Your First Aid Kit While Travelling

Whether you’re off to the mountains for a much awaited camping holiday, or to easier climes for a well deserved pamper yourself silly break, carrying a first aid travel kit is a must. So while you’re packing the camera, binoculars, sleeping bag, pack of cards and body lotions, spend a few minutes and think about what if your stomach feels queasy, or your headache makes a grand appearance? Even amidst plush holiday settings, sometimes mid-night medical emergencies like cuts, bruises and bumps or even a sudden flu can make first aid travelling kits ultra essential. So here’s looking at what you can pack and take along in your first aid travel kit this vacation:

First Aid Travel Kit #1 Item: AntacidsRoad trips don’t always come with food that is friendly to your stomach. Sometimes even the local cuisine of your holiday destination might not agree with you. You can never be too careful or choosy. You could get a queasy stomach just because the water does not suit you. An antacid will provide you instant relief. So always keep them handy. If you feel things are getting out of hand, rush to the nearest medical centre. Tip: If you are travelling overseas, it is best to carry your prescriptions along. Some countries will not allow you to carry your meds or buy them without prescriptions.

First Aid Travel Kit #2 Item: Mosquito RepellentCamping, and trekking, especially, come with their fair share of mosquito bites. Always make sure you have a mosquito repellent. It will save you from diseases you could get from mosquito bits like dengue or malaria. It will also protect you from other small insects or bugs. Tip: Some astringent on an insect bite will prevent it from being infected.

First Aid Travel Kit #3 Item: Band-aidCuts and bruises are common too. Carry bandaid with you so that you can cover them up. This will prevent the wound from getting infected. Even if it is a deep gash, put a bandaid on it till you get to the nearest clinic. Also carry an elastocrepe bandaid (the stretchy pink ones). It will be handy in case of a twisted ankle or a sprained foot. Tip: Carry an antiseptic cream like soframycin or betnovate. These help wounds to heal quickly.

First Aid Travel Kit #4 Item: SunscreenA sunscreen is an essential as it will protect you from the sun thus preventing a sunburn. Therefore, get a good sunscreen with 50 SPF (sun protection factor). A water-proof one will be even better. Try picking up one that also acts as a moisturiser so that you have a lighter backpack.
First Aid Travel Kit #5 Item: Electoral SachetsYou could never know when you will find a place to fuel yourself on a trek, or (yes even!) a mall. Here’s when electoral sachets come in handy. Simply mixing contents of an electoral sachet with water will take care of hunger and prevent dehydration. All the exposure to the sun could leave you feeling parched. The electoral sachet will help restore all the salts your body may have lost. Tip: Keep a pack of dry fruits and nuts handy. A handful of them will give you an instant boost of energy.

First Aid Travel Kit #6 Item: Hand sanitizerYou wont always find a restroom or a bathroom to wash your hands before/after a meal. Always carry a hand sanitizer to serve the purpose.

First Aid Travel Kit # 7 Item:  Emergency Meds and Anti-allergensCarry emergency meds like Paracetamol and Crocin, cough drops and anti-allergans like Avil or Lacto Calamine lotion with you as well. They’ll help you treat a cold or a flu if you catch one. Anti-allergens will help you deal with a rash or any allergic reaction caused by food.

This is an indicative list of things you can take along in your first aid travel kit. When planning or customising this list to suit your specific needs, remember to think of your travelling partner as well. What are his or her medical needs? Multiply the number of pills and tubes you’re taking along with the number of travel partners you have. When travelling in a group, it’ll be a good idea to designate a person as the first aid travel kit carrier.