Essentials of Travel First Aid Kit

Are you planning a trip? Well, if you’ll be traveling, particularly out of the country, be sure to put together a travel first aid kit before leaving. Most travelers end up trying to pack extra pairs of shoes, instead of adding a small and useful travel first aid kit to their suitcase. It’s never too much to be prepared for emergencies along the way, whether traveling by air, land, or sea, or anywhere during the vacation.

Similar to home first aid kits, travel first aid kits will need to be stocked with the basic supplies. The travel first aid kit must have a variety of items, but the following are the basic list if what needs to be included in the kit:

Small scissors; forceps or tweezers; thermometer; first aid manual; gauze bandages; sterile dressings in various sizes; triangular bandage; elastic bandage; adhesive tape; band-aids; cotton swabs; antifungal cream; antibacterial ointment; antiseptic solution; moleskin for blisters; anti-diarrhea medicines; lubricating eye drops; water-purifying tablets; fever and pain reliever; antihistamine; antacid; calamine lotion; disposable gloves; insect repellant; hydrogen peroxide; sunscreen; and prescription medications.

One can purchase the first aid supplies for the travel first aid kit online or at drugstores. Most of these kits cost below $10, with most of the basic things one will need. However, do not hesitate to personalize the travel first aid kit with additional supplies that you think you and your family will need. Take, for instance, a plastic bag having mild water-and-soap solution along with disposable towels, which can be a quick and convenient way of washing sticky hands.

Those traveling with a pet must not forget to pack some extras for the pet, such as animal anti-diarrhea medicine. Discuss with the pet’s veterinarian on first aid supplies for the pet, particularly for those going to a different kind of environment.

Whether you buy a travel first aid kit or you create your own, some very essential points you need to remember includes: be aware of the expiration dates on medical items; read the first aid manual thoroughly so you know how to use items in the first aid kit; be ready with your own knowledge of first aid; help others help you by including emergency contact numbers in the kit; and “know before you go” by familiarizing yourself with the destination.

Packing a travel first aid kit in your suitcase does not only prevent inflated costs of buying medicines in hotels, but will also make you ready at the very first symptoms of discomfort, injuries, illnesses, or accidents.

The Emergency First Aid Course covers a majority of the First Aid Essentials that you need at home and traveling.