Introduction: Roadside Accident 1st Responder Kit

Driving our highways is a dangerous endeavor that we do every day. Most of us will witness an accident, or worse be in one by the time we are 34 if we start driving by 16. There are 10,000,000 accidents a year according to insurance companies. Recently I was witness to a motorcycle accident where the victim had several broken bones, including a compound fracture.

It was a horrible scene, and the accident was right in front of me on the highway. I stopped my car and put on the flashers. One thing you realize when you walk up to an accident victim is they need comforting, and they need your calm if you can give it. If you are in a major city, the ambulance is just a few minutes away, but still those minutes can be important for their survival and their state of mind.

The kit I made is small, something I can grab and bring to the victim without effort. You can make a kit like this and keep it in your glove box. Make one for every vehicle, they are inexpensive enough and can help someone in need.

When you see an accident - Grab your phone and the kit and make your way to a victim. Sometimes there are more than one, so you'll hopefully have others helping so you don't have to triage the scene.

When you get to the victim -

You don't want to move the victim unless you have to. But you need to evaluate and communicate with them. Do the following with the victim:

1. Do a visual of their body, see if there is any arterial bleeding and use pressure to stop. There is of course much more you can do as a first responder, but this is an instructable for everyone. Everyone at the very least should know how to apply pressure to stop bleeding.

2. Tell them the ambulance is coming and to take it easy and don't move. (of course make sure this is the case, your first step is to call if no one else seems to be doing so)

3. Give them your name, and ask for theirs. Ask if they need you to call anyone for them. Remember just because they are conscious at that moment, does not mean they will be when the Ambulance arrives. Family members might have vital information to help EMT's and Paramedics when they arrive. Notifying their family is important and with the way phones lock now days, it could be difficult to get this information later.

4. Provide a blanket to them and make them as comfortable as possible without moving them too much.

At the same time all this is happening, more than likely there will be others that want to help. Provide them with the break and glow sticks if it's night time and ask them to make sure the area is secure from more accidents.

I'm sure others are more qualified than myself for advice on 1st responding, particularly EMT's and Paramedics. I'm hoping with a little bit of prep others won't feel intimidated with helping on a scene. I'd welcome any comments!

Step 1: Kit Side 1

Iodine prep pads for cleaning

Gauze

Easy wrap rolls

Blankets

Step 2: Kit Side 2

Scissors

Glass Breaker Knife

Flashlight

Sterile Gloves

Tourniquet

Ammonia Smelling Snaps

Celox Blood Clotting Agent

Flashlight