It would obviously be ideal that any group traveling would have a trained first aider amongst their ranks, but in any case, when traveling, it’s best to be prepared for almost every situation, so packing a small first aid kit in your suitcase should be high on your list of priorities. What you take will depend on where you are going and how long you will be staying.

First aid kit basics

A first aid kit should contain emergency supplies and medication for minor illnesses or accidents.

This should include items for treating cuts and grazes, including:

• sticking band aids
• cotton wool
• safety pins
• a gauze bandage and supportive bandages
• antiseptic to clean wounds

A kit should also include certain medications to deal with illnesses that may be encountered along the way. Possible basic illnesses that could be treated in this way include:

• Travel/motion sickness – medication to prevent sickness caused by traveling in a car, air or sea travel. If required, these should be taken before starting a journey.
• Diarrhea – tablets to treat diarrhea should be included. If diarrhea or vomiting continues, it is important that the patient gets enough liquid. Fizzy drinks are useful 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 powder to prevent dehydration
• Indigestion – a slightly different diet may result in indigestion or heartburn and these can easily be treated with medication in a tablet or liquid form...
• Pain relievers -– Aspirin, advil, or ibuprofen can be used to relieve headache, muscle pain, toothache and other pains.
• Insect bites – antihistamine creams are effective at controlling the itching of insect bites or stings.
• Vital medication –- iIt is vital for people who suffer from a chronic disease or condition to have their medication with them at all times.

If somebody falls ill and you are unsure ….

• Seek medical advice. It is better to be safe than sorry, especially with young children. Hotels and resorts will often be able to assist in the event that someone in the family becomes sick or requires medical attention, providing you with the details of a local doctor.
• If your first aid kit doesn't contain anything to help with the illness, check with a local pharmacy for assistance.
• If a head injury occurs, watch for symptoms of a concussion, which may include loss of consciousness, persistent vomiting, lethargy, sleepiness or unequal pupil size and consult a doctor.
• In an emergency try to remain as calm as possible.