15 Essential Items in a Travel First Aid Kit

There was a time when every mom had a fully stocked first aid kit in the kitchen cupboard, and often a travel size version for days out and holidays. At some point, this practice seems to have waned. This is a mistake that many people, parents especially, live to regret. Having a well-stocked first aid kit can make a massive difference if someone is injured or unwell, and it’s more important when you are away from home. If you don’t already have a travel first aid kit ready to pack in your car or suitcase, here are some of the essentials that you must include when creating one.

Plasters

Plasters in a wide range of shapes and sizes are your first essential. It’s a great idea to build a first aid kit online so that you can make sure you’ve got exactly what you need. Build a first aid kit online with Mfasco Health and Safety and you’ll have plasters for everything from a foot blister to a cut knee.

Gauze

Gauze is a great thing to have in your first aid kit, because of its wide range of uses. Use gauze to clean, compress, pack, scrub or secure pretty much any wound.

Bandage

For large injuries or injuries which require a muscle to be compressed, a joint to be supported or a limb to be held still, then you might need a roll of bandage.

Surgical Tape

Surgical tape can be incredibly useful for securing gauze or bandages and holding almost anything else in place as a temporary measure. It’s available in fairly compact rolls and easy to fit into your kit.

Tweezers

Tweezers are great for anything from taking out a splinter to removing glass or other debris from a cut.

Scissors

Scissors are a must for cutting bandages, plasters, gauze, and tape to size, but they are also useful when it comes to opening packages on the road.

Hand Gel and Antibacterial Wipes

The last thing that you want is an infection because a wound hasn’t been properly cleaned before it’s been covered. Make sure you’ve got some antibacterial wipes and gel, to keep hands and wounds clean.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines reduce itching and other symptoms from hay fever, allergies, and insect bites. You might want a child-friendly oral antihistamine instead of tablets.

Insect Bite Cream

Insect bites are unfortunately fairly common when we travel to warmer climates. Usually, they are fairly mild, but they can be painful, itchy and otherwise uncomfortable. A simple cream can relieve symptoms.

Pain Killers – Including Options Suitable for Children

Paracetamol and something for kids, such as Calpol are a must.

Burns Dressings and Aloe Gel

Hopefully, you’ll never sustain a burn on holiday, but burns dressings should be included just in case, and aloe gel will help with sunburn, as well as more serious burns.

Rehydration Sachets

It’s common to become dehydrated on holiday, especially if you are very busy and in warmer weather than you are used to. Pack some rehydration sachets to compensate.

Thermometer

If you’ve got kids, a thermometer is a must.

Travel Sickness Tablets

Even if no one in your household has ever been travel sick, it can come on suddenly. Pack some travel sickness tablets or other remedies to make sure your journey isn’t ruined.

Prescription Medication

If you take any prescription medication, make sure you’ve got enough to last the duration of your trip. If you are traveling abroad with prescription medication, you might also need the prescription or a letter from your doctor.

If you plan to travel abroad, make sure you check any restrictions before packing your first aid kit.

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