Planning a trip can be stressful, but the last thing you want to do is leave important items behind. That’s why you need to make sure you have the right essentials with you, and First Aid kits belong at the top of this list.
First Aid kits are not just for long trips and backpacking vacations. Rather, they are paramount for almost any trip. They come in very handy in situations where you are in an unfamiliar location with no access to medical help. So, before you head out, pack your first aid kit to deal with minor injuries & medical issues and ensure you are prepared in case of an emergency.
Continue reading to learn more about the essential things you should include in your First Aid kit and the use of each one.
Different travelers have different needs when it comes to their first aid kits. We advise you to customize your own first aid kit rather than buy the readily available ones. Revise the following list based on your necessity, weather, remoteness of your destination, and the duration of the trip.
Things To Pack In Your Travel First Aid Kit
Table of Contents
1. Pain Relief Spray
For instant relief from sprains, pulled muscles, body pains, sore muscles, and joint aches, pain relief sprays as Volini and Moov come to the rescue. Buy a compact 15 gm spray that is easy and convenient to carry.
2. Gauze
Gauze is a woven cotton fabric, cut into small square pieces that are used for cleaning and dressing wounds. Alternatively, you can use Gauze pads that are cotton-wrapped in gauze.
Note: Don’t use cotton directly on the wound, even while cleaning. It sticks to the injury, causing infections.
3. Strip Bandage
Adhesive Bandages are used to protect minor wounds, cuts, and scrapes. In case of a cut, bandages help to hold the edges of the cut together. This protects the cut from infections, allowing it to heal quicker. It is also a quick fix for a shoe bite.
Tip: Buy water-resistant bandages to ensure they are effective in rainy and monsoon seasons.
4. Medical Adhesive Tape/ Gauze Roller
For wounds slightly larger than the size of a bandage, medical tapes or gauze roller and an antiseptic ointment work best. They cover the wound protecting it from dust and hold the dressing in place. It can be used for treating blisters also.
Make sure the tapes are easy to tear off, or use your knife that you should always carry for safety purposes and to cut the gauze roller.
5. Antiseptic Ointment
Antiseptic ointments like Betadine kill microorganisms, prevent infections, and keep the wound clean and moist. It increases the rate of the healing process.
Note: Ensure the wound is adequately cleaned and devoid of any dust or sand particles before dressing.
6. Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS)
Get fast relief from stomach & gastric discomfort, indigestion, and acidity. Add water (refer to instructions on the cover of the sachet/box for the ratio) and consume.
ORS powder like ENO can be used if you suffer from food poisoning from eating street foods.
7. Tablets
It is good to have tablets for the following ailments in your first aid kit while adventuring. It has been a lifesaver for us on numerous occasions.
- Nausea/ Vomiting
- Motion sickness/ Diarrhea
- Headache
- Fever
- Cold
- Altitude Sickness (Diamox) – when trekking in higher altitude regions.
- Other medications you tend to take regularly.
8. Pulse Oximeter
Shows the oxygen saturation levels of your blood (SpO2) and pulse rate when clipped to your fingertip anytime and anywhere. A pulse oximeter is a must-have, especially when venturing into the high-altitude mountains.
9. Headache Balm
If you frequently suffer from headaches or colds, you can carry an Axe oil (10 ml) or any similar headache balm such as Amrutanjan or Tiger Balm. When added to hot bathing water, three to five drops of Axe oil relieve your body pain and tiredness. You can also utilize it for face steaming.
10. Gloves
It is good to have lightweight surgical gloves in your first aid kit. Based on the outdoor activity you have chosen, you can add or skip it. These gloves are a great aid when you use them to cover your hands while treating wounds to prevent contamination and transmission of diseases.
11. Mosquito Repellents
During peak monsoons, mosquitoes can be found aplenty. So, it is safer to have portable mosquito repellent creams like Odomos handy.
12. Sunscreen, Moisturizer & Lip Balm
Based on the weather conditions, use sunscreen on the exposed body parts if it is hot and a moisturizer if it is cold. Lip balm is a must-have regardless of the weather as chapped lips happen in both hot and cold weather.
Note: Avoid cleaning with antiseptic liquids like Dettol or Hydrogen Peroxide. Better options are to use Betadine or water with bathing soap.
If bleeding doesn’t seem to stop, get it treated by professionals. Ask the locals and visit the nearest hospital.
Disclaimer: The contents of this blog are written based on our experience and knowledge. We are not medical experts by any means. Feel free to follow what works best for you and as directed by professionals. The main purpose of this blog is to give an idea of what we usually carry in our first aid kit that might be useful for you as well.
We don’t want you to be caught unprepared wherever your adventures may take you. These essential items in a travel first aid kit might help someone in need in an event where professional medical care might not be accessible. We hope this blog was informative to you. For more content related to travel tips, tricks & hacks, or anything related to travel, make sure to subscribe to the newsletter and stick with us, the traveling twins.
