The holiday count down has begun and soon most South Africans will be able to take that long awaited and well deserved end of year break.
Why not make sure you are not caught off guard this summer by ensuring that your first aid kit is well stocked and can cater for any holiday eventualities, suggests Peter Jordan, Principal Officer of Fedhealth.
“A good first aid kit checklist means that you are prepared for any and every emergency that may occur while you are on holiday. You may need to vary the list or pack different items depending on your travel plans, but here are a few holiday kit staples.”
Think about your needs. Will you have easy access to medical supplies, or will you be travelling off the beaten track?
Here are a few suggestions for various first aid kits:
• The General Traveller’s First Aid Kit:
Any prescribed or chronic medications, paracetamol or aspirin, antihistamines or allergy medication, basic cold medications, tweezers, scissors and safety pins, antiseptic cream, plasters in various shapes and sizes, sun lotion, alcohol gel, sanitizer or alcohol wipes and disposable gloves.
• The Adventure Kit:
If you are going off the beaten track, or perhaps to a country where language may be a problem, it is advisable to pack a more comprehensive kit, Jordan suggests.
Along with the standard kit, consider adding:
Rehydrate or electrolytes to help avoid dehydration if you get an upset stomach, anti-diarrhoea medication, stomach settling medication or antacid tablets, anti-nausea medication, stronger pain medication, a broad-spectrum antibiotic, bandages (elastic and crepe), sterile gauze and wound dressings, saline solution, sports strapping tape, a triangular bandage, insect repellent and a multi-use tool or pocket knife.
“We would also suggest that you take a look at The Netcare Travel Clinic website (www.travelclinic.co.za). This offers comprehensive information and locations of any potential nasties, such as malaria, meningitis and yellow fever so that you know what to expect and how to avoid these,” says Jordan.
• The Car Kit
Your car should also be stocked with certain essentials.
According to the experts, it is important to keep the following in your car:
A notebook and pencil, an insurance claim form, a steel tape measure, a piece of chalk or crayon, a flashing torch, a first aid kit, red reflective triangles and a camera (most smart phones have a fantastic built-in camera).
The following infographic was supplied by ER24
Click here to download the pdf: How to put together a first aid kit
