Could You Help Someone at a Car Accident Right Now?
Most of us keep a basic first aid kit in the glove box. A few bandaids, a thermal blanket, maybe a pair of tweezers. But would it help if you were first on the scene at a car crash?
I remember pulling over on a remote country road to help. My kit had nothing I needed. I had one bandage. No trauma dressings. No gloves. No proper shears. I felt helpless.
This blog will help you upgrade or choose a car trauma first aid kit that’s built for real emergencies—plus tips on how to use it safely and effectively.
What Should Be in a Car Trauma Kit?
Car crashes often involve major trauma, not minor cuts. Your kit needs to be ready for multiple patients, bleeding, burns, and shock. Here’s what to pack:
- ✔️ 2x Tourniquets (for life-threatening bleeds)
- ✔️ 2x Trauma Dressings (OLAES or Israeli-style)
- ✔️ Heavy-duty Trauma Shears (cut clothing, boots, seatbelts)
- ✔️ 4x Emergency Blankets (for shock and exposure)
- ✔️ Nitrile Gloves (pack extras for multiple casualties)
- ✔️ Burn Gel Dressings
- ✔️ Head Torch (hands-free lighting at night)
- ✔️ Whistle (signal for help)
Do You Know How to Use It?
After 17 years training first aid, I still see businesses hand out kits with zero training. It's not enough to have the gear—you need to know how to use it.
We offer trauma-first aid courses that walk you through exactly how to treat bleeding, shock, and burns at the roadside.
Psychological First Aid: It's Real
Helping someone at a crash isn’t just physical—it’s emotional. Here’s how to protect your own wellbeing while giving care:
- Stay calm and breathe
- Check the scene for danger before you approach
- Talk to the patient, let them know help is coming
- Don’t attempt procedures you haven’t been trained to do
- Debrief afterward—talk to someone you trust
Keep Your Kit Ready
- ✅ Store it in a soft pack or pouch—NOT loose in your car
- ✅ Keep it accessible but secure (not a projectile in a crash)
- ✅ Use our checklist to keep your kit up to date
- ✅ Shop our trauma kits for cars
External Resources
Takeaway
A standard glovebox kit won’t cut it at a high-speed crash. Equip yourself with a proper trauma kit and the knowledge to use it. Join our newsletter for tips and training invites—or use the live chat on our site to speak directly with me, Samantha.
Author Bio
Written by Samantha, Director of Assurance First Aid Kits
EMT, Trainer & Assessor. With over 20 years in first aid compliance training across Dubbo and regional NSW, Samantha helps Aussies get prepared for real emergencies—not just paperwork compliance.
