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| A first aid kit contains emergency supplies and medication for unexpected minor illnesses or accidents. Whereas it is vital for people who suffer from a chronic disease or condition to take their medication with them at all times, it is also a good idea for everyone to keep a first aid kit in the home or car, or take one with them while on holiday in case of emergencies. If going abroad, talk to your doctor before leaving about arrangements for vaccinations or special medication such as malaria tablets. Although it is possible to buy additional items for your first aid kit while in other countries, it is a good safeguard to purchase extra supplies and medication before your departure. Emergency situations occur unexpectedly and you may find yourself unable to obtain essential items just when you need them most.  Motion sicknessMedication to prevent motion sickness caused by car, air or sea travel can be bought over the counter without prescription. If necessary, this should be taken before starting a journey.
Diarrhoea, irregular bowel movements or indigestionIt is a good idea to be prepared for diarrhoea. Tablets or capsules are available both on prescription or over the counter at your local pharmacy. If diarrhoea or vomiting occur despite these precautions you will need to make sure the patient gets enough liquid. This is especially important where children are concerned. Cola drinks are particularly helpful since they replace essential salt and sugar as well as provide a source of liquid, but a first aid kit should also contain a saline anti-diarrhoea preparation (a powder or large tablet that is dissolved in clean water) to prevent dehydration. Many people get constipation while travelling. A mild laxative, available from a pharmacy, usually relieves most symptoms. For people who suffer from acid burn or heartburn when eating spicy food, it is a good idea to keep a supply of antacid preparation in the first aid kit. Pain relieversAspirin or paracetamol can be bought over the counter. They come in different forms including soluble tablets, ordinary tablets or suppositories, and can relieve headaches, muscle pains, toothaches and period pains. FeverFever is most commonly caused by viruses which cannot be treated with antibiotics. Even though antibiotics can be bought in some countries without a prescription, they should be avoided. If antibiotics may be necessary, a GP should be consulted. A doctor will be able to prescribe the appropriate antibiotics or other medication. SunburnA sunblock to be applied prior to exposure to the sun should always be included in a first aid kit, along with cream and lotion for use after sunbathing. The pharmacist should be consulted as to the appropriate screening (SPF-sun protection factor) level. Insect bitesAntipruritic lotions such as calamine are effective against insect bites or stings. Cuts and grazesThe following items are all useful for treating minor cuts and grazes:  sticking plasters cotton wool safety pins a gauze bandage and supportive bandages antiseptic lotion or saline to clean wounds
Do I need to take everything wherever I go?There is no need to take everything with you. Indeed, a longer trip might require more supplies than a shorter one. Buy products in small sizes that fit easily into your luggage. Remember that all drugs have a 'use by' date and should be thrown away after they have expired. |
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