Not all heroes wear capes or work in hospitals. Think, for example, of paramedics and paramedics. Even if they work everywhere, from sporting events to shopping malls, and don’t have all the tools and machines that doctors have, they can still do a lot – with very little – to save lives. Your secret? Behind every good first aider is well-equipped equipment.
It can also be beneficial for every traveler to take a few medical supplies with them in their hand luggage or in the car. Yes, it can be hard to justify setting aside space for items you may not use (and hopefully never need). But just as you wouldn’t cruise without a life jacket or fly without an oxygen mask, you also shouldn’t travel without the essentials that will make your time on the road more enjoyable and potentially make the difference between life and death.
If this sounds dramatic, just talk to a paramedic. From adults bleeding to children breaking out in hives, they’ve seen it all. And if the idea of building your own mini medic kit for travel seems overwhelming, don’t worry. Travel & Leisure recently spoke to several paramedics and medical professionals. Here are 12 products, all starting at just $4 on Amazon, that you should pack for your next trip.
Holii pill organizer
Amazon
Forget your gear for a second. First of all, Mark Browne, the paramedic and president and chief operating officer of NDP EMS, says it’s important to remember the prescription medications. “Replacing medications you forget at home can be difficult,” Browne told T+L. Additionally, he recommends packing extra pills in case there are travel delays.
This best-selling pill organizer on Amazon has nearly 11,000 five-star reviews and is a great tool for packing individual pills when you don’t want to carry entire bottles. It has eight compartments and comes with pre-made and blank adhesive labels so you know exactly which pills are in each compartment.
“This meets my needs and exceeded my expectations,” wrote one shopper who decided to try this pill container after it was recommended by flight attendants. Of course, you don’t have to use it for recipes. It’s also great for storing vitamins, over-the-counter medications, and even spare earrings.
Tweezers Guru Tweezers
Amazon
Browne, a father who enjoys traveling by train, also never goes anywhere without a pair of tweezers. “They are useful for many things, but especially for ticks that have taken up residence,” he explains. Currently 50 percent off and boasting over 41,400 five-star reviews, these stainless steel tweezers from Guru Tweezers are sharp enough for even the most stubborn ingrown hairs. They also come in 10 fun colors. While no travel case is included, protective tip caps are included to keep the tips sharp during transport.
Of course, these tweezers don’t just work on blood-sucking bugs and unruly eyebrows. One shopper who does a lot of woodworking left this review: “If you’re looking for a pair of tweezers that will help you pull out almost any splinters stuck in your skin, look no further.”
Clever Health Instant Cold Packs
Amazon
Ice is great, but it’s not easy to travel with and can be difficult to find, especially when traveling off the beaten track. For this reason, Browne recommends putting one or two disposable instant cold packs in your bag. “They’re perfect for relieving headaches or minor pain after a fall,” he says.
These Clever Health Instant Cold Packs have more than 2,700 five-star reviews and require no refrigeration. To activate it, simply press until the bag inside pops open. Then shake the pack. In just a few seconds it will be cool to the touch and ready to treat your injury.
“My son has tendinitis and was on a trip that involved a lot of walking,” one parent wrote in their five-star review. “The ice packs were perfect for him to relieve the pain at night.”
Flexible fabric adhesive bandages from the Band-Aid brand
Amazon
Meanwhile, Ken Martin, paramedic and deputy chief of operations at NDP EMS, believes a little Band-Aid can go a long way. “They work wonders for young children who are bothered by minor bumps and bruises,” he says. Of course he likes them because they also protect wounds from infection. These special Band-Aid tapes have nearly 40,000 five-star reviews and an impressive 4.8-star average rating. They are also a number one Amazon bestseller. (Although adhesive plasters come in convenient travel packs, it’s much cheaper to buy them in bulk.)
“They won’t disintegrate or fall apart after washing your hands!” wrote one shopper, calling them the “armored knights of the first-aid kingdom.” The fabric they’re made of is not only durable, but also super flexible, so they won’t come loose even if they’re in a tricky spot like an ankle or a knee.
Wet Ones antibacterial towels
Amazon
According to Miami-Dade Fire Department Lieutenant Tina Guiler, there is virtually no excuse for poor hand hygiene while traveling. The 24-year paramedic and founder of the Triple F Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting female first responders, recommends packing hand wipes for every traveler.
Although there are many to choose from, these antibacterial towels from Wet Ones kill 99.9 percent of bacteria and germs and have more than 13,800 five-star reviews. In fact, they’re so popular that more than 10,000 copies were sold last month alone. For $19, you get 20 travel-sized packs of 10 wipes each. Each pack features Wet Ones’ signature Wet Lock seal, ensuring they won’t dry out even if left in a hot car.
And unlike hand sanitizers, Wet Ones are always TSA friendly and can be used for a variety of purposes. Take it easy from this savvy shopper: “I use them when I travel, to wipe down surfaces around me on airplanes, to wipe down shopping cart handles before going shopping, and to hold the gas pump at the gas station.”
LuxoGear emergency whistles
Amazon
If you think only referees and lifeguards need whistles, think again. “Using your voice to call for help in an emergency can drain your energy more quickly, potentially reducing your chances of survival,” Gavin Dawson, a physician assistant working for Global Emergency Medics, told Travel & Leisure. That’s why he always travels with an emergency whistle. These LuxoGear emergency whistles have more than 5,100 five-star reviews and are so loud they can be heard from more than a mile away.
