No biker ever plans to have an accident, however, if one occurs, you want to make sure you are as prepared. See that you always have a motorcycle first aid kit with you when you ride, regardless of the length of the trip. Make sure you store all items in a waterproof container or bag to protect it from the elements. Before you set out on your next ride, stock your motorcycle first aid kit with these essential items:

Essential Items Every Motorcycle First Aid Kit Needs

1. Trauma Sheers

You can cut practically any type of material with trauma sheers, including leather, canvas, seat belts, and denim. Use these sheers to remove clothing so you can treat wounds. These also work well for trimming gauze, medical tape and medical wraps.

2. Rescue Blankets or Survival Wraps

It might take time for first responders to reach you, especially if you are traveling through remote areas. Wrap a rescue blanket or survival wrap around yourself or another injured biker while you wait.

An emergency blanket or survival wrap reflects sunlight, which reduces exposure to UV rays, while helping your body maintain a stable temperature, preventing hypothermia. Though they are similar, a rescue blanket is more effective at promoting heat retention than a survival wrap. Both items have a reflective backing that increases your visibility to other motorists and first responders.

3. Supplies for Basic Wound Care

It’s best to have a few items on hand to ensure you can treat minor wounds while you wait for emergency personnel to arrive. Always make sure your motorcycle first aid kit has these items:

• Band-aids
• Medical tape
• A roll of gauze
• Multiple pairs of latex-free gloves (wear these when treating another rider’s wounds)
• Steri-strips (use these to close gaping wounds until you can seek medical attention)
• Gauze pads (hold a gauze pad against a cut with firm pressure to slow the bleeding)
• Packets of antibiotic ointment
• Ointment for insect sting relief
• Packets of pain relievers and antihistamine tablets

4. Tweezers

If you get a splinter or have deeply embedded debris, tweezers will assist you with removing the foreign body.

5. Sterile Saline Solution

You can use sterile saline solution for multiple situations. If you get dirt or debris in your eye, use the solution to cleanse your eyes. Before bandaging a cut or wound, cleanse the area with a squirt of the solution to prevent infection.

By making sure your motorcycle first aid kit is always stocked with these items, you’ll ensure you are prepared for any situation. For more motorcycle safety tips, subscribe to our blog.