Packing

Stocking Your First-Aid Kit

First aid pack of the French Army

Image via Wikipedia

Packing Smart is one of the best things you can do, especially now that checking baggage costs money. But what to pack?

One of the things you should always keep in your bag is a first-aid kit, customized to your needs. Gadling.com provides a nice summary of the things you should have in your possession for emergencies. However, in consideration of travel restrictions, and realities, we’ve reduced their list to make our own. Also, bear in mind there are multiple versions of most of these products, both name brand and generic. It is up to you to choose which one you want.

Remember, for air travel any liquid or gel items are restricted to 3oz or less bottles. All bottles must fit together into a single quart-size zip-top bag.

  1. Acetaminophen/Ibuprofen – Sold as Tylenol, Advil, etc – Pain and fever reduction/anti-inflammatory.
  2. Antihistamine –For allergies.
  3. Decongestant – For stuffed noses and helps with the “ear pop” from planes. Name brand: Sudafed.
  4. Loperamide – Anti-diarheal. Name brand: Immodium.
  5. Multi-Tool – Now, a standard multi-tool is forbidden on a plane, but tools such as screwdrivers, wrenches, and pliers less than seven inches in length are permitted. You sould be able to find a mini-screwdriver to put into your kit for emergencies.
  6. Safety Pins – Fix for Clothing, Making a Sling. We couldn’t find anything that said you couldn’t bring these.
  7. Sun Screen – Last thing you want is sunburn
  8. Bandanna – Can Double as Sling, Dust Mask, etc.
  9. Antiseptic Towelettes – Cleaning wounds, etc. Alcohol swabs will likely work as well.
  10. Electrolyte packets – For replacing loss due vomiting or diarhea. These packets can be mixed with water as needed.
  11. Tweezers – Removing ticks, thorns, cactuses, splinters, etc.
  12. Blister Pads – Pads to protect against blisters on the feet.
  13. Bandaids and/or Gauze Roll/Gauze Pads(Gauze requires some form of medical tape to secure to the wound) – Minor Cuts and Scrapes
  14. Antibiotic Ointment – One brand name for this is Neosporin.
  15. Portable Flashlight – Looking into mouths, dark rooms. They make these long-lasting little LED ones now.
  16. Thermometer – They even make disposable ones now. We got some from Minimus.biz.
  17. Gloves(Latex or Otherwise) – You never know what you’ll be touching…protect yourself. Some people may be allergic to latex. they do make alternatives.
  18. Hand Sanitizer – Keep yourself Clean.
  19. Tissues – Always a good thing to have.

We recommend Minimus.biz for our travel items. Free shipping on domestic orders over $20.They not only have pre-made kits, but you can assemble a kit of your own if you wish, customized to your needs.

Related articles by Zemanta
Reblog this post [with Zemanta]