First-aid kit essentials for your next overland trip

Everything you need to pack in your toiletry bag when you travel

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Over the years, our passion for adventure has led us to create original travel guides sold in over 70 countries worldwide. Our mission is to spread a travel philosophy based on adventure, freedom, improvisation and exploration. Our guides inspire travellers to explore the world's forgotten paths, encountering wilderness and civilization.

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The medical kit we present in this article has been prepared with the advice of the Hopitaux de Toulouse. Of course, this kit must be prescribed by a doctor and adapted to your personal needs. What’s more, some destinations require more specific treatments (anti-malaria treatment, treatment for altitude sickness, etc.) and special vaccinations. In this case, we recommend that you consult a specialist center if possible. Similarly, if you’re traveling with children, certain medications may be contraindicated. Keep medicines away from light and heat, and take a copy of the prescription with you.

Care and small equipment

 

  • Disinfectant : Biseptine, Hexomedine, Hibiscrub, Betadine…
  • Dressings, compresses, plasters, “double skin” dressings…
  • Eye irritation: Biocidan, Dacryoserum, single-dose physiological saline,…
  • Sun protection cream and sunburn treatment (Biafine)
  • Hydroalcoholic hand solution
  • Water disinfection: Aquatabs or Micropur DCCNa tablets
  • Thermometer
  • Condoms
  • Tweezers

Fighting pain and fever

 

  • Paracetamol: Doliprane, Efferalgan; Dafalgan
  • Anti-inflammatories (sciatica, lumbago, tendonitis): voltarene, Biprofenol, Ibuprofen… No aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs in Dengue zones.
  • Anti-spasmodics (stomach pain) : Spasfon
  • For heartburn: Maalox, Gaviscon

Fighting diarrhea

  • Tiorfan and Smecta in the first instance.
  • Loperamide.
  • Oral rehydration sachets for children : Adiaril

Fight against vomiting

  • Vogalene, Primperan

What should I do if I have diarrhoea?

The important thing is to avoid dehydration. As soon as diarrhea appears, and without waiting to feel thirsty, drink more: drinking water, light tea. You can also use Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS), especially for children. If you don’t have ORS, mix 6 level teaspoons of sugar and 1 level teaspoon of salt in a liter of drinking water. Beware: taking beverages with too much sugar can aggravate diarrhea. Continue to eat normally.

If diarrhea lasts more than 3 days and/or if stools are very frequent or contain blood and mucus, and in the event of repeated vomiting or fever (T>38°C) consult a doctor.

Antibiotics

  • Febrile or bloody diarrhea : Fluoroquinolone or Azithromycin
  • Urinary tract infection: Fluoroquinolone
  • ENT, pulmonary and skin infections: Augmentin

Fighting allergies

  • Antihistamines: Zyrtec, Aerius
  • Bronchodilator: Ventoline spray
  • Cortisone: Prednisolone
  • Adrenaline auto-injector pen: Anakit, Anahelp
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Food instructions

  • Hand washing is the most important preventive measure (before meals, after using the toilet, and as often as possible).
  • Drink bottled, filtered or purified water. Avoid ice cubes.
  • Limit raw food, unless it’s fruit or vegetables you’ve peeled or shelled yourself, or if it’s been washed.
  • Foods containing raw eggs (homemade mayonnaise, mousses, creams) may be at risk.
  • Artisanal ice creams are very risky.
tropical forest monkey

Mosquito control

  • Body repellents, preferably with icaridin or DEET 50%.
  • Permethrin-based clothing repellents 6% spray, 8% dip
  • Permethrin-impregnated mosquito nets

Fighting malaria

Seek medical advice.

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