Whether you’re new to the road or have years of driving experience behind you the UK’s highways can be unpredictable. Breakdowns, minor injuries and road traffic accidents can happen at any time — often when you least expect them.
With this in mind, many drivers ask: should you have a first aid kit in your car?
In this blog, we’ll explore the legal position in the UK, the benefits of carrying a car first aid kit, and what essentials it should contain.
Is a car first aid kit a legal requirement in the UK?
In some European countries, such as France and Germany, carrying a first aid kit in your car is a legal requirement. However, in the UK it is not a legal obligation for most private motorists.
That said, if you use your vehicle for work or business purposes, it may be a requirement of your company health and safety policies. If you’re unsure, it’s always worth checking with your workplace.
Even where it’s not legally required, carrying a first aid kit is widely recommended by UK motoring organisations — and for good reason.
The benefits of keeping a first aid kit in your car
If a first aid kit isn’t a legal requirement, why should you consider having one?
A car first aid kit is a simple way to be prepared for unexpected situations on the road. Key benefits include:
Immediate response in an emergency
If you witness a road traffic accident, a first aid kit allows you to provide basic first aid care until professional help arrives — especially if you are first aid trained.
Potentially life-saving equipment
Items such as an emergency foil blanket or face shield can help protect casualties from shock or allow safer CPR.
Duty of care for work drivers
If you drive as part of your job, carrying a first aid kit supports your responsibility to look after yourself and others.
Peace of mind for families
A first aid kit is particularly useful if you travel with children, elderly passengers, or anyone who may be more vulnerable.
Practical for everyday situations
From minor cuts during roadside repairs to small accidents on family days out, having a kit nearby can prevent small injuries from becoming bigger problems.
Best of all, car first aid kits are compact and easy to store — offering reassurance without taking up valuable space.
What should be in your car first aid kit?
There are many ready-made car first aid kits available to purchase. If you choose to buy a pre-packed kit, ensure that it complies with British Standard BS 8599-2.
If you prefer to make your own first aid kit, it should contain the following essentials;
- Bandages and gauze for dressing wounds and burns
- Antiseptic wipes or antiseptic cream for cleaning the wounded area
- Scissors for cutting clothing or bandages
- Tweezers for removing stings, ticks, or splinters that are visible above the surface of the skin
- Disposable gloves (latex free)
- A CPR Face shield
- Plasters in a variety of sizes
Personalising Your Kit
You may also wish to tailor your first aid kit to suit your family’s needs. For example:
- An inhaler if someone regularly travelling with you has asthma
- Allergy medication if required
- Additional dressing sizes for children
Always store personal medication safely and check expiry dates regularly.
If you carry personal medication in your first aid kit, remember it’s for the prescribed individual only and should never be given to others.
How to Look After Your Car First Aid Kit
To ensure your first aid kit is always ready when you need it, carry out regular checks:
· Store it in a sturdy, clearly labelled container
· Keep it in the boot or glove compartment, away from excessive heat or damp
· Check expiry dates on all contents
· Replace any items that have been used or damaged
Learn First Aid with Help First Aid Training
To learn more about how to use first aid kit items properly, alongside some potentially life-saving skills, a first aid course is essential.
As a local first aid training provider in County Durham, Help First Aid Training regularly teaches people how to recognise and respond to a variety of first aid situations in the workplace, and in everyday life.
At Help First Aid Training, we provide high-quality, practical first aid training in County Durham and across the North-East, including:
· Re-qualification First Aid at Work
Regular open courses are delivered from our training facility in Shildon Business Centre in County Durham and we offer onsite first aid training across the North-East.
From Barnard Castle to Bishop Auckland, Richmond to Redcar, Catterick to Chester le Street and beyond we offer training to businesses, schools, colleges, nurseries, trusts, charitable organisations and individuals, providing H.S.E. (Health and Safety Executive) compliant training for all.
Get in touch, we’d love to hear from you.
Website: www.helpfirstaidtraining.co.uk
Email: info@helpfirstaidtraining.co.uk
Call us: 01388 417303