A first aid kit is something that most people don’t think about until they need it. You can under estimate the importance of checking that it’s stocked, replenishing supplies, and making sure it’s complete, until you need it.
When putting together a first aid kit, consider all of the activities you may be participating while you are traveling. You will want to be sure you have an appropriate kit that can be taken with you when you are doing activities away from your home base – this may mean packing several smaller kits into one large one. That way, you can customized what you need for the activity you are doing, and take only the pieces you will most-likely need with you. Remember: You can’t use it if it’s not with you!
Basics to keep at home base:
Whether you stay in a cabin, a travel trailer, a motor home, or a tent, you will want some basics kept at your home base. These should be things you won’t necessarily need on a hike, bike ride, or boat trip, but should have available when you return to your home base.
Pack items left at your home base in a sturdy container. A handle can be useful in being sure people of all ages can carry the container, if needed. A small toolbox, lunchbox, fishing tackle box, or kitchen food storage container can work well. Be sure it is large enough to hold any smaller kits prepared for activities.
Basics should include*:
- Antibiotic cream, hydrogen peroxide, and/or antiseptic wipes
- Aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, and/or acetaminophen (be sure to know which is safe for you based on other medications you may be taking and health factors)
- Extras of prescription medications – be sure to label these clearly, if they will not be in the original container that has a copy of the prescription! Consider also labeling who the medication is for, so other people assisting you can clearly find what you need!
- Thermometer
- Flashlight and spare batteries
- Emergency numbers
- Medical insurance information – this is a great place to keep a photocopy of your insurance cards.
- Instant ice packs
- First aid manual
- Motion sickness medication
- Calamine lotion
- Antacids
- Anti-diarrhea medication
- Aloe
- Various sizes of band aids, gauze, and medical tape
- Cold and flu tablets
- Hot water bottles or heating pad
*These are items that are not necessarily for immediate care, but for continuing care upon return to your home base. The items below should reside in your home base kit when you are at the home base.
Additional items to take with you:
When you head out for activities, assess how far from home base you will be and for how long in order to determine how many items you may need to take with you for your activity.
Generally, try to pack light and only necessities for immediate care to injuries or sudden illness. If the travel first aid kit is too large or bulky, you are not likely to take it with you on activities. Consider packing it in a plastic food storage bag, pack that can be worn around the waist, or a plastic water bottle. When possible, use something water-proof. A plastic water bottle can also be emptied to double as a drinking container, if needed.
Basic items may include:
- Instant ice packs
- Insect repellent – consider wipes rather than spray for convenience of packing
- Gloves – these do not need to be sterile. Remember, they are to protect your hands from substances.
- Sunscreen and lip balm with sunscreen
- Small scissors
- Adhesive tape
- Various sizes of band aids
- Gauze or other absorbent material – Tip: Sanitary napkins are compact, sterile, and have great absorbency. They can make a good compress to stop bleeding.
- Small plastic bag or garbage bag
- Hard candies or other small sugar items in case blood sugar drops too low
- Multi-tool or pocket knife
- Pocket resuscitation mask – many are small enough to be carried on a key chain, making them perfectly compact for a travel first aid kit
- Pen light
- Bandana – can be used as a sling or a dust mask
- Ultraviolet travel light – used to purify water; many are not much larger than a pen
Remember to customize your kit based on the needs of the people who will be involved in the activity. Consider things such as prescription medication, nitroglycerin tablets, sugar packets, aspirin, granola bars, or electrolyte packets as additions to your traveling kit.
Tip: Assume that the activity may go longer than planned, and plan what you carry with you accordingly!
Don’t forget about your Pets!
Many of the items that you carry in your regular first aid kit can also be useful for your pet! However, remember that your pet may need some special items that you would not pack for yourself.
Also, remember that emergency numbers you call for help for people are often not useful if your pet has an emergency. You will need to do some extra planning and documenting if you travel with your pet!
Basics for before you travel:
- Keep your regular veterinarian’s number on hand with other emergency numbers.
- Check for the name and phone number of veterinary hospitals that may be along your route
- Take a pet first aid class to learn proper techniques – these may be offered through your local Red Cross, pet store, or veterinary practice
- Carry the number for the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (800) 548-2423
- Make sure your pet is healthy enough to travel prior to leaving home.
Additional items for pet first aid:
In addition to common items in your first aid kit, there are some additional items to consider carrying for your pet.
Basic items include:
- Towels and blankets that can be torn, cut, or used on your pet
- Pet carrier
- Elizabethan collar
- Extras of medication – be sure to properly label any medications and store them separately from human medications
- Antihistamine – many human antihistamines are acceptable for use with pets. Be sure to consult your veterinarian in advance for the proper dose based on the size of your pet.
- Yogurt – this can be used as a supplement to food to help relieve diarrhea in pets
- Rice – this can be used as a food substitute for animals experiencing vomiting or diarrhea. It is best if combined with ground beef to supplement protein. A bland 50/50 combination is easy to digest while giving your pet the nutrients it needs to recover.
- Plant identification book
- First aid manual designed for cats, dogs, birds, etc.
Tip: Just as with the human first aid kit, be sure to pack anything that would be needed in an emergency if you are taking your pet with you to an activity. Be sure to pack any pet medications in a separate container or bag from human medications, and clearly label them for pet use only.
