10 Items to Keep in a Commercial Vehicle First Aid Kit

You never know when you’ll find yourself in an emergency. One can even strike while you’re on the job. It helps to remain prepared! Here are 10 items you should pack in your commercial vehicle first aid kit. Having these items handy will ensure you can react if there’s an emergency. You can help someone in need until a medical professional can arrive. The items you store in your safety kit could even save a life. Meanwhile, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you’re ready for anything. Start packing your kit! Gather the times you need with this first aid advice today.

1. Bandages and Gauze

First, gather adhesive bandages to prepare for blisters, small cuts, and scrapes. Consider purchasing bandages in a range of shapes and sizes. Having options will ensure you can accommodate different injuries. Try to stock your safety kit with a variety of different bandages. Make sure to add butterfly-shaped bandages to your kit, too. Butterfly-shaped bandages are designed to hold two sides of a wound together. Otherwise, consider purchasing bandages that are waterproof. Some even contain antibacterial medication as well. In some situations, you might need a liquid bandage. You can only apply these waterproof adhesives once. They could speed up the healing process. You can also prepare for potential injuries by packing medical gauze. Medical gauze is sterilized to keep bacteria from entering a wound. It’s an essential item to pack in any first aid kit. You can use a length of gauze to stop a bleeding wound. Gauze can also cover a wound that’s too large for an adhesive bandage. Consider purchasing pre-cut gauze pads, too. These are conveniently prepared to save you valuable time. Make sure to clean the wound before applying the gauze. Pack medical tape in your kit as well. The medical tape will keep the gauze in place.

2. Antibiotic Ointments

Consider pairing your bandages and gauze with antibiotic ointment. There are many different types of topical antibacterial medications available, including:

• Bacitracin
• Polymyxin
• Neomycin

You might consider purchasing a brand-name item like Mycitracin or Neosporin. These options combine all three medications into one formula. Apply the antibiotic ointment directly to any wounds. Then, place a gauze pad or adhesive bandage over the wound. The ointment will keep bacteria from growing. Otherwise, an infection can develop, slowing the healing process. Remember, you never know what type of emergency situation you might find yourself in. Consider keeping a waterproof container with your commercial safety kit. For example, you can pack a:

• Blanket
• Flashlight
• Extra phone charger
• Bottle of water

These items can help you prepare for a potential roadside emergency.

3. ZOLL AED Plus

If someone is the victim of sudden cardiac arrest, you’ll want to have a defibrillator handy. Consider adding the ZOLL AED PLUS defibrillator to your hit. This defibrillator uses Real CPR Help technology. The technology will guide you or another rescuer to perform high-quality CPR. During an emergency, you’ll receive integrated audio and visual feedback. For example, the device can encourage you to “push harder” or confirm when you’re completing “good compressions.” The feedback you receive can help you administer potentially life-saving CPR. With the ZOLL AED defibrillator, you’ll have the support you need to complete the rescue. You can use these tips before purchasing your ZOLL AED.

4. Antiseptic Wipes or Wash

If you’re in a car accident, you might need to clean a wound. In most cases, the best way to clean a fresh wound is using clean water and soap. You might not have them on hand during a roadside emergency, though. Instead, keep antiseptic wipes or wash in your first aid kit. Some antiseptic cleaners are available in squeeze bottles. They’ll produce a stream to flush dirt particles away from the wound. Otherwise, consider using antiseptic wipes. Use them to disinfect your hands before you start administering first aid.

5. Elastic Bandages

Elastic bandages are stretchy, making them ideal for a range of situations, including:

• Tightly wrapping a wound to reduce swelling
• Holding cold packs or gauze in place
• Serving as a tourniquet

Try to pack elastic bandages that feature metal clasps or Velcro. These bandages are easier to close.

6. Disposable Gloves

It’s important to keep your hands clean before you start administering first aid. Otherwise, you could transmit bacteria or other harmful microbes to a wound. Keep disposable gloves within your commercial safety kit. Most disposable gloves are created using latex. Some people are allergic to latex, though. Consider packing an alternative option, such as neoprene or nitrile gloves.

7. Scissors

You’ll need a good pair of scissors to cut the medical tape or gauze pads you’ll use. Otherwise, you might need them to trim away clothing before accessing a wound. Consider keeping a pair of small medical scissors in your pack.

8. Instant Cold Packs

Icing an injury can slow the flow of blood. You could decrease future swelling and bruising after a collision. You might consider using a cold pack to ease itching from bites and stings, too. Consider adding an instant cold pack to your safety kit. These packs turn icy when you activate the substance inside. Usually, you can bend or shake the pack to activate it.

9. Sting and Bite Treatments

Add sting and bite ointments to your pack as well. You might need them if you encounter poison oak or ivy. You might want to have an Epi-Pen ready in case someone is allergic to bees, too.

10. Thermometer

You can use a thermometer to check for infections or illnesses. Consider using a digital oral thermometer. Avoid packing a glass one, which might shatter. Instead of packing your own first aid kit, you can purchase one that will meet your needs. It’s important to find a kit that will meet ANSI standards (ANSI A). Here’s one of the most common Vehicle First Aid Kits you can find for purchase.

Safety First: 10 Essentials to Keep in a Commercial Vehicle First Aid Kit

You never know when you might find yourself in the middle of an emergency. With these 10 items in your first aid safety kit, you’ll have peace of mind. Prepare for anything with these 10 items in your first aid kit today! Searching for first aid products? We can help. Explore our shop today to get started.