A well-stocked first-aid kit is a must when travelling, no matter what the destination. It enables you to provide initial treatment for minor injuries or sudden illnesses. This SWICA health tip lists the medications and aids that should be part of every first-aid kit.
In any case, before you leave on any holiday it’s worth checking your emergency medical supplies to make sure you have everything you need for your destination. What you take with you will depend on things like the length of your trip, how far you’ll be travelling, and how you’re planning to get around. If you are pregnant, have a chronic illness or are travelling with children, you need to pay special attention to your first-aid kit to ensure it contains any relevant alternative medicines and adjusted doses.
What should be in your first-aid kit:
Medicines:
- Painkillers: These relieve pain and reduce fever, and depending on the active ingredient may also have an anti-inflammatory effect.
- Gastrointestinal medicines: Medicines to treat diarrhoea, constipation, nausea and travel sickness can be especially useful when on holiday.
- Electrolyte solution: This balances the body's fluid and electrolyte levels after diarrhoea or vomiting, to prevent dehydration. Stock cubes are a possible alternative.
- Anti-allergy medicines: These help with insect bites and other allergy-related illnesses. They are available in tablet form or, for the treatment of bites, as a gel to apply to the affected area.
- Cold and flu medicines: These include cough syrup, nasal spray and throat lozenges.
Individual needs:
Medication for children, earplugs, contraceptives, support stockings for vein problems, insect repellent, hand sanitizer, thermometer, eye drops
Sun protection:
Sunscreen with adequate protection, after-sun lotion, sunburn treatment
Wound care/dressings:
Wound disinfectant, antiseptic ointment, disposable gloves, gauze compresses, adhesive bandage, plasters, Steri-Strips (butterfly closures), scissors, tweezers, bandage clips and blister plasters
What else to take:
Paper tissues, wet wipes, head covering, water filter or chemical water treatment, something for muscle and joint pain
Further tips:
- Before you travel consult your doctor or visit the following link to find out what vaccinations you might need: www.healthytravel.ch
- If you are on any medication, you must not only take a sufficient supply with you but also check whether there are any restrictions on bringing the medication into the country you are visiting.
- Ask your doctor whether it would be sensible to take a precautionary course of anti-malarial medication.
- Avoid petting animals, as they may be carrying communicable diseases such as rabies.
- Eat only cooked foods, and wash or peel fruit and vegetables.
