Whether it's just a weekend trip or a week long
vacation, packing a first aid travel kit will minimize the chances a
minor medical problem will slow you down. It's likely it will remain
unused, but if you have a problem (and they often seem pop up at
night when all the drug stores are closed) a few simple items will
save a lot of aggravation.
First a couple common sense reminders that might
save the need to even think about first aid.
If it will be an active outdoor vacation, take a
minute to be sure your tetanus vaccination is up to date. For over
seas trips, you can find a list of recommended vaccinations on the
Centers for Disease Control website (https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel)
If
you have never checked, be sure your health insurance covers you away
from home especially in a foreign country. Write down the policy
number and contact information, and put them in the first aid kit.
Separate
medical insurance/evacuation nsurance is usually part of any travel
insurance you might have purchased for a longer trip. If you travel
frequently, an annual policy such as the one available through
Diver's Alert Network (
https://www.diversalertnetwork.org/annual-travel-insurance/)
might make sense for you.
Prevention is key to keeping the first aid kit
stowed, so keep these basic rules of general hygiene in mind: treat
any any non city water that will be used for drinking and wash your
hands before eating or preparing food.
On to the first aid kit.
General items:
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Alcohol wipes.
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Bandaids. This is the most commonly used first aid item. Take various sizes including a couple large ones which work well on the heel if you happen to get a blister.
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Tweezers. These should have a sharp point for those tiny pieces of wood or dirt that you can't seem to be able to get to with fingernails alone. Sterilize the area and tweezers first with one of those alcohol wipes (no need to introduce more skin bacteria), and consider applying a dab of Neosporin (no bandaid necessary) to the area afterwards to lower the odds of an infection.
-
Insect repellent and sunscreen. These are not generally thought of as first aid items but will prevent the skin irritation which can lead to bigger problems.
Over the counter medications:
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Antacid tablets. If you have a sensitive stomach there is nothing better than a change in diet to bring on that indigestion.
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Antihistamines. If you have allergies, generic Zyrtec and Claritin are longer lasting with less drowsy side effects. If you have trouble sleeping, throw in a couple benadryl, which can cause drowsiness, and which can do double duty as a sleep aid.
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Antibiotic ointment. Neosporin is the most common. It will speed the rate of wound healing by minimizing the low grade infections that slow the healing process. Clean the injury and apply it early. Just a day or two is enough to jump start the healing process.
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Steroid cream. The effectiveness of steroid creams or ointments is questionable, but if you have an itchy rash, it may be that one thing you'd really want to have on hand. Benadryl can lessen the annoyance as well.
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Pepto-Bismol tablets. They are useful for an upset stomach as well as mild diarrhea. And if taken for prevention (2 tablets 3 times a day) will cut down the chances of contracting traveler's diarrhea by 90%.
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Imodium. For diarrhea that doesn't clear on it's own (or with pepto-bismol).
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Cough medicine. Lozenges are easiest.
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Aspirin or tylenol. For general aches, pains, and fever.
And finally, if you are flying, take the medical
kit in your carry on. Replacing a kit which goes missing along with
your luggage might be difficult in a strange city or country.
Taking just a few minutes to visit the local drug
store pre trip can pay big dividends on a vacation.
