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Travel First-aid Kit
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You
don’t want to get caught on the road without the
right equipment in the case of an emergency, no matter
how small. Why not take along a travel first-aid kit
as a precaution?
This
list, prepared by the American College of Emergency
Physicians, will provide you with the necessary "tools"
to handle many medical emergencies. |
For
the kit itself, a tote bag is recommended because it can
hold all the items listed and is easy to carry. Never store
your kit in your luggage.
Follow
the same precautions with your first-aid kit as you would
with any medicine. Store out of reach of children and only
use products with child safety caps. Check expiration dates,
and throw away any expired medicines. If someone in your
household has a life-threatening condition or is under a
doctor’s care, carry appropriate medication with you
at all times.
Emergency
physicians also recommend that you take a first-aid class,
learn CPR, and always seek immediate medical attention when
you need it.
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Aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen:
For headaches, pain, fever, and simple sprains or strains
of the body. Have at least two aspirin tablets available
at all times in case of heart attack, although use as
recommended as by your physician. Use appropriate dosages,
and make sure the medicine is age-appropriate. (Aspirin
should not be used for relief of flu symptoms or given
to children.) If traveling with children, add children's
Tylenol.
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Antihistamine/decongestant cough medicine.
To relieve allergies and inflammation. Use appropriate
dosages, and make sure the medicine is age appropriate.
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Anti-nausea/motion sickness medication
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Bandages of assorted sizes, including
adhesive bandages. To cover minor cuts and scrapes.
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Bandage closures (1/4-inch and one-inch
sizes). To tape edges of minor cuts together.
- Triangular
bandage. For wrapping injuries and making an
arm sling.
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Elastic wraps. For wrapping wrist, ankle,
knee, and elbow injuries.
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Gauze in rolls and two-inch and four-inch
pads. To dress larger cuts and scrapes.
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Adhesive tape. To keep gauze in place.
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Sharp scissors with rounded tips. To
cut tape, gauze, or clothes.
- Safety
Pins: To fasten splints and bandages.
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Antiseptic wipes. To disinfect and clean
wounds.
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Disposable, instant-activating cold packs.
For cooling injuries and burns.
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Tweezers. To remove small splinters,
foreign objects, bee stingers, and ticks from the skin.
- Rubber
gloves. To protect hands and reduce risk of infection
when treating open wounds.
- Thermometer
with case. To take temperatures. For infants under age
one, use a rectal thermometer.
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Petroleum jelly. To lubricate a rectal
thermometer.
- Calamine
lotion. To relieve itching and irritation from
insect bites and stings and poison ivy.
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Hydrocortisone cream. To relieve irritation
from rashes.
- Sunscreen.
SPF15 or higher, broad-spectrum.
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Inspect repellent. Repellents appropriate
for use on children should contain no more than 10-15
percent DEET and 20-30 percent DEET for adults, because
the chemical, which is absorbed through the skin, can
cause harm. Use as directed.
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Change for a pay phone or wireless phone.
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Basic first-aid manual/instructions.
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