down on a piece of paper and kept inside the first aid kit.

It is important to keep your basic first aid kit in your home, in your garage for outside emergencies, and in your vehicle for emergencies that may occur when you are traveling.  A first aid kit should also be a part of disaster preparedness.  When preparing for a natural disaster, it is a good idea to include at least a three-day supply of any prescription medications.  This should also include items such as glucose monitors and blood pressure monitors for family members that have diabetes and high blood pressure.

If you had an emergency in your home or vehicle today, would you be prepared? Most people don’t like to think about emergencies - and this often results in not being prepared for household accidents.  First aid kits are a must in households that have children.  Children can be very accident-prone and it is better to be prepared than caught unaware.  Don’t leave your family’s safety to chance - be sure your home and vehicle are equipped with a first aid kit today!

Another great example of this innovation can be found with new products such as pet first aid kits, which can help you to handle pet owners to assist their pets in the best way possible during emergencies.  This innovation is ultimately making it easier for people, and their pets, to be safer and to be more likely to be prepared the instance they have to be.

Take, for example, the first aid fanny pack - this is something someone is far more likely to carry around, and hence they are far more likely to be able to act in the case of an emergency.

Consider your unique needs and get a first aid kit.  We think a safe plan is a a portable first aid kit for your car and one for your home.