13 essential travel first aid kit items
Nothing upsets travel plans like bumps and bruises. But when you’re going somewhere for a short amount of time it can be difficult to know exactly what you need to take.
We’ve put together a list of essential items every traveller should have in their first aid kit.
With a little prep, you’ll be ready to handle anything that happens.
Essential items:
- Adhesive dressings – or Band aids, as they’re more commonly known, are the perfect way to treat minor cuts or skin injuries you might pick up on vacation.
- Antiseptic – when you’re travelling in certain locations the risk of infection is high, so it’s essential to have some form of antiseptic on hand for cleaning wounds.
- Bandages – whether you need to create support for strained limbs, reduce swelling or hold dressings in place, bandages are your best port of call.
- Cold pack – this is a great way to control swelling or calm skin reactions.
- Antibacterial hand wash – particularly kinds that do not require water to wash away germs.
- Safety pins – this is a good way to secure large bandages or hold slings in place.
- Scissor – perfect way to cut adhesive dressings and for more accurate bandaging.
- Tweezers – easily removes splinters and any other small items lodged in the skin.
- Thermometer – ideally a digital design, as these are more accurate and easier to read.
- Mosquito repellent – particularly if you’re visiting warmer, tropical climates.
- Sunscreen – to make sure you’re not exposed to the sun’s harsh rays.
- Gauze pads – useful, and can be cut to a specific size for larger wounds.
- Pen & paper – in an emergency situation detail can be key. Write down symptoms, signs and details of the incident to help ensure that the person injured gets the best treatment.
Travelling with your first aid kit
Now you’ve got your first aid kit together, it’s important to take a moment to consider how to travel with it. Ideally, you want your first aid kit to be in a dry, cool location that is easily accessible.
Everyone you’re travelling with should know where your kit is located.
You should also check the contents to make sure everything is in date, and replace if necessary.
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