What to pack in your holiday first-aid kit

A first aid kit is a collection of supplies and equipment that is used to give medical treatment. There is a wide variation in the contents of first aid kits based on the knowledge and experience of those putting it together, the differing first aid requirements of the area where it may be used and variations in legislation or regulation in a given area.

First-aid kit necessities:

• Two absorbent compress dressings
• Pack of adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)
• One adhesive cloth tape
• Five antibiotic ointment packets
• Five antiseptic wipe packets
• Aspirin
• One space blanket
• One breathing barrier (with one-way valve)

• One instant cold compress
• Two pair of non-latex gloves
• Two hydrocortisone ointment packets
• Scissors and tweezers
• Two roller bandages
• Pack of sterile gauze pads
• Thermometer
• Two triangular bandages
• Eyeshield or -pad
• Duct tape
• Safety pins
• Soap/hand sanitiser
• Small, waterproof flashlight or headlamp
• Waterproof matches
• First-aid instruction booklet.

Quick first-aid rules:

• Keep a first-aid kit at home and in your vehicles
• Know where kits are kept at your place of work
• Teach children old enough to understand where they are kept
• Prepare kids for medical emergencies in age-appropriate ways
• Check your first-aid kits every now and again to make sure torch batteries work and to replace supplies that have expired or been used up

Medications at home:

While most of us, fortunately, aren’t faced with medical emergencies on a daily basis, keeping a home supply of basic medication is hugely handy. Top up this general list with your own more specific requirements:
• Aloe Vera gel
• Calamine lotion
• Anti-diarrhoea medication
• Laxatives
• Rehydrate (electrolytes)
• Antacids
• Antihistamine
• Pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, aspirin and paracetamol
• Hydrocortisone cream
• Cough and cold medications