When your car is all tuned-up, the gas tank is full, and you have a dependable auto insurance policy to provide protection, you might be confident to hit the road. However, before you embark on any trip—long or short—it’s important to equip your car with the proper supplies to handle unexpected medical emergencies. If you don't have a first aid kit in your vehicle already, here are a few important items to include—and how they may prove useful if you encounter injury behind the wheel.

5 Supplies to Include in Your Car’s First Aid Kit

1. Antiseptic Wipes & Antibiotics

Scrapes, cuts, and other wounds that break the skin allow bacteria to enter the body and cause infection—especially when you’re exposed to the unsanitary environment of the road. To sterilize the wound and block bacterial growth, keep both antiseptic wipes and antibiotic ointment in your first aid kit.

2. Gauze & Bandages

With gauze on hand, you can apply pressure to an injury to control and stop bleeding. To protect wounds and promote healing, you’ll also want to have an ample selection of bandages that come in all shapes and sizes.   

3. Space Blanket

When cars break down in the winter and are stranded away from others, it may take time for help to arrive. Since your vehicle may not have a running heating system, it’s important to equip your kit with a space blanket. Coated with a thin layer of metal, these emergency blankets can provide extra insulation to defend you from cold climates and help you avoid hypothermia.

4. Sunscreen

While you are inside the vehicle while driving, it’s still possible for sunlight to pass through the windows and cause sunburn. With a supply of broad-spectrum sunscreen in your first aid kit, you’ll be able to protect your skin if you find yourself driving in excessively sunny conditions.

5. General & Prescribed Medications

To make sure you’re prepared for numerous situations, keep a few standard medications in your car. For example, you’ll want to have some acetaminophen for pain relief and digestive aids to ease stomach problems. If you or frequent passengers use emergency prescription medications—such as epinephrine injections or asthma inhalers—it’s also smart to include them in your first aid collection.

Although first aid kits offer a lot of protection, you’ll also need to be equipped with an auto insurance policy that can provide roadside assistance and cover damages in the event of an accident. That’s why Arlene Lear Insurance offers versatile coverage solutions to motorists throughout the Polk County area. Committed to client satisfaction, this friendly agency will help you find the best auto insurance plan for your specific needs, risks, and budget. And if you own other vehicles, you can also turn to this team for ATV, RV, boat, and motorcycle insurance. To learn more about these coverage options, visit these experts online. To request an auto insurance quote, call the Bolivar, MO, office at (417) 777-3000 and Humansville at (417) 754-8377.