- Why do you need a first aid kit on a trip
- What to consider: direction, duration, children, chronic diseases
- Wound treatment products and antiseptics
- Remedies for burns, scratches and inflammation of the skin
- Pain relievers and anti-inflammatories
- Remedies for colds, coughs and sore throats
- Sedatives and for heart discomfort
- Other (if necessary)
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Every trip, whether it’s a short weekend or a long trip to different countries, requires careful preparation. Particular attention should be paid to the first aid kit: even a slight ailment or minor injury can spoil the impression of rest. A properly stocked set of medicines will help to cope with the most common problems – from scratches and burns to colds and nervous tension.
Why do you need a first aid kit on a trip
First, some medications may not be available at their destination, especially if you are traveling to remote areas or abroad.
Secondly, the speed of care for minor injuries or exacerbation of chronic diseases is often critical: the timely use of antiseptics or painkillers helps to avoid complications.
And finally, the presence of sedatives and remedies for malaise will allow you to maintain efficiency and enjoy your vacation without wasting time looking for a pharmacy.
What to consider: direction, duration, children, chronic diseases
When forming a first aid kit, you need to take into account the climatic features of the region – in hot countries, priority attention should be paid to disinfection and insect bite repellents, in cold countries – anti-inflammatory and warming.
If you are planning a long tour, it is important to take medicines in a larger supply and focus on the average daily expenses; For short trips, a minimum emergency kit is sufficient.
Separately, it is worth considering traveling with children and people with chronic diseases: it is necessary to additionally include drugs prescribed by a doctor in the first aid kit and adapt the dosage according to age.
Wound treatment products and antiseptics
For any skin lesions, the first step should be to clean the wound and treat it with an antiseptic. Below are the key tools with a comparison of their properties, recommendations for release forms and application situations:
Chlorhexidine 0.05% (200 ml) is a mild but effective remedy for daily treatment of shallow cuts and scratches; practically does not burn and does not harm healthy skin. The liquid form allows you to conveniently wash the wound with a syringe or pipette, and the spray version (if any) is suitable for quick treatment when it is not possible to rinse with a large amount of liquid.
Hydrogen peroxide 3% (200 ml) ― well suited for primary cleaning of significant dirt and washing wounds from dirt; It has a pronounced foaming effect, but excessive and frequent use can slow down healing. It is better to keep it in liquid form to regulate the volume to be washed, and to apply only in cases where the wound is heavily soiled.
Viodin (100 ml) is a powerful broad-spectrum antiseptic, but can leave yellow stains on fabrics and clothes. The spray version or aerosol will be more convenient when treating large surfaces or in the field, while the liquid solution is suitable for spot application and fine disinfection.
Ammonia 10% (100 ml) ― in addition to antiseptic action, can be used in case of fainting to restore consciousness; It stimulates breathing and blood circulation of the skin well. Store it in liquid form to moisten cotton wool or gauze, but be careful not to apply directly to open wounds.
Additional tips:
- For quick local spraying (especially in children), it is best to have an antiseptic spray (iodine, chlorhexidine).
- In the case of deep or heavily soiled wounds, rinse first with liquid peroxide and then treat with alcohol or iodine sprays.
Remedies for burns, scratches and inflammation of the skin
After an abrasion, cut, or slight burn, rinse the affected area thoroughly with clean water or saline to remove dirt and small particles. Gently treat the wound with a solution of chlorhexidine or hydrogen peroxide, avoiding strong friction. Apply a thin layer of Levomekol ointment (40 g) to speed up healing and prevent infection, then seal with a sterile bandage or patch and change the bandage at least once a day.
To treat feet after long hikes or in conditions of high humidity, use Formidron (100 ml) – its fungicidal properties protect against fungal infections and additionally disinfect. Monitor the wound: If swelling, pain or redness increases, re-treat or consult a doctor.
Pain relievers and anti-inflammatories
When traveling, you may experience back, joint or muscle pain after long walks and carrying heavy backpacks.
Diclofenac gel 5% (50 g) quickly penetrates into tissues and reduces the severity of inflammation and swelling, eliminating pain syndrome without systemic stress. Menovazin (100 ml) is a universal remedy with a combined effect: its cooling components provide instant relief, and the analgesic effect allows it to be used for bruises, sprains of capsules and muscles. Apply the selected preparation in a thin layer on clean, dry skin and rub in with light movements until completely absorbed.
For maximum results, use both remedies according to indications, alternating them depending on the intensity of pain and skin condition.
Remedies for colds, coughs and sore throats
When traveling, the first symptoms of ARVI often appear after hypothermia or climate change, so it is worth having compact bottles of Pertussin syrup (200 ml) and Icelandic moss syrup (200 ml) with you. During the first sore throat or dry cough, Pertussin envelops the mucous membrane, soothes symptoms and promotes phlegm discharge, while Icelandic moss syrup creates a protective film and reduces irritation.
For instant relief of sore throat and antiseptic effect, use Anguilor spray (50 ml), which easily fits in hand luggage. These products are suitable for most adults and children from three years of age, but before traveling, make sure that the children’s dosage is agreed with the pediatrician and keep them in an accessible place to apply immediately if necessary.
Sedatives and for heart discomfort
In anxious or stressful situations while traveling – waiting at the airport, flight delays or unfamiliar surroundings – it is useful to have valerian tincture (25 ml) with you.
A few drops diluted in a small amount of water will help reduce nervous tension and make it easier to sleep in a new place. Valerian alleviates the symptoms of palpitations and increased anxiety without causing excessive sleepiness during the daytime. Use the drug as needed before rest or in moments of increased nervous tension, following the dosage according to the instructions.
If you show signs of heart discomfort during the trip – heart palpitations or pain behind the sternum – have medications with you on the recommendation of a cardiologist and contact a specialist immediately.
Other (if necessary)
In addition to basic medicines, it is worth providing sorbents in the first aid kit for the rapid removal of toxins in case of food poisoning – this will help to avoid acute gastrointestinal disorders and maintain well-being. Allergy remedies in the form of tablets or spray will come in handy for insect bites or contact with allergens to quickly relieve itching, swelling and redness.
Do not forget about individual medications prescribed by your doctor: regular intake will allow you to maintain a stable state in chronic diseases even on the road. A basic dressing kit — adhesive tape, bandage, scissors and a compact thermometer — will be useful for prompt fixation of the bandage and temperature control in any conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What medicines must be in the medicine cabinet when traveling abroad?
In addition to the standard set of antiseptics, pain relievers, and cold remedies, take medications that may not be available or sold by prescription in another country. Be sure to take into account the special conditions for transporting liquids on the plane.
How to treat a wound or cut on the road without access to a pharmacy?
In an emergency, rinse the wound with clean water, apply a sterile gauze bandage and, if available, treat the wound edges with an available antiseptic.
Can I take alcohol-containing medicines with me on a plane or a trip with children?
In air travel, liquids with a volume of more than 100 ml must be checked in or placed in special bags. There are no such restrictions on the train and car, but keep them away from children.
Conclusion
Store the first aid kit in an airtight bag, protected from direct sunlight and frost, and before each trip, check the expiration dates and replenish the kit with the necessary drugs.
Also pay attention to the integrity of the packages and the presence of instructions in the vials and tubes. If necessary, add personal medications or first aid products that your family or company may need. Preparation in advance will allow you to focus on impressions, and not on minor ailments.
Author: Natalia Kandybey, Candidate of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Quality Director of PJSC Pharmaceutical Factory “VIOLA”
