Travel Smart: Pack These First Aid Kit Essentials in Your Suitcase

Date Published: September 18, 2024

From the minute you decide where to go, to planning the sights to see, and determining what to pack, traveling is exciting! No matter where you’re headed next, don’t forget about a first aid kit or car emergency kit for traveling.

At a loss for what to pack? We’ve got you covered with a travel first aid kit essentials checklist!

Common Injuries While Traveling

When assembling a first aid kit for traveling, start by identifying what illnesses and injuries are most likely to occur and contemplate where you’re going. The range of injuries that could occur while traveling vary greatly depending on location. For example, are you camping where injuries like bug bites, ticks or stings are more likely? Or are you traveling to a warmer climate where heat exhaustion and sunburn risk are heightened?

Additionally, account for the trip duration, number of people in your group, existing medical conditions, and proximity of medical care should anyone need it.

A few common injuries that occur while traveling include:

• Motorcycle Accident (Source: CDC)
• Asthma, Stroke, Cardiac Arrest (Source: CDC)
• Allergic reactions
• Dehydration
• Falls and cuts
• Fractures
• Insect bites

What to Put in a Travel First Aid Kit

A good first aid kit for traveling includes things you may need to help you manage basic health issues. Keep in mind, this isn’t an all-inclusive checklist — especially if space is limited. But there are a few essentials for every travel first aid kit, whether you’re traveling with an infant or going on an international trip.

Basic First Aid Kit Essentials

• Adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
• Adhesive first aid tape
• Aloe Vera gel for the treatment of minor burns
• Antibacterial ointment
• Alcohol wipes or Antiseptic wipes or spray
• Cotton pads and swabs
• Disposable latex-free exam gloves
• Disposable masks
• Elastic bandage wraps
• First aid guide
• Gauze
• Hydro-colloid blister plasters
• Instant cold pack
• Medical tape
• Medication (pain relief, antacids, anti-diarrhea, cold and cough, motion sickness, and antihistamines)
• Saline packets to wash out wounds
• Scissors
• Steri-strips
• Thermometer
• Topical corticosteroids for symptomatic relief of bites, stings, and other skin irritations
• Tweezers

The medication you choose to include in your first aid kits for travel varies depending on your expected needs. Aside from a few essentials as mentioned above, don’t forget to add prescription medications. Also consider who you’re traveling with – for example, if you’re bringing along a baby or young child, don’t forget to pack an infant first aid kit for your travels with age-appropriate medications.

When traveling with any type of medication — over the counter or prescription — there are a few things to remember:

• All medications should be kept in their original packaging, regardless of whether they are prescribed or over-the-counter purchases. This makes medications easily identifiable, helping you get through security stations with ease and avoid any misunderstandings.
• Plan enough medication for your trip including an additional supply in case your trip is unexpectedly extended.
• For an existing medical condition that requires medication, consult your healthcare practitioner before you travel. Ask if there is anything you need to be aware of or food in other medicines that may conflict—this baseline knowledge provides peace of mind especially when traveling to new places.
• Make copies of all prescriptions to help you to replace any if they are lost or stolen.

The American Red Cross has several first aid kits to review to give you a starting point:

Advanced Medical First Aid Kits

Think about carrying an advanced medical first aid kit for traveling or a customized international travel first aid kit based on your specific needs if you’re venturing to remote locations or extreme climates.

For example, you may need to include sterile equipment like lancets, assorted syringes, water purification tablets, or a Wilderness and Remote First Aid Emergency Reference Guide and Pocket Guide.

First Aid Courses and First Aid App

Having a well-planned first aid kit for traveling is only beneficial if you also know how to effectively use the items. Take a first aid training course to enhance your travel preparedness.

The free First Aid mobile app by the American Red Cross complements your first aid kit for traveling perfectly by making expert advice for everyday emergencies accessible — from the latest first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) techniques to the nearest hospital location. The Red Cross First Aid App keeps you updated on your lifesaving skills and provides step-by-step instructions for common first aid scenarios, which can be invaluable in an emergency.

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