First Aid

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 forvaccinations 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.

Pain relievers

Aspirin (eg Aspro clear), paracetamol (eg Panadol, Calpol) or ibuprofen (egNurofen, Calprofen) can be bought over the counter. They come in different forms including soluble tablets, ordinary tablets, liquids or suppositories, and can relieve most minor aches and pains, such as headaches, muscle pain, toothache and period pain. Children require lower doses and products specific for children should be kept in your first-aid kit if you have children. Aspirin should not be given to children under 16 years of age, unless on the advice of a doctor.

Fever

A first-aid kit should contain a thermometer to measure body temperature. An oral digital thermometer is probably the best choice. Digital thermometers used in the ear are more accurate but also more expensive.

Fever can be relieved with paracetamol or ibuprofen.

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.

Sore throats and coughs

These are common ailments, so it might be a good idea to keep medicines in your first aid kit to deal with these, for example sore throat lozenges and a cough mixture. Cough mixtures containing certain ingredients are no longer recommended for children under six years of age, so it is best to get advice from your pharmacist on a suitable product to keep in your first-aid kit if you have children.

Diarrhoea, constipation or indigestion

It is a good idea to be prepared for diarrhoea. Medicationto treat it is available both on prescription or over the counter at your local pharmacy. Loperamide (eg Imodium) is an appropriate medicine to keep in a first-aid kit, though it is not suitable for young children.

If diarrhoea or vomiting occur 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 exampleDioralyte) 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, for example when eating spicy food, it is a good idea to keep a supply of antacid preparation in the first-aid kit.

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.

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 calamineare effective at controlling the itching of insect bites or stings.

It might be a good idea to take an insect repellant if you are going somewhere where you know there may be biting insects like midges or mosquitos.

Cuts and grazes

The following items are all useful for treating minor cuts and grazes.

· Sterile saline or alcohol-free wipes to clean wounds.

· Cotton gauze or gauze swabs for cleaning/drying/covering wounds.

· Fabric or waterproof plasters.

· Sterile dressings that won't stick to weeping wounds, eg Melolin.

· Permeable adhesive tape, eg Micropore, for holding dressings in place.

· Gauze bandages.

· Crepe bandages for supporting sprains and strains or holding dressings in place.

· Antiseptic cream or lotion.

Other useful equipment to have in a first aid kit

· Disposable gloves.

· Tweezers - for removing foreign objects such as splinters or bee stings.

· Scissors - for cutting tape or bandages.

· Safety pins for securing bandages and pinning slings.

· Cotton buds - for cleaning small wounds or removing obvious foreign objects.

· Sterile saline for washing eyes.

· Sterile eye pads - as a temporary dressing and cover for injured eyes.

· Cling film - for applying over serious burns to keep air out. This helps relieve pain and prevents infection. As it won't stick to the burn, it can also be easily removed later by medical staff treating the burn.

· Triangular bandages - for use as a sling for an injured arm or shoulder, or as a scalp bandage.

Do I need to take everything wherever I go?

There is no need to take everything with you. What you might need depends on where you are going and 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.

If you are travelling to a developing country or tropical area for long periods of time, a more extensive first aid kit that contains sterile emergency medical equipment might be advisable. This could contain extra items such as sterile syringes, needles and suture kits and water purification tablets, which might not be available where you are going.