What Supplies Should Be in a Traveler’s First Aid Kit?

So, what does a traveling doctor carry in her first aid kit? It really depends on where I’m traveling, but I always carry the following:

*Bandages of various sizes

*Gauze pads

*Sterile wipes, such as disposable alcohol pads

*Antibiotic ointment, such as Bacitracin

*Pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen

*Antihistamines, such as Benadryl‍‍

*Antacids, such as Tums, Pepcid, Pepto Bismol, GasX

*Tweezers

*Scissors (small)

*Thermometer

*Flashlight (small)

*Whistle

*Duct tape (beyond repairing and securing things, think emergency splints or bandages)

I don’t necessarily need all of those things, and I can purchase them in a lot of countries, however, if I do need them, I don’t want to waste my time trying to find them, especially in another language. Also, if I’m visiting a third-world country or country with less evolved medical infrastructure, I carry prescription medications such as antibiotics, including something for travelers’ diarrhea, bronchitis or pneumonia, skin infection, and bladder and/or yeast infections.

When you create your own travel kit, you may also want to include items that are specific to your needs or activities. For example, if you are hiking, you may want to include items for treating cuts, scrapes, and blisters. If you are camping, you may want to include items for treating insect bites, animal bites, and burns. If you are in remote areas or places with limited resources, you may need antibiotics.

It is a good idea to check your first-aid kit regularly and replace any items that are expired or that have been used.