Travel First Aid Kit: 21 Important Items to carry

Posted on: Sep 23, 2022 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

Travel First Aid Kit: 21 Important Items to carry

Travelling is fun, as long as you are healthy along with all your travel mates. However, due to environmental changes, you may face a setback regarding your health, especially with kids and young children. It might be a setback on your entire travel itinerary. Therefore, to avoid severe drawbacks, it is best to carry a well-stocked first-aid kit on the go.

Two items are indispensable during a trip, especially a foreign trip: the first is your travel insurance, preferably an international travel insurance policy, and the other is a functional first-aid kit.

What should you pack in your first-aid travel kit?

The primary target for having a first-aid kit is to ensure efficient prima facie care for minor ailments and injuries. However, a reliable travel insurance plan should be your travel buddy for major issues. You do not need to carry your entire medicine shelf with you; try using pocket-size bottles and containers for easy carrying. Make sure that all these medical items are kept handy and remain easily accessible in times of need.

Basic items that you must pack

1. Hand sanitiser

We have learnt the importance of hand sanitiser the hard way after the pandemic outbreak. Never miss it during any trip.

2. Wipes

Wipes, especially anti-bacterial wipes come in handy for various cleaning purposes. This item must be present in your travelling first aid kit.

3. Pain reliever

Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, paracetamol, etc. are common drugs that are commonly used for minor pains, fever, headaches, etc. If you have children with you, include child-friendly formula drugs too without fail.

4. Cold pack

A cold pack is an instant pain reliever and is very helpful for minor bruises, burns, and bumps. They work well both for children and adults.

5. Self-adhesive wraps

Feet sores are very common if you are wearing new shoes or sandals. However, those must never mess with your trip plan. Always carry self-adhesive wraps for minor cuts, injuries, or sores.

6. Scissors

This comes in handy for cutting bandages, and gauze, or cutting open new medicine packets. During flight, it is best to carry them in your luggage, rather than in your hand baggage.

7. Thermometer

This is a useful tool to check the fever level, especially with kids. It can be a conventional one or a new thermal gun, that requires no skin contact.

8. Tweezers

They are handy for removing any stingers from bees, ticks, or splinters.

9. Bandages

If you get a bad cut or injury, you cannot leave it open for fear of infection. Apply antiseptic liquid to wash the area well, apply antibiotic ointment and then cover it with a bandage. Try to carry bandages of all sizes, if not possible, ensure to carry at least one medium-sized one.

10. Gauze

Keep a handy gauze roll for bigger injuries, where bandages become insufficient.

11. Surgical tape

You need a medical tape to attach the gauze to the affected area. Therefore, a roll of surgical tape must be present in your travel first aid kit.

12. Antiseptic

Antiseptic liquid is essential to wash the injured area to avoid infections. It can be either in the form of liquid, spray, or wipes.

13. Anti-biotic ointment

In the case of any burns or injuries, you must first apply an anti-biotic gel or ointment before covering it with a bandage.

14. Antacids

Travelling often involves almost unrestricted eating, and trying out several new cuisines. However, that may lead to heartburn and stomach upsets. Therefore, it is best to carry antacids with you to handle such situations.

15. Anti-diarrhoea medicine

Unrestricted eating might also cause diarrhoea. Therefore, you must carry anti-diarrhoea meds for a quick fix.

16. Cold relief medication

Weather and environmental changes might make you catch a cold, especially for children and older people. Therefore, cold relief medication is mandatory in your travel first aid kit.

17. Anti-allergens

In case you face any allergies due to exposure to certain foreign elements, it is best to carry anti-allergens with you to handle the situation immediately.

18. Saline nasal spray

In the case of instant relief from nose blocks, congestion, and allergies, a saline nasal spray can provide quick relief.

19. Cough remedies

This aids you in reducing cough and gives you some rest.

20. Motion sickness meds

In case you develop any sort of motion sickness during the trip, you must carry befitting meds to handle the situation effectively and quickly.

21. Prescription medicines

You must never forget to carry all the prescription drugs, preferably in your hand luggage. This is just a precautionary measure that comes in handy in the case of flight delays.

Conclusion

Travelling is fun and the best time to enjoy and unwind with your family and friends. However, any medical issue can spoil the trip and put a break in the enjoyment. For many concerns, having a travel insurance policy is essential while travelling. However, a first aid kit is enough for minor issues. Pack it carefully and remain stress-free to enjoy a lovely vacation.

FAQs

Q. Is a travel medicine kit allowed on flights?

A: The standard protocol is not to carry a travel medicine kit in your cabin baggage. However, in the case of prescription drugs, you need to consume them punctually, you can make a selective choice and keep those with you. Ensure to carry your prescription too along with it, in the case of enquiry during checking.

Q. What medicine should I pack for travel?

A: You should pack all the essential medicines like pain relievers, cold relief formulas, anti-diarrhoea meds, antacids, motion sickness drugs, and of course, your prescription drugs. Your first aid items must include items like hand sanitiser, bandages, antibiotic ointments, and antiseptic. You must carry allergy medicines, saline nasal spray, and cough remedies for a more secure coverage. Consider your specific health needs and tailor your travel first aid kit according to your necessity.

Q. What antibiotics are used for travel?

A: Trying different food items during trips is a common practice, but this may attract ailments, like traveller's diarrhoea. So, you must pack essential antibiotics. Oral antibiotics like ciprofloxacin, azithromycin, levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, etc. are the best way to fight these unwanted situations. It can be a traveller’s diarrhoea, sinusitis, or a UT infection, you can efficiently fight them on your trip; consult your doctor in advance and be on a short medication course to be on the safe side.

Q. What must a travel first-aid kit not contain?

A: You must never carry any old or expired medicines, or first aid items in your kit. Ensure to check all the dates before packing and then proceed. You must also not carry any inflammable substances or bleach.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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