The first aid kit itself

No law sets what goes in a kit for your own car, so use the rule Ontario sets for work. In Ontario, both are accepted: a kit that meets the minimum in Regulation 1101, or a kit that meets CSA Z1220, the workplace first aid kit standard. The WSIB states both.

For a vehicle, Regulation 1101 sets this minimum in s. 16(3):

  • A current first aid manual
  • 12 adhesive dressings, individually wrapped
  • 1 four-inch bandage compress
  • 2 two-inch bandage compresses
  • 1 triangular bandage

The WSIB recommends adding non-latex gloves in different sizes and a CPR mask, the barrier device used for rescue breaths. It also says medications and ointments do not belong in a first aid kit.

For a car, Public Safety Canada adds a seatbelt cutter, and Transport Canada a window hammer beside it.

What to add for winter: inside the car

Keep these where you can reach them without getting out. They come from Public Safety Canada's emergency car kit, Transport Canada's winter driving advice and Ontario's winter driving page.

Warmth
a blanket, extra clothing and footwear, and spare socks, gloves and a tuque
Water
in plastic bottles, so they do not break if frozen
Food
energy bars, or other food that will not spoil
Light
a wind-up flashlight, and a candle in a deep can with matches
Signal
a whistle, to attract attention
Phone
charged
Snow
a small shovel, an ice scraper and a snow brush

What to add for winter: in the trunk

Sand, cat litter or traction mats give the tires grip if you are stuck.

  • Sand, non-clumping cat litter or traction mats
  • Jumper cables
  • Windshield washer fluid and fuel line antifreeze
  • A tow rope
  • A fire extinguisher
  • A warning light, reflective triangles or road flares
  • Hand and foot warmers

If you are stranded

Transport Canada's advice for a driver stuck in winter weather:

Stay in the vehicle
unless it sits where other traffic could hit it. Walking out into a storm risks getting lost or caught in the cold.
Clear the tailpipe
keep snow away from it, so carbon monoxide does not build up inside.
Let in some air
open a window slightly, on the side away from the wind.
Save fuel
run the engine as little as possible, and use hand and foot warmers rather than the heater.
Be seen
use the dome light rather than the headlights, which drain the battery, and set out a warning light, triangles or flares.
Go easy
avoid heavy shovelling or pushing in severe cold.
Keep moving
move your arms and legs often, stay awake, and watch for traffic and search crews.

Keeping the kit ready

Ontario workplaces must inspect their first aid kits at least every three months (Regulation 1101, s. 6), and the same schedule suits a car kit. Replace anything used or damaged, and restock as soon as you take something out. Change the water every six months. Keep the kit where everyone who uses the car can find it.

If it is a work vehicle

The WSIB says every vehicle used for work, including a personal vehicle, should carry a first aid kit and supplies. Regulation 1101 makes it a requirement for some: s. 16(3) for a vehicle carrying goods outside an urban area, and s. 16(2), with a larger first aid box, for a vehicle that transports workers. First aid requirements for Ontario workplaces covers the rest of the regulation.

A kit is half of it

Supplies help only when somebody knows what to do with them. Intermediate First Aid & CPR covers cold injuries, including hypothermia and frostbite.

Our courses put the theory online and the hands-on practice in one day at our Barrie centre:

Intermediate First Aid & CPR
9 hours online, then 7.5 hours in class
Basic First Aid & CPR
3 hours online, then 4 hours in class
CPR & AED
2 hours online, then 3 hours in class
Recertification
3 hours online, then 5 hours in class

Which course do I need? compares them side by side.

Check it yourself

Requirements vary by employer, school and role, so confirm what yours asks for before booking. Not sure? Call us at 705-985-3478 or send us a message, and we’ll work it out with you.