While accidents and illnesses can happen anywhere, they can be even more stressful when you’re away from home.
Equipping yourself with an appropriately stocked First Aid kit and the knowledge to help, means you are ready for action if something happens.
Don’t forget also to carry tissues, hand sanitiser, snacks and a bottle of clean water at all times! And before you travel, note down the number for the emergency services. Throughout Europe it is 112.
(Please note that medication should not be kept in your first aid kit – but stored safely out of reach of children)
10 things every mum needs in her travel First Aid Kit
Paediatric Paracetamol or Ibuprofen sachets
To have on the plane in case the air pressure hurts their ears and superb painkillers to have to hand anyway.
Paediatric Piriton
In case they have a mild allergic reaction to new foods, stings etc…
A couple of calico triangular bandages
Superb versatile sterile non-fluffy material, ideal to stop bleeding, easy cover for head wounds, elbows, knees, mouths – pretty much anywhere and can be folded to make a flat supportive bandage or used for a sling.
An instant ice pack
Can be activated when you need it (without a freezer). Wrap and then apply to a bump or bruise to reduce swelling.
Non-adherent dressings for grazes and micropore tape
To secure them to the wound. A couple of finger bandages and small bandage-style dressings are useful too.
Burn Gel
Use after cooling a burn under cool running water for at least 10 minutes, or helpful if burnt when there is no running water available Also great for sunburn.
Tough cut scissors
To cut off clothes and good quality tweezers to remove a splinter or sea urchin spines.
Plasters
For short term covering of a wound. Remove as soon as possible, clean and then cover with an appropriate dressing, as plasters can lead to wounds becoming soggy.
Sterile wipes
To clean a wound or pods of saline and some gauze squares – the saline is also useful to irrigate sand out of eyes.
Small crepe bandage
To provide a support bandage for an injured limb.
More details about what to put in your First Aid kit and pictures of the individual items can be found on our website www.firstaidforlife.org.uk
Ever considered attending a practical or online First Aid course relevant to the particular needs of your holiday and family?
First Aid for Life provides this information for guidance and it is not in any way a substitute for medical advice. First Aid for Life is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made, or actions taken based on this information. It is strongly advised that you attend a practical First Aid course to understand what to do in a medical emergency.
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