What do you Need in a Travellers First Aid Kit
Sarah Giovenco
October 17, 2010
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With so many cool things to do worldwide and cheap trips to all the worlds best holiday destinations making travel so much easier, it has become even more important to make sure you are taking care of your health while travelling. A great starting point is planning what to take it your first aid kit.
Travellers First Aid Kit
The best and simplest advice on looking after yourself when you are travelling is;
1) Always have your own first aid kit
2) Only ever pack what you will use (ie not for other people you might meet or items you wouldn’t be able to use in your first aid kit such as specialist dressings you’re never sure when to apply)
Having your own first aid kit is the simplest way to prevent minor ailments such as cuts and grazes developing into large scale infections requiring you to interrupt your holiday with a trip to the pharmacy or worse still the hospital, this is providing you are travelling in areas where these are even options.
Caring for your own basic medical needs whilst away is very important, for example if you were at home with a headache you would probably self medicate, take some painkillers and ensure you are well hydrated, the same rules apply abroad.
Your first aid kit should be packed for your use only and packed according to your destination. Research on your trip prior to departure is fundamental. Should you require any prescription medication or medical supplies before hand these can also go in your first aid kit.
You can use any bag you find suitable for your kit, it doesn’t have to specifically say First Aid. It should be kept in a place you can gain quick and easy access to during every day of your trip, a good place is your day sack. Dividing your kit into two sections, first aid and medications will make life easier.
First Aid
In this section you need items such a plasters, of different shapes and sizes to cover any cuts, grazes and blisters.
Special blister plasters may useful if you think you will use them as they can be expensive.
If you plan on doing a lot of walking and hiking zinc oxide tape is useful if put on at the beginning of the day prior to setting off.
Have a few larger adhesive dressing for larger cuts and grazes. Preferably choose waterproof dressings to make it easier for you to continue with normal activities without worrying.
Sterile gauze for cleaning up any small wounds.
If you think you may not always have access to clean water you could pack a few saline sachets to clean up wounds, otherwise ensure you have cleaned your hands and use clean water to clean wounds (If you like you can add salt to the water) or take some anti septic wipes
A pair of tweezers for removing splinters or grit from scrapes
You probably don’t need as much as you think and all these items can be purchased from a pharmacy. Bandages are not always as helpful as they might appear; they often require certain techniques in application and rarely stay in position for long.
If you ever need to make a sling you’ll nearly always find something suitable in your luggage
Medication
Is always dependent upon your needs and your destination, but below is a list of medications that could benefit most travellers on all types of trips.
Painkillers are always helpful, pack the sort you would normally take at home such as Paracetamol and ibuprofen.
Diarrhoea management; hydration sachets such a Diorolyte and
Loperemide (brand name Immodium)
Antacids
Antihistamines (Tablets, sprays or creams)
Cold and flu
For more travel advice contact your local doctor or practice nurse and they will be able tell you anything special you will need for your trip. Always think of your health needs before you travel so you can protect yourself whilst away and make the most of your holiday.
