First Aid for Summer Road Trips: What Every Car Should Have Before You Hit the Highway

The holidays are around the corner, and that means one thing for many Melbourne families: the open road. Whether you’re heading down the Great Ocean Road, up to Echuca, or out through Sunbury and into regional Victoria, summer road trips are part of the Aussie way of life.

But long drives also bring risks. Heat, fatigue, breakdowns, and minor accidents can happen to anyone, anywhere. The good news is that with a few simple first aid preparations, you can handle most problems safely while you wait for help or get back on your way.

Before you turn the key, take a few minutes to make sure your car and your first aid kit are road-trip ready.

Why Road Trip Injuries Are So Common

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, transport-related injuries peak in the summer months. More people are on the roads, often driving longer distances in hotter weather and unfamiliar areas.

The most common incidents on road trips include:

• Minor car crashes and whiplash
• Burns from hot seatbelts or steam when checking the radiator
• Cuts and grazes from roadside repairs
• Heat exhaustion or dehydration
• Food poisoning from picnic leftovers
• Motion sickness and headaches from long drives

Even a short delay or flat tyre can become risky in extreme heat if you are not prepared.

What to Do in a Roadside Emergency

1. Keep yourself and passengers safe.

• Move the car off the road if possible.
• Turn on hazard lights and put the handbrake on.
• Stand well away from traffic and behind guardrails if available.

2. Call for help.

• Contact roadside assistance or Triple Zero (000) if someone is injured or the car is in a dangerous position.

3. Use your first aid kit.

• Treat minor cuts, burns, or stings immediately.
• Cool burns under running water for 20 minutes if possible, or use burn gel if water is limited.
• Offer small sips of water to anyone feeling light-headed.
  
  

4. Stay calm and conserve energy.

• In hot weather, sit in the shade or inside the car with windows down while waiting for help.
• Avoid unnecessary exertion such as walking long distances in the heat.
  
  

Essential Items for a Car First Aid Kit

A proper vehicle first aid kit can help manage injuries until professional help arrives. Use this checklist to prepare or restock yours before summer begins.

Basic First Aid Supplies

• Adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
  Non-stick dressings and adhesive tape
• Antiseptic wipes or spray
• Tweezers and scissors
• Saline solution or wound wash
• Disposable gloves
• Burn gel or hydrogel dressing
• Instant cold pack
• Eye pads and safety pins

Medications and Extras

• Paracetamol or ibuprofen
• Antihistamines
• Electrolyte sachets
• Insect repellent
• Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
• Hand sanitiser
• Lip balm with SPF
• Travel sickness tablets
• Any personal prescriptions

For the Car

• High-visibility vest or reflective gear
• Torch and spare batteries
• Bottled water and non-perishable snacks
• Blanket or space blanket
• Basic tool kit and jumper leads
• Printed emergency contact numbers
• Power bank for charging phones

Keep your kit in a cool, dry place such as the glove box or under a seat. Replace used or expired items after every trip.

First Aid for Common Road Trip Problems

Heat exhaustion

• Move to shade and rest.
• Loosen clothing and sip cool water.
• Cool the skin with wet towels or an instant cold pack.
  
  

Dehydration

• Drink water regularly, not just when thirsty.
• Use electrolyte drinks during long drives.

Motion sickness

• Sit facing forward and look at the horizon.
• Keep the car cool and well ventilated.
• Avoid heavy meals before travel.

Minor burns

• Cool under running water for 20 minutes.
• Do not apply ice, butter, or creams.
• Cover with a clean non-stick dressing.
  
  

Cuts and scrapes

• Clean the wound with saline or water.
• Apply antiseptic and cover with a sterile bandage.
  
  

Safety for Families on the Move

Plan ahead:

• Share driving duties to avoid fatigue.
• Stop every two hours for a break and stretch.
• Check child seats and seatbelts before every trip.
• Keep an eye on pets; never leave them in a hot car.
  
  

Child safety reminders:

• Pack a small first aid kit in easy reach.
• Keep water and snacks handy to prevent low blood sugar.
• Store all medicines out of children’s reach.
  
  

If an Accident Happens

Even with care, accidents can happen quickly.
If someone is injured in a car crash:

1. Turn off the engine and check for danger.
2. Do not move anyone with neck or back pain unless there is a greater danger (such as fire).
3. Check for breathing and bleeding.
4. Call Triple Zero (000) and follow operator instructions.
5. If trained, begin CPR if there is no breathing.

While waiting for emergency services:

• Reassure the injured person and keep them still.
• Use your first aid kit for basic wound care or to control bleeding.
• Stay on the phone with emergency services until help arrives.

Preparing for the Heat

Cars can become deadly in minutes on hot days.

• Never leave children, pets, or elderly passengers unattended, even briefly.
• Keep a window sunshade and spare water bottles in the car.
• Plan driving times for early morning or evening when it’s cooler.

According to the Bureau of Meteorology, interior car temperatures can reach over 60°C in under 10 minutes on a 35°C day.

Regional Travel Tips for the North-West

If you’re driving from Tullamarine, Keilor, or Melton to regional areas, remember that distances between towns can be long.

• Carry extra water and fuel.
• Check local road conditions before you go.
• Let someone know your route and estimated arrival time.
• In remote areas, mobile coverage can be patchy, so consider downloading offline maps.
  
  

When to Seek Medical Help

Call Triple Zero (000) immediately if:

• Someone loses consciousness
• There is heavy bleeding or burns larger than a 20-cent coin
• You suspect heatstroke or dehydration with confusion
• The injured person is a child or elderly adult

Even if symptoms seem minor, it is always safer to get checked at a hospital after a road accident.

Before You Start the Engine: Road Trip Safety Checklist

☐ First aid kit fully stocked
☐ Bottled water and electrolyte drinks packed
☐ Sunscreen and insect repellent in the car
☐ Emergency contacts written down
☐ Mobile phone charged and backup power bank ready
☐ Spare tyre and tools checked
☐ Rest breaks planned every two hours
☐ Everyone buckled up

Final Thought

A road trip should be about music, scenery, and freedom — not medical emergencies.
A few minutes spent preparing a proper car first aid kit can make the difference between a small hiccup and a serious situation.

Check your kit, know the basics, and enjoy the drive safely this summer.

References and Resources

• Healthdirect – First Aid Kit Essentials
• Better Health Channel – Road Safety Tips
• Transport Accident Commission (TAC) – Fatigue and Driving
• Safe Work Australia – Working in Heat