Winter is approaching and that means many Gold Coast residents will either be going on vacation to simply escape the inevitable temperature drop, or have interstate guests come to visit them. When preparing to leave your home for a significant amount of time, it is always important to make sure you have everything you may need whilst away – this should include a First Aid kit.
Whether you are only away for weekend or a month, it is always best to be prepared for a potential accident. But don’t stress! Travel is meant to be fun, so we’ve taken the worry out of preparing your travel First Aid kit by providing an easy to follow guide of what you may require:
* You may need less or more that what we’ve put on our list, depending on your travel destination (don’t forget to take into account the remoteness of your visit). Check with your pharmacist or family doctor if you aren’t sure what items are best for your destination.
DIY Travel First Aid Kit Guide:
- Adhesive Dressings (Band Aids):
Also known as Band Aids, adhesive dressings are used for minor cuts or skin injuries. Tip: If you are sensitive to latex or other plastics consider purchasing a hypoallergenic variety. - Antihistamines (ie: Panadol Extra, Claratyne, Telfast, Zyrtec etc):
Antihistamines are excellent for controlling allergy symptoms and can also be effective for motion sickness if they are taken prior to the start of the journey. - Antiseptic (ie: Chlorex and Cetrimide)
Essential for cleaning wounds and any tools such as tweezers or medical scissors that may be contaminated with germs. - Large Bandages:
Large bandages are fairly inexpensive and are great for creating support to strained limbs, reducing swelling or holding gauze or other dressings in place. If needed bandages can be used as a temporary sling. - Cold Pack (disposable and instant): For treatment of swelling and or skin reactions.
- CPR Breathing Mask:
In the event that you are required to give CPR in an emergency situation, having your own CPR breathing mask is ideal as they are designed for one-way airflow, which prevents any vomit, blood or other liquid from entering your mouth. - Eye Wash:
Look for eye wash solutions that contain Sodium Chloride 0.9% BP as it is great for flushing foreign objects from the eye. - Gauze Pads:
We recommend purchasing a large pack allowing you to cut the gauze to size. - Hand Wash or Hand Sanitiser (ie Dettol):
Look for Antibacterial gel or liquid that does not require any water. - Non-Latex Gloves: It is important not to purchase latex gloves in the event you need to assist someone who has a latex allergy. We recommend having 2 pairs in your kit.
- Pen and Paper: In an emergency, you may need to write down the symptoms, signs and details of an accident.
- Safety Pins: Used to keep bandages or slings in place.
- Saline: Most effective and sanitary way to clean wounds. This is especially true in some countries where drinking water is not as safe as it is here in Australia.
- Scissors: Scissors found at a drugs store or chemist are small but very sharp – some of which are foldable – and are used for cutting bandages.
- Insect Bite Cream/Spray: To provide instant pain and or itch relief to mosquito or insect bites.
- Medical Tape (microfibre): Used to hold dressings (such as gauze) in place or to protect small bruises, cuts or blisters. This tape is easy to rip to the size you require but once applied is very durable.
- Thermal or ‘Foil’ Blanket: If a person is in shock, these easily fold-able and lightweight blankets will help control body temperature.
- Thermometer (digital): Digital thermometers do require batteries but are more accurate and are easier to read.
- Tweezers: Pointed tweezers is the perfect tool to remove splinters or to remove debris from wounds.
- Travel-sized Flashlight/Torch: Not all emergencies happen in fully lit situations. You may require an emergency light to work effectively.
- AA, AAA and Watch Batteries: Having back up batteries for your thermometer and travel sized flashlight/torch is essential in an emergency.
Be sure to always store your First Aid Kit in an easy to access but cool and dry location and make sure that everyone in your travel group knows where the kit is in case you are unavailable during an emergency. Have any questions about any of the items on our list? Sign up for one of our First Aid or CPR courses where we go in depth into all the essential First Aid equipment and how to use them – held here on the Gold Coast!
