What do you carry in your first aid kit?

The contents of your first aid kit should be based on your first aid needs assessment. A minimum first aid kit might contain: a leaflet with general guidance on first aid, individually wrapped sterile plasters of assorted sizes, sterile eye pads, individually wrapped triangular bandages, preferably sterile, safety pins, large and medium-sized sterile, individually wrapped, unmedicated wound dressings, disposable gloves. If you are buying a kit look for British Standard (BS) 8599. Many items, particularly sterile ones, are marked with expiry dates. Replace expired items, disposing of them safely.

Whether you buy a first aid kit or put one together, make sure it has all the items you may need: Include any personal items such as medications and emergency phone numbers or other items your health-care provider may suggest. The Red Cross recommends that all first aid kits for a family of four include the following: 2 absorbent compress dressings (5 x 9 inches) 25 adhesive bandages (assorted sizes), also found within our Family First Aid Kit 1 adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 inch) 5 antibiotic ointment packets (approximately 1 gram) 5 antiseptic wipe packets 2 packets of aspirin (81 mg each) 1 emergency blanket 1 breathing barrier (with one-way valve) 1 instant cold compress 2 pair of nonlatex gloves (size: large) 2 hydrocortisone ointment packets (approximately 1 gram each) 1 3 in. gauze roll (roller) bandage 1 roller bandage (4 inches wide) 5 3 in. x 3 in. sterile gauze pads 5 sterile gauze pads (4 x 4 inches) Oral thermometer (non-mercury/nonglass) 2 triangular bandages Tweezers Emergency First Aid instructions

A good first aid kit can help you self-manage basic health problems and help avoid buying potentially dangerous medications abroad. The contents of any first aid kit should be tailored to your individual itinerary, taking into consideration the type of travel you are undertaking, your destination, the duration and any existing medical conditions you have. Basic First Aid: first aid quick reference card disposable latex-free exam gloves adhesive plasters in assorted sizes hydro-colloid blister plasters gauze adhesive first aid tape elasticated bandage wrap for sprains and strains steri-strips cotton swab. antiseptic and antibacterial such as iodine or alcohol based preparations saline sachets to wash out wounds aloe Vera gel for treatment of minor burns topical corticosteroids for symptomatic relief of bites, stings and other skin irritations thermometer tweezers scissors. If undertaking remote or high risk travel then consider taking sterile equipment such as: lancets, assorted syringes, needles, IV Cannula, dental needle. Adequate supply of regular medication for duration of trip and additional in case trip unexpectedly extended. If you have a history of severe allergic reaction carry Epinephrine auto-injectors. Anti-histamines for symptomatic treatment of mild or moderate allergic reactions. Painkillers to treat pain and/or fever such as paracetamol, ibuprofen and aspirin. Travel, unfamiliar diet and change in routine can upset the digestive system; a supply of mild laxatives for treating constipation and antacids for treating indigestion can prove useful. Medication to manage travellers diarrhoea; oral rehydration salts for hydration, anti-diarrhoeal agents for symptom management of mild and moderate diarrhoea.

Having a first aid kit at home is useful for handling minor accidents and injuries and can help you manage until medical help arrives if needed. It’s important to keep your first aid kit well-stocked, within date and in a cool, dry place. 1. Adhesive Dressings / Plasters - for covering small cuts and abrasions. 2. Sterile Gauze Pads - useful for cleaning and dressing larger wounds; they can absorb blood and help control bleeding. 3. Medical tape – for securing dressings in place. 4. Antiseptic Solution or Wipes - for cleaning wounds and preventing infection. 5. Tweezers, Scissors and Safety Pins – tweezers are always handy for removing splinters, foreign objects, or insect stingers from the skin; 6. Disposable Gloves - essential for protecting yourself and the injured person from cross-contamination and reducing the risk of infection. 7. Pain Relief - such as paracetamol / infant paracetamol, aspirin (not to be given to children under 16), or ibuprofen for managing minor aches, pains, and fever. 8. Antihistamine cream or tablets - used to relieve symptoms of allergies, such as hay fever, hives, conjunctivitis and reactions to insect bites or stings. 9. Eye Wash & Eye Bath – for cleaning in the event of an eye injury or particles getting in the eye. 10. Creams - skin rash cream, such as hydrocortisone or calendula, cream or spray to relieve insect bites and stings and general antiseptic cream are all useful to include. 11. Digital thermometer - to check body temperature and monitor for signs of fever. 12. Instant Cold Packs - can help reduce swelling and relieve pain of bumps and bruises. 13. Personalised Items - Consider adding items specific to your family's needs, such as allergy medications, an EpiPen or asthma inhalers. 14. First Aid Manual and Emergency Contact Information – an easy to follow basic first aid guide, providing instructions for common injuries and emergencies, will be useful for people not familiar with providing first aid.