The first aid kit – without exaggeration – can save lives, which is why it is a mandatory accessory in vehicles. Since the absence of a kit is considered a legal violation, it is very important to be clearly aware of the current regulations. In this article, you can read the most important information about the types and contents of first aid kits. Scroll down and find out which type you need!
Why is a first aid kit important?
The first aid kit has been a topic of debate in public discourse for many years. Many people think it is pointless and serves only to annoy drivers, but we completely disagree.
We believe that a first aid kit and its contents, in the right hands, can even save lives. If used properly in a given situation, it can certainly be very useful for minor injuries and until emergency services arrive, if needed.
But let’s start from the beginning: what is first aid?
“First aid is a targeted intervention that anyone can perform in case of sudden health damage, before professional help arrives, in order to improve the condition of the injured person. First aid must always be initiated unless the death of the injured person is obvious.”
Providing first aid is not only a moral obligation but also a legal one. Therefore, when necessary, we should help others. A prerequisite for this is having the proper equipment available, regardless of regulations.
Is a first aid kit mandatory or not?
Since first aid equipment is a mandatory accessory in vehicles, its absence results in a legal violation. The fine ranges from 5,000 to 50,000 HUF if the deficiency is discovered during an inspection.
However, if an accident occurs with personal injury and we cannot provide help because we do not have a first aid kit in our car or on our motorcycle, then according to Decree 1/1975. (II. 5.) KPM-BM, failure to provide assistance becomes a criminal offense:
“In the event of an accident causing personal injury or a vehicle fire, drivers of vehicles not involved in the accident are also required to provide assistance as expected of them. The driver must use the first aid equipment kept in the vehicle, and drivers of vehicles equipped with a fire extinguisher must use it or make it available to extinguish the burning vehicle.” We covered fire extinguishers in more detail in a previous article.
Failure to provide assistance can result in up to 2 years of imprisonment. If the injured person dies and this could have been prevented with first aid, the penalty can be up to 3 years of imprisonment.
Not to mention the lifelong burden of guilt. How much better it is to prevent these problems with simple steps, right? The first step is to have the appropriate first aid kit. We’ll help you choose.
Which type of first aid kit do I need?
There are 3 categories of first aid kits:
Type A first aid kit: for motorcycles, mopeds, motorcycles without sidecars, and motorized tricycles.
Type B first aid kit: for passenger cars, light commercial vehicles, trucks, lorries, motorcycles with sidecars, agricultural tractors, and slow vehicles carrying up to 9 people.
Type C first aid kit: for ADR (hazardous material transport), fire trucks, and vehicles carrying more than 9 people, such as minibuses, coaches, and passenger buses.
Mandatory contents
Type A first aid kit:
- Sterile quick bandage (10 cm x 5 m): 2 pcs
- Sterile gauze pad (6 x 6 cm / 100 pcs): 1 pack
- Hand cleaning/disinfectant wipes: 4 pcs
- Disposable gloves: 1 pair
- Adhesive tape (1.25 cm x 5 m): 1 roll
- Scissors (stainless steel, 110–150 mm): 1 pc
- Wound disinfectant solution, 30 ml
- Povidone-iodine wound disinfectant solution (30 ml): 1 pc
- Cuttable adhesive bandage (6 x 10 cm): 2 pcs
- Hygienic face mask (for resuscitation): 1 pc
- Surgical face mask with elastic strap: 1 pc
- First aid instructions (illustrated): 1 pc
- Contents list: 1 pc
- Sterile quick bandage (10 cm x 5 m): 4 pcs
- Sterile quick bandage (5 cm x 5 m): 2 pcs
- Sterile gauze pad (6 cm x 6 cm / 100 pcs): 2 packs
- Sterile gauze pad (50 cm x 80 cm): 3 pcs
- Individually packed cut gauze bandage (10 cm x 5 m): 4 pcs
- Hand cleaning/disinfectant wipes: 4 pcs
- Adhesive tape (1.25 cm x 5 m): 1 pc
- Triangular bandage: 2 pcs
- Disposable gloves: 1 pair
- Cuttable adhesive bandage (6 cm x 10 cm): 2 pcs
- Safety pins (40 mm): 4 pcs
- Scissors (stainless steel, 110–150 mm): 1 pc
- Povidone-iodine disinfectant solution (30 ml): 1 pc or disinfectant wipes: 6 pcs
- Hygienic face mask (for resuscitation): 1 pc
- Surgical face mask with elastic strap: 1 pc
- First aid instructions (illustrated): 1 pc
- Contents list: 1 pc
- Sterile quick bandage (10 cm x 5 m): 16 pcs
- Sterile quick bandage (5 cm x 5 m): 8 pcs
- Sterile gauze pad (6 cm x 6 cm / 100 pcs): 8 packs
- Individually packed cut gauze bandage (10 cm x 5 m): 16 pcs
- Sterile gauze pad (50 cm x 80 cm): 12 pcs
- Hand cleaning/disinfectant wipes: 16 pcs
- Disposable gloves: 4 pcs
- Triangular bandage: 8 pcs
- Safety pins (40 mm): 16 pcs
- Adhesive tape (1.25 cm x 5 m): 4 rolls
- Scissors (stainless steel, 110–150 mm): 4 pcs
- Iodine solution: 120 ml
- Cuttable adhesive bandage (6 x 10 cm): 8 pcs
- Hygienic face mask (for resuscitation): 4 pcs
- Surgical face mask with elastic strap: 4 pcs
- First aid instructions (illustrated): 4 pcs
- Contents list: 4 pcs
Does a first aid kit have an expiration date?
The expiration date of first aid kits is usually 3 years, which is always indicated on them, but this applies to the contents; the box itself does not expire. Therefore, the kit does not always need to be replaced, but the expiration dates of the contents must be monitored.
Disinfectant solutions typically last no more than 3 years, while dressings can be used for up to 5 years. However, only one expiration date is shown on the box, so if you choose to refill or replace contents, make sure to note the dates to avoid confusion.
Many people find it simpler to buy a new kit, as it ensures all items are within their expiration dates and included in proper quantity and quality.
If you purchase a first aid kit from us, you won’t have to worry about it expiring soon or being incomplete. Our goal is to make your journeys easier. You can trust that we provide products with the longest possible shelf life and the correct contents.
If you order from us, you won’t need to think much about what goes into a first aid kit. Simply choose the type you need from the above and order the right one here. Don’t forget: even if it sometimes feels like a hassle, a first aid kit can truly save lives—including your own.
Don’t let a roadside inspection catch you out on something so small. Keep your vehicle equipment in order so you can set off with full confidence every time. You can always count on us—browse our website for the best accessories here.
The Convoy team wishes you a safe journey.