When planning a trip, don’t ever forget preparing a first aid kit. Packing a first aid kit is somewhat similar to packing clothes, deciding what will be needed and having it all fit in the bag. But how do you pack a travel first aid kit?
The perfect first aid kit ideal for traveling is one that could be easily carried which at the same time contains all the essentials. That sounds like a difficult thing right, but it is not impossible. In order to pack a professional travel first aid kit, you should consider several factors.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions
If you are traveling and has chronic medical conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure, you’ll need to include your regular medication in the first aid kit. People with histories of allergic reactions also fall into this category. Have your medication into two separate locations, in your carry-on bag, and in your luggage. Also, remember to have enough of your medications so you don’t have to buy at a local pharmacy once you run out of it just in case your plane got delayed or you plan to extend your trip. But there are times when even with the extra you still run out of it, so bring a copy of your prescription.
Travel Specific Needs
Where are you going? What are you doing? And how long is the trip? The answer to these three questions will further help you decide on what to bring. The place you are headed to have different health-related needs. You won’t need a high-altitude medicine on a beach or an insect repellent in the Arctic Circle. Consider also the local diseases travelers might face like insect carries disease such as malaria. The more remote you go the more self-sufficient you need to be and the lighter your kit should be. Make sure you have enough supply for the duration of your trip; this is kind of a common sense thing.
Packing Light Strategies
A small, light and functional travel first aid kit is what you are aiming for. Packing light isn’t easy but what you need is some strategies. Instead of packing bottles, switch it for travel-friendly sizes. Choose tablets over liquids and single dose packs over tubes. Truck stops, drug stores, and dollar stores are offering products packaged in small sizes. This will occupy smaller spaces giving way for other necessities. If there are no available smaller packs, transfer or decant the products into a smaller container. Separate products and place them into see-through zip-top bags for easy access. For medication tablets, a pocket pill container will do the job. Doing activities that involves water? Make sure to have a waterproof bag.
Check-up your first aid kit regularly
Give your kit a check-up, make sure that the supplies have not expired, the supplies are enough, or the flashlight is still working. Also, make sure you know how to use a first aid kit because having one and not knowing how to use it is kind of useless. For first aid kit inspiration, you can check out MyMedic’s line of first-aid kits.
Emily Cooper, RD, LD, is a New Hampshire-based dietitian whose health and wellness blog, Sinful Nutrition, features recipes, fitness, and all things health related. You can also follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
