There aren’t too many places that wouldn’t benefit from having a well-equipped first aid kit on hand, and traveling is no exception. If you’re about to go on an adventure, but you don’t know what to pack in your first aid kit, we can help! In this post, we’ll share all the essential first aid items to check off your list when traveling.

Band-Aids

Without a doubt, every type of first aid kit should contain a variety of band-aids. Whether you sustain a cut, nick, or abrasion, they come in handy and allow you to stop minor bleeding and get on with your trip. Aim to include a few different kinds of band-aids, including waterproof, burn and blister appropriate versions. If you won’t have your first aid kit on you all the time, be sure to throw some of these in your backpack or handbag.

Gauze

Gauze is a universal product that can help treat a multitude of injuries, and it’s a must-have for your travel first aid kit. One of its main uses can be to apply pressure to a wound and soak up excess blood. They can make managing an injury far less stressful and can help to promote better healing by quick intervention. While they don’t replace the need for medical attention when required, they can prevent an injury from worsening until professional medical advice is sought. Again like band-aids, it’s a good idea to have gauze in a selection of sizes for easy application.

Tweezers

You never know when you may need a nifty pair of tweezers while on your travels. They can be used for anything from splinter and thorn removal to lifting gauze and wound cleaning. They are a practical first-aid item and should be included in your travel kit.

Medical scissors

Medical scissors can be used to cut packaging, gauze to size and bandages. If you are travelling on an aeroplane, be sure that these are stored in your first aid kit and in your checked luggage otherwise they will confiscate them off you when you go through security.

Hand sanitiser

Often when your travelling and you need to administer first aid on yourself or another, it’s not near immediate civilisation and washing your hands first isn’t an option. This is where hand sanitiser becomes particularly useful. You can give your hands a good clean before touching another and afterwards. Just ensure it effectively kills 99% of all germs.

Antiseptic solution, cream, or wipes

To kill bacteria, clean out dirt and aid optimal healing, it’s smart to carry an antiseptic based product such as a cream, solution, or wipes in your travel first aid kit. Without this, you may get an infection at the site of the wound. This can stall the healing process and make the injury worse than it had to be.

Instant cool or heat packs

Instant cool or heat packs are an innovative item that allows you to have instant warmth or cold by simply hitting them or clicking the button inside to activate the ingredients. Cool packs are ideal for treating reactions to bug bites and reducing inflammation. Heat packs are good for sprains and muscle spasms.

Pain relief

This isn’t a traditional first aid kit item but when you are travelling, you never know when pesky aches and pains will rear their ugly head. It is a good idea to carry an over the counter pain relief such as ibuprofen or paracetamol to relieve minor aches and pains. It can make your travel time much more enjoyable.

Bandages

Another key part of first aid supplies are bandages. It is best to have a variety of these, including triangular-shaped, stretch, and non-stretch. These can be used to stabilise fractures and sprains, secure dressings to cuts and for snakebite injuries. If you are heading out to the bush or an isolated area, snake bite bandages should be added to your kit.

Medical tape

Medical tape is most commonly used to secure gauze, dressings and bandages to the skin to prevent them from shifting however, they can be used to prevent chafe, blisters on the hands, heels, and feet.

Antihistamine solution

Usually, when we go on holiday, we’re spending much more time outdoors and this can result in bug bites. An antihistamine solution can help to relieve itchy and even painful bites.

Customise your kit

You can cater your first aid kit to suit your type of travel, for example, you aren’t probably going to need a thermal blanket if you are camping at a caravan park in the middle of town.

Remember that a first aid kit doesn’t substitute medical attention when necessary.

While you may never need to use your first aid kit while travelling, being without it and needing it is not something you want to have to deal with. It can give you peace of mind knowing that if the unexpected occurs, you can treat an injury or aliment if needed.

Here are at The First Aid Shop, we are your one-stop shop for first aid items. We have an extensive selection of supplies available and you can customise them to suit your style of travel. If you would rather someone make up your kit for you, we have premade travel kits on offer too. For more information, get in touch with our friendly team or check out our website.