LIFESTYLE NEWS - A minor medical incident can spoil a fun-filled holiday without proper action being taken.
First aid kits range from a very basic to a comprehensive bag, depending on your travel destination. Obviously what you will need depends on your medical training and level of expertise.
ER24 paramedics give the following advice on what to pack in your travel first aid kit:
• Tweezers
• Scissors
• Safety Pins
• First Aid Dressings
• 2 or 3 Rolls of Bandages
• Eye Pad
• Triangular Bandage
• Gauze Swabs
• Plasters
• Antiseptic Cream
• Burn Dressing
• Antiseptic Wound Cleaner
• Latex Gloves (If you are allergic to Latex, use non-Latex Gloves)
• CPR Mouthpiece
• Personal Medication
• Sunscreen
• Personal information
Although this is very basic, you can still add your own items to the bag. It is important that, should you pack your personal medication in your first aid kit, you label it as personal medication. If you are faced with an emergency, you can follow easy steps to ensure that you provide the best possible assistance.
Always ensure your safety first. Do not touch any blood or other body fluids if you do not have medical gloves on. Some of the most common injuries sustained while on holiday can range from a minor scrape to a deep cut. Should you be faced with a situation where a person sustains a deep cut and is bleeding profusely, apply direct pressure with a clean cloth or bandage and seek medical help.
Do not pour any liquid or cream into the wound. You can rinse the wound with clean water if needed. Burn wounds are also very common and it is advised that you only use an approved burn dressing. Do not apply any cream, butter, toothpaste or any other substance onto the burn. Rinse the affected area with cool clean water. Should the burn be severe and is forming blisters or if the skin is peeling, seek medical help immediately. Be prepared and know the number of the local emergency services or speed dial should you stay in a hotel or lodge.
For more information visit ER24's website at www.er24.co.za.
- Mossel Bay Advertiser
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