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Reviewed by Christine Clark, pharmacist and Dr John Pillinger, GP
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First-aid kit basics
A first-aid kit contains emergency supplies and medication for
unexpected minor illnesses or accidents.
While it is vital for people who suffer from a chronic disease
or condition to take their medication with them at all times, it is also a good
idea for everyone to keep a first-aid kit in the home or car, or take one with
them on holiday in case of emergencies.
If going abroad, talk to your doctor before leaving about
arrangements for
vaccinations or special medication
such as
malaria tablets.
Although it is possible to buy additional items for your first
aid kit when you are abroad, it is a good safeguard to purchase extra supplies
and medication before your departure. Emergency situations occur unexpectedly
and you may find yourself unable to obtain essential items just when you need
them most.
Remember that medicines suitable for adults are not always
suitable for children as well. Always read the label to check who can take the
medicines in your first-aid kit, and at what dose.
Motion sickness
Medication to prevent motion sickness caused by car, air or sea
travel can be bought over the counter without prescription. If necessary, this
should be taken before starting a journey.
Diarrhoea, irregular bowel movements or indigestion
It is a good idea to be prepared for
diarrhoea. Medication to treat it is available both on prescription or over the counter at your local
pharmacy.
If diarrhoea or vomiting occur despite these precautions you
will need to make sure the patient gets enough liquid. This is especially
important where children are concerned.
Cola drinks are particularly helpful since they replace
essential salt and sugar as well as provide a source of liquid, but a first-aid
kit should also contain a
rehydration medicine (a
powder or large tablet that is dissolved in clean water, for example Dioralyte) to prevent
dehydration.
Many people get
constipation when
travelling. A mild
laxative, available from a pharmacy,
usually relieves most symptoms.
For people who suffer from indigestion or heartburn when eating
spicy food, it is a good idea to keep a supply of
antacid preparation in the first-aid
kit.
Pain relievers
Aspirin (eg Aspro clear),
paracetamol (eg Panadol)
or ibuprofen (eg Nurofen) can be
bought over the counter. They come in different forms including soluble
tablets, ordinary tablets or suppositories, and can relieve headache, muscle
pain, toothache and period pain. Aspirin should not be given to children under
16 years of age, unless on the advice of a doctor.
Fever
Fever is most commonly caused by
viruses that cannot
be treated with antibiotics. Even though antibiotics can be bought in some
countries without a prescription, they should be avoided. If antibiotics are
necessary, a GP should be consulted. A doctor will be able to prescribe the
appropriate antibiotics or other medication.
Sunburn
A sunblock to be applied prior to exposure to the sun should
always be included in a first-aid kit, along with cream and lotion for use
after
sunbathing. The
pharmacist should be consulted as to the appropriate screening (SPF-sun
protection factor) level.
Insect bites
Antihistamines and soothing lotions such as
calamine are
effective at controlling the itching of
insect bites or
stings.
Cuts and grazes
The following items are all useful for treating minor cuts and
grazes:
-
sticking plasters
-
cotton wool
-
safety pins
-
a gauze bandage and supportive bandages
-
antiseptic lotion or saline to clean wounds.
Do I need to take everything wherever I go?
There is no need to take everything with you. Indeed, a longer
trip might require more supplies than a shorter one. Buy products in small
sizes that fit easily into your luggage. Remember that all drugs have a
'use by' date and should be thrown away after they have expired.
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Based on a text by Dr Per Grinsted, GP and Dr Erik Fangel Poulsen, specialist
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Last updated 16.02.2005
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