The first-aid kit in the car must always be available. She is a kind of assistant, a sort of lifesaver in case of emergency that can happen on the road. But how to choose them correctly, what is the composition and expiration date of the automotive first-aid kit, not all motorists can answer. Let's get it right.
New model car kit (2010)
If in the emergency kit approved in 1996, in addition to hemostatic agents, there were painkillers and cardiac drugs, new automobile first-aid kits are deprived of medicines. Why was this decision made? There were several compelling reasons for this.
Refusal of drugs
Doctors decided that, for example, people suffering from heart disease, and always carry their own set of medicines prescribed by a doctor. And painkillers taken before the ambulance arrives can sometimes seriously complicate the diagnosis for doctors.
And most importantly, medicines have a certain shelf life and requirements for storage conditions, and the temperature in the car is not always suitable for this. People who provide assistance on the road are not always competent in medical matters and can give the right drug to the victim. Moreover, there were cases that the assistance provided by an inexperienced person caused more problems than the trauma from the accident.
Composition of a first-aid kit for a motorist
Now, the list of automotive first-aid kit includes only hemostatic agents:
- Two pairs of bandages (non-sterile), the width of which varies from five to ten centimeters. Bandages should be at least fifty meters long.
- One styptic tourniquet.
- One wide bandage (14 sentiments) from gauze.
- Two seven-centimeter sterile bandages. Each length is not less than five meters.
- Two ten-centimeter sterile bandages (5 meters long).
- Two pieces of sterile medical gloves.
- Dressing bag (sterile).
- Sterile gauze napkins measuring 14 x 16 cm.
- Bactericidal plasters of two types: roll and tape (10 pieces).
- Scissors.
- A special device used for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (artificial respiration).
- One pair of regular medical gloves.
- A case and an abstract to the first-aid kit, including a list of tools and recommendations for their use in emergency situations.
First-aid kit for a car
The cost of a first-aid kit, like many other products, directly depends on the manufacturer. The most inexpensive first-aid kits will cost about 160-250 rubles. A first-aid kit for cars, the price of which is within 2000 rubles, will differ from inexpensive options in the quality of the case and internal filling. So which one is better to choose: cheap or expensive?
Here, of course, it's up to you. But experienced motorists, who already, as they say, have eaten a dog for many years at the purchase of first-aid kits, say that it is better to stop on an expensive option. An automobile first-aid kit, the price of which is slightly above average, will last longer due to a high-quality and reliable case. High-quality in expensive first-aid kits will also be medical supplies. For example, bandages will not be “liquid,” and gauze will not be able to cover even a small scratch. Scissors in expensive first-aid kits are also much better than in cheap ones. In the latter, they will not be able to cut through even paper, not to mention gauze bandages.
Since there are no medicines in the compulsory set, the shelf life of the first-aid kit for automobiles has significantly increased. Therefore, it saved drivers a lot of money. And if you do not want to buy the necessary equipment every month, then it is better to buy more expensive. Avaricious, as you know, pays more than once.
Shelf life of first aid kit
So, we have already figured out what first-aid kit consists of an automobile first-aid kit (GOST) and how much it costs.
In order to avoid buying low-quality, fake goods, we advise you to always look at the expiration date. Conscientious manufacturers always indicate it on the case or in the attached annotation leaflet.
The shelf life of an automotive first-aid kit is four and a half years. An additional six months are given to the car owner to replace it. Of course, bandages and gauze wipes can be stored for about ten years, and nothing will happen to them. But, say, patches have a limited period of 4-5 years.
Rules for using a first-aid kit
When purchasing the recommended medical kit, follow certain rules:
- Every driver should understand that you cannot use emergency medical equipment at your own discretion. However, it is not forbidden to supplement the standard complex with some medical products.
- Remember that if the packaging or first aid products are broken or the label is damaged (missing), it is better to abandon their use.
- As soon as you use a bandage or gauze, the stock of funds in the medicine cabinet should be immediately replenished.
- When you purchase the described means of protection, try to check the integrity of the case in the store, its equipment and, certainly, the expiration date of the automotive first-aid kit. Experts advise you to buy them in specialized stores or pharmacies in order to avoid fakes.
It's important to know! Traffic police cannot demand that you show the contents of the first-aid kit. But it must be available. You should not neglect this rule. And not only because I do not want to pay a fine. Think about it, because at the right time, a first-aid kit can save the life of you, your loved ones or other participants in the car traffic.