A traveler who left a five-star review called his LuxoGear emergency whistle a “lifesaver” after he got separated from his group in Zion National Park. Fortunately, they managed to reunite with their companions, who also had whistles and could whistle to communicate their location. Of course, these whistles are also useful for deterring predators.
Nuun Sport electrolyte tablets
Amazon
It’s difficult to stay hydrated on the go. That’s why Katie McCann, a retired HCPC paramedic, recommends traveling with electrolyte tablets. They contain ingredients like sodium, magnesium, calcium, and potassium that help your body hydrate faster. “They are especially helpful in hot climates or after physical exertion,” she says. These Nuun Sport Electrolyte Tablets have more than 28,400 five-star reviews and are ranked fifth on Amazon’s best-selling sports nutrition electrolyte replacement drink list. They come in a pack of four, with each TSA-friendly (and pocket-friendly) tube containing 10 tablets.
“I’m an international flight attendant and use this to maximize my hydration,” wrote one shopper, who said they’re encouraged to drink more water because Nuun is so delicious. The vegan tablets sweetened with stevia are available in the flavors tropical, strawberry lemonade and fruit punch.
Swiss Safe 2-in-1 first aid kit
Amazon
McCann also never leaves the house without her Swiss Safe 2-in-1 first aid kit. “It’s compact and contains what you need to treat minor injuries.” While there are tons of first aid kits out there, this particular kit has 9,400 five-star reviews and is a bestseller on Amazon. It’s a great choice for travelers as you get two kits for the price of one. The larger set of 120 medical-grade items, including antiseptic wipes, trauma scissors, bladder relief pads and a sewing kit, is perfect for car trips. Meanwhile, the mini set, which includes an additional 32 items including first aid tape, a CPR mask and stitch relief pads, easily fits in your handbag.
One traveler’s review says, “You get everything you’d expect from a travel first aid kit, and it’s well organized and such that it doesn’t become a puzzle when trying to put things back.” “
Neosporin Original antibiotic ointment
Amazon
Although she is not a paramedic, Dr. Edna Skopljak is a doctor and knows that every paramedic’s kit and travel bag needs antibiotic ointment. “Ensuring that wounds heal without complications is a must,” says Dr. Skoplyak. She prefers Neosporin Original antibiotic ointment. It has an average rating of 4.8 stars from more than 53,000 reviews and is the top seller on Amazon’s best-selling first aid ointment list. When you use Neosporin on cuts, abrasions and burns, you can rest assured that they will be protected from infection for 24 hours. And because an antibiotic ointment helps wounds heal faster, the risk of scarring is lower.
Since this tube only holds one ounce, it is also TSA friendly. “This was perfect for my daughter’s trip to Europe and prevented a really bad bite from becoming infected while she was there,” recalled one shopper.
Benadryl Allergy Ultra TAB 100
Amazon
Kean Christensen, a paramedic in Montana, is one of several medical professionals who say it’s always wise to have an antihistamine on hand. “Benadryl is the gold standard,” said Christensen, an avid camper and father of three. “It can treat many allergic reactions, whether caused by plants, foods, or insect bites.” Although it is available in gel capsules and as a liquid, these easy-to-swallow tablets have an impressive average rating of 4.8 stars at over 42,400 reviews on Amazon and is suitable for children ages six and up.
Another use for Benadryl? Since its active ingredient is diphenhydramine HCl, it can also be used as a sleep aid (consult your doctor first so you know how much to take), which is handy when crossing time zones. “Also suitable for longer flights” is the title of a five-star review.
QuikClot gauze
Amazon
Ideally, everyone has a tourniquet in their pocket, according to Matt Strain, a Billings firefighter and first responder. “When used correctly, it controls bleeding.” Still, he points out that it is often more practical to travel with combat gauze, which also slows heavy bleeding. Amazon’s bestselling QuikClot Gauze is recommended by doctors, law enforcement, and the military. Because these travel-friendly patches contain kaolin, a mineral that speeds up your body’s natural blood clotting, you’ll find bleeding stops up to five times faster.
On Amazon, QuikClot Gauze has more than 6,700 five-star reviews and is so popular that more than 4,000 units were sold last month alone. One traveler’s review states, “My husband was on several different blood thinners and this was a must-have in my first aid kit. It saved his day several times when he fell or scratched himself.”
ACE 3 inch elastic bandage with clips
Amazon
More than 4,000 ACE 3-inch elastic bandages with clips were also sold last month. Personally, Strain is a big fan of ACE bandages because they are so versatile. “Although ACE bandages are incredibly lightweight, they can be used to provide support and reduce swelling, whether you’ve injured a muscle or a joint,” he explains. On Amazon, the ACE 3-Inch Elastic Bandage with Clips has more than 1,600 five-star reviews. It’s a bestseller because it comes with easy-to-use, innovative hooks that keep the bandage in place.
One happy buyer summed it up: “They hit the nail on the head with the stretchy hooks. I hate the old fashioned clip hooks but used them because I knew. These new hooks are the way to go!”
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