You don't want a minor injury or medical problem to derail your travel plans. So be sure to make room for a first-aid kit with some basic essentials, especially if you're traveling internationally.
The University of Virginia Health System offers this list of items to take with you on your next trip:
- Over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin, ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
- Antihistamine, motion sickness, cold and cough, and anti-diarrhea medications.
- Bandages in different shapes and sizes, as well as gauze pads, tape and an elastic bandage.
- Tweezers, scissors and safety pins.
- Antibiotic ointment, hydrogen peroxide, hydrocortisone cream and bug spray.
- A pair of rubber gloves and a thermometer.
- A chemical cold pack for burns or sprains.
- A bottle of sunscreen.
If you or someone else has gotten a deep cut, it's important to stay calm and administer first aid.
The American College of Emergency Physicians offers these suggestions for treating a deep cut:
- Hold a clean cloth or bandage against the wound, and apply steady pressure.
- At the same time, hold the injured area above your heart (unless a limb is broken).
- If your bandage becomes soaked, leave it there and apply a fresh bandage on top of the old one.
- Try to gently rinse the cut with tap water only -- no antiseptics or soap.
- If after five minutes the cut continues to bleed, if the cut is very deep or wide, if it's located on the head, or otherwise looks serious, seek immediate medical attention.
No comments:
Post a Comment