Aiding you with First Aid List Advice
We often forget first aid off the packing list in our excitement to get going. We’ve included a list of FAQ’s that we have found to be relevant when considering what to pack.
Although we are trying to provide you with sound advice on first aid list packing, we are only providing a guideline on what to pack.
‘The best advice to give is if you are unsure, consult your doctor or pharmacist for professional
advice. There are many resources on the internet who will also do this for you without you having to leave the comfort of your computer.’
What
Kit is Best to Pack?
How Big Should it Be?
1st Aid Kit Types
Where Can I Buy Them?
Check the Date!
Typical First Aid Pack Uses
...Sample Day List
...Sample Holiday List
...Sample Adventure List
First Aid Packing List Advice
What Kit is Best to Pack?
The occasion will generally
determine the type of aid kit that may be required. However,
determining the size and contents of the kit can be a problem as
there is such a vast array of options to choose from.
Be aware that some prescription drugs available in your country are
sometimes banned in other countries. Check before you leave to avoid
complications!
How Big Should it Be?
The items packed into an aid kit
are largely a matter of personal choice. Ensure you have a sufficient quantity
of items for the person/s who might need to use the kit. The contents of the
kit should be kept in a suitable secure container. Think through the outing and
buy what you need in sufficiently small portions.
1st Aid Kit Types
Day Trips
Trips to the beach,
picnics,
car travel, moving, require only a small 1st aid
list of essential items to be selected.
‘Family’ Holidays
Family holidays can include vacation,
overseas
travel, cruises,
honeymoon,
backpacking, and safari.
If you can expect to stay in comfortable accommodation within a reasonable
distance from medical care, a standard 1st
aid list will suffice.
‘Adventure’ Holidays
Adventure holidays can include hiking, camping,
safari
trekking, mountaineering, cycling, rafting. A greater degree of
self-sufficiency is generally required during these trips and therefore an increased 1st aid kit list (to include
medicines such as antibiotics) would be advised.
Where Can I Buy Them?
First aid kits can be bought ready made or you can make them up to your own
specifications. All good pharmacies or drugstores should stock first aid kits
or first aid list products. You can also purchase online from a number of
specialist stores.
Check the Date!
Before you pack the kit into your bag,
check the expiry dates on the items. Replace all items that are expired.
Ask for advice if you are unsure if the contents of your kit are still safe and
effective to use.
Typical First Aid Pack Uses
Acid Reflux
If you suffer from acid reflux (eg.
Heartburn, stomach), pack an antacid in your kit to help with relief.
Allergies
Antihistamines are effective against
allergies that can cause itching, swelling or rashes. Most remedies are
available from a pharmacy without a prescription.
Birth Control
When travelling be aware of the risks of
STD’s (sexually transmitted diseases). Take precautions as necessary and always
be aware.
Blisters
In remote areas, having a blister can be
cumbersome and painful. Blister packs are available to help treat and heal a
blister rapidly.
Constipation
Travelling to foreign places and eating
foreign food can cause constipation or the reverse (see Diarrhoea). You can try
natural remedies like fruits and fibres, or use a laxative.
Cuts and Bruises
A skin-disinfecting agent must be used to
disinfect open wounds. Antiseptic wipes are also useful. Bandages and/or
plasters can then be used to seal the wound allowing it to heal.
Diarrhoea
Short-term treatments like Imodium can stop
it at the source. This is useful during activity that is far removed from
medical help. However, a doctor should treat diarrhoea sooner than later if it
persists. Remember to keep hydrated (drink lots of water or use Dioralyte) as
diarrhoea dehydrates rapidly.
Fever
See ‘Headaches and Muscular Pain’. The use
of a thermometer can also help analyse the extent of the fever.
Headaches and Muscular Pain
Don’t forget painkillers for headaches,
muscle pain, menstrual pain, etc. Pack one of aspirin, paracetamol or ibuprofen
depending on what you are used to.
Inflammation
Repetitive use of any part of the muscles
can cause inflammation. Use of an anti-inflammatory can be oral or a gel. For
stronger medication, consult a doctor.
Insect Bites
See ‘Allergies’. Consider taking along a
mosquito net for camping.
Motion Sickness
A number of remedies are available for
motion sickness. Natural remedies include magnetic bracelets, pressure point
apparel or using nausea reducing foodstuffs (eg. Ginger). A pharmacist can recommend tablet-based
remedies.
Sunburn
Use a sunscreen with high sun protection
factor (SPF) to avoid sunburn. After sun products are good for those who get
burned by the sun. The sun is dangerous so always take precautions!
Water Purification
For adventure travel, water purification
tablets might be necessary.
Sample Day Trip First Aid
List...
- Additional Personal medication eg. Asthma inhaler
- Adhesive Bandages/Tape in various sizes
- Antihistamine
- Antiseptic Cream/Salve
- First aid guide
- Headache and fever tablets
- Scissors
- Soap
- Sterile gauze pads
- Sunscreen and After-Sun Lotions
Sample Holiday First
Aid List…
- Additional Personal medication eg. Asthma inhaler
- Adhesive Bandages/Tape in various sizes
- Antacid
- Antihistamine
- Antiseptic Cream/Salve
- Birth Control
- First aid guide
- Headache and fever tablets
- Heating pad
- Insect repellent (Malaria Tablets)
- Laxative
- Motion Sickness Tablets
- Scissors (army knife is very handy)
- Soap
- Sterile gauze pads
- Sunscreen and After-Sun Lotions
- Thermometer
- Vaseline
- Vitamins/Supplements
Sample Adventure
First Aid List…
- Additional personal medication eg. Asthma inhaler
- Adhesive bandages/tape in various sizes
- Antacid
- Antihistamine
- Antiseptic Cream/Salve
- Birth Control
- Blister Protection
- Cotton Balls
- First aid guide
- Handwipes/ No Water Antibacterial
- Headache and fever tablets
- Heating pad
- Immodium (Anti-Diarrhoea medicine)
- Insect Repellent
- Laxative
- Lip Balm
- Malaria tablets
- Mosquito Net
- Motion Sickness Tablets
- Razor and Razorblades
- Re-Hydration Salts
- Scissors and Tweezers (Army Knife is very handy)
- Soap
- Sterile gauze pads
- Sunscreen and After-Sun lotions
- Thermometer
- Vaseline
- Vitamins/Supplements
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First Aid Packing Advice

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