Prepare the Best Travel First Aid Kit

This is something not many do, but should. It can really make a difference in a critical situation on the road, in the backcountry or on any other expedition where first aid might be needed.

Updating your first aid kit is crucial, as it could be the difference between proper healing or an infection, staying in the back country or being evacuated to the hospital, and sometimes even the difference between life and death.

Here are a few tips on how to make the best First Aid Kit for those non-life-threatening injuries.

1. Buy a starter kit. There are many great ones available on Amazon. It is more cost effective to purchase a pre-made kit than creating one from scratch. Buying a starter kit and adding to it is the best option.

2. Make sure you add a pair or two of non-latex gloves to avoid any cross contamination and practice proper hygiene.

3. Make sure all items are up to date and check the expiration dates on ointments, creams, medications, etc.

4. Here are great additional pieces to consider:

• SAM Splint (sturdy and flexible for a variety of injuries)
• Irrigation Syringe (great for precision in cleaning out wounds)
• Transparent Dressing (great for monitoring wounds; waterproof and transparent)
• Waterproof Blister Bandages (quality bandage effective in all weather conditions)
• Triangular Bandages (great for holding up splints)
• Oral Hydration Salts (great source of electrolytes in a time of need)

There are many other great pieces one can include in their kit. Most importantly, it is vital to customize the kit depending on one’s lifestyle, region and travel destination. For instance, if one is prone to allergies, it would be beneficial to keep a Benadryl or Allegra in the kit. Customize the kit to suit your lifestyle and keep it in the house, the car or your backpack. It could save you or someone else’s life.