Motorcycle’s under-seat first aid kit should be inspected once a year or at least heading out for a long ride.

In an emergency situation, even a simple kit can be very useful.

Underseat motorcycle kits (tool kit, first aid) are one of the most ignored items.

Most of the two-wheeler manufacturers are bound by law to provide these kits as a part of deliverables. To keep the cost and space in check, manufacturers fill the checkboxes rather than providing a tool and a first-aid kit with real value.

For example, the length of cotton gauzes provided in the first aid kit just makes it useless in an accident situation

First aid kit of Bajaj bikes – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6BteIGrCNw

If you happen to open your under-seat first aid kit, you will notice that almost all of the materials have an expiry range of 2-3 years.

This means you should rebuild your under-seat kit every 2-3 years. This should not be a big deal considering the value it provides during emergencies.

Note that, an under-seat kit is under seat kit and is not an alternative to a full fledged first aid medical kit. Motorcyclists and particularly tourers are recommended to have a secondary medical kit with additional items. And make sure to keep these kits reachable and not stacked in the bottom of the luggage.

This post has two sections one, building up a kit and two, some videos about how to use them.

In case of a mishap like a slip, collision or fall; motorcyclists tend to have the following conditions:

1. Small cuts and abrasions (scratches on skin)

2. Cut wounds

3. Fractures and shocks.

Our first aid should address these things at least at a very basic level.

Let’s see what all things we should consider in rebuilding our first aid kit

• Antiseptic wipe (*refer to the image below these bullets to get an idea of these items)
• Antiseptic cream for minor burns and abrasions
• Bandages
  • Sterile lint-free dressing swab
  • Cotton gauges for wrapping the wound
  • Crepe bandage
  • Adhesive bandage
• Medical adhesive tape
• Pain reliever tablet (Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen)
• Small cutter/knife/scissor

Download pdf copy of the First aid guide for motorcyclists 

Where to get these easily

The easiest and cheapest option is to approach the nearest pharmacy. Looking online will take time and a little expensive.

What to do in case of an accident?

1. Try to remain calm and ask for help from a passerby. Dial for an ambulance (102 in India). Alternatively, the national emergency number (112 in India) can also be tried.
2. Subsequently, if the accident is major, which means, rider or pillion has suffered deep wounds, fractures, unconsciousness or is not able to get up, cater to the blood loss first. It is recommended to use the heel of the palm and apply direct pressure on the cut for 10-15 minutes until the bleeding slows down or stops. Try to seek medical help asap.
3. To dress a bleeding wound, apply the wound dressing pad and then cotton roller gauge to tie it. Avoid cotton pad (loose cotton strands) directly on the wound, it gets sticky to remove once the wound dries.
4. If the accident is minor, which means there is a small cut or abrasions, use the wipe from the first aid to clean the wound. If the bleeding is slow or the burn is not severe, apply antiseptic cream and leave it open.
5. Apply tourniquet only at the extremities i.e. towards the end of hands and legs.

Some first aid kits from motorcycle manufacturers

Harley Davidson – https://www.harley-davidson.com/store/bikers-compact-first-aid-kit

KTM – https://www.ktm.com/in/powerparts/tools-amp-transportation/tools/first-aid-kit/

BMW(3rd party) – https://www.bobsbmw.com/store/product/bmw-motorrad-touring-first-aid-kit

Some first aid videos to watch

 

Bandaging and dressing

 

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