Don't leave home without these items in your trunk.
It's bad enough getting sick or injured at home, but it's even worse when it's on the road -- and at high altitude. If you've lived in Colorado long enough, you know how fast the weather can change and that you always have to be on the lookout for wildlife on the road, as well as the occasional rockslide or car accident. No one wants to await disaster, but it doesn't hurt to be prepared at any given time. If you're not sure what first-aid or survival items to keep in your car, give this list a look:
These items should be kept in the car for any given incident:
- Band-Aids
- Gauze
- Rubber Gloves
- Scissors
- Saline eye solution
- Antibacterial spray
- Over-the-counter pain relief and fever-reducing medications
- Safety pins
- Thermometer
- Tweezers
- Insect bite relief
- Flashlight
Prior to a drive in the mountains or a camping trip, make room in your trunk for this additional gear:
- Bath towel
- Lighter
- Bottled water
- Warm clothing & outerwear
- Blanket
- Utility knife
- Dry food items such as granola bars or Meals Ready to Eat (MREs)
- Ice Melt
- Kitty litter (this creates tire traction on slick surfaces)
If you're ever sick or injured on the road, don't be a hero and ignore symptoms or pain. Being at altitude, as well as in unfamiliar areas, can make the situation worse and that will never do you any favors. Get to an urgent care, hospital, or other emergency services provider and get assistance.
