Today’s post has been written by our friends of Medshop Australia. Enjoy!
Trip is organized, planned, paid for and tours are booked. Time to just sit back and relax and wait for your family dream vacation you have been mentally planning all year. Before you put your vacation thoughts on the back burner, consider a little pre trip planning for the safety of your family. Dependent on which area of the globe you will be venturing to, a travel first aid kit of medical supplies will vary. The age of your members will also depend on the type of medications you will need to include. Of course you should take this list just as a starting off point and add or subtract as you see fit for your specific vacation plans, as well as for the needs of your family. Here is a good list of 10 essential Medical Supplies to pack in your travel first aid kit.
10. A mini first aid kit. While this may seem like an odd thing to pack in a first aid kit, hear it out. When going on hiking trips, surf excursions, canopy tours, or diving trips, you don’t want to lug around your entire travel first aid kit. Instead pack a small kit just in case of some scratches or scrapes. Simple with some ibuprofen, anti-acids, Band-Aids, antibiotic cream, alcohol wipes, and some hand sanitizer. Nothing too over the top, but can be a lifesaver if you get a small cut. A mini first aid kit is a great way to treat an injury, and to possibly prevent a horrendous infection later on.
9. Sunblock. Of course you should bring plenty of sunblock in your luggage at all times and apply daily; however, it is a good idea to bring your first aid kit in your rental car with you, and having an extra tube stored in the kit is always a safe bet. Remember the sun can be stronger closer to the equator and in other conditions, so don’t assume that since you don’t burn at home, you won’t burn on vacation. A bad sunburn can ruin a good dream vacation right from the start.
8. Mosquito repellent. This is one that is dependent on the location that you are travelling to. Also, it may not be an area that has a lot of mosquitos all the time so you might forget to apply when leaving your hotel. Having an extra bottle in the car is a great way to reapply at dinner or sunset when the little beasts are at their worst.
7. Anti allergen medicines. This can come in the category of a spray or cream relief in case you do happen to get attacked by mosquitos, or step in a pile of poison oak. Putting the cream on right away can help the itching before it gets out of control. It is also good to have a pill form of anti allergen in case you stumble upon something you are allergic to, or can’t seem to stop scratching those pesky bites. A drowsy pill is good at night if you are having trouble sleeping from the itching.
6. Water tablets. Again this is totally dependent of the area that you are in. But if the water is bad and you are forced to drink only bottled or filtered water it can be handy to have some iodine tablets just in case you can’t get to a store to buy water right away. The worst thing you could do is just risk it, and feel the repercussions for the rest of your vacation.
5. When travelling abroad you should always talk with your doctor for immunizations specific to the country you are headed to. Give yourself plenty of time for these as sometimes they need to be ordered, and some shots are in a series. Doctors can also prescribe pills to help with stomach problems from bad water, or malaria tablets incase you might be venturing to an area of higher risk. Whatever pills your doctor prescribes be sure to pack them into your first aid kit in case of emergency.
4. Anti-acid. Even if you are usually a champ with food and nothing seems to bother you, when eating different fares and different spices sometimes your body won’t agree with you. Just to be on the safe side pack a small roll of anti-acids into your kit.
3. An extra credit card. While this may sound funny, it could be a saving grace. In case you loose your wallet while jumping off the dock in paradise, or maybe you left it back in the hotel room. Worse case scenario, maybe you were robbed and now have no way to pay for anything. Stash an extra credit card in your first aid it, preferably one with a photo id on it so that no one questions you. It may sound extra precautious but it could save you a whole lot of stress on your vacation.
2. A wrap. Bringing a wrap is a good thing in case of a sprain, twist, or torque of the body. Keeping it tight and secure until you can get to a doctor or hospital could save a lot of pain and possibly even further injury.
1. All the rest of the basics. Not to make this list too redundant all of the basics fall into this category. Band-Aids, first aid cream, alcohol wipes, ibuprofen, gauze, tape, and that list can go on.
When preparing a first aid kit you are not being paranoid, or over cautious. You are trying to ensure the most enjoyable, flawless vacation possible. As we all know, there are always accidents, and when they happen they are often at the most inconvenient time. A little preparation for safety can go a long way for you and your family on your next dream vacation.
Medshop Australia is Australia’s leading medical supplier, where you can shop online for brand names you can trust at amazing below market prices. Offering a broad range of medical supplies to at home users, medical professionals, allied health professionals, as well as medical students. Shop online today at https://www.medshop.com.au/.
ON-SITE First Aid & CPR Training Group is shakin’ up the first aid world in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. There is no better time to refresh your lifesaving skills. Contact us directly to set up an in-home, in-studio or in-office session today!