As you get ready to pack for your family’s summer road trip, it’s important to take stock of your first-aid kit and medical supplies. What should you include?
Let’s break down some helpful ideas to help prepare you for medical problems or injuries that may arise during your summer road trip.
Basic Items for a Road Trip First-Aid Kit
When it comes to medical needs and concerns, each family is unique. As a result, the ideal travel first-aid kit will look a bit different for each family.
Here are some basic items that you may consider including in a kit for family road trips:
- Adhesive bandages of assorted sizes.
- Butterfly bandage closures (such as Steri-Strips).
- One or more elastic wrap bandages (such as an ACE wrap).
- Gauze pads or gauze rolls (individually wrapped and sterile).
- Adhesive medical tape (to secure gauze).
- Antibiotic ointment.
- Isopropyl alcohol prep pads for cleaning the skin.
- Alcohol-based hand cleaner.
- Disposable gloves.
- Masks.
- Bandage scissors.
- Tweezers (for removing slivers, ticks, or insect stingers).
- Thermometer.
- Disposable, instant cold packs.
- Sunscreen.
- Aloe vera gel for sunburns.
- Insect repellent spray.
- Water purification tablets or a water filtration device, if applicable.
Possible medications to consider including in your family road trip first-aid kit include:
- Antibiotic ointment for cuts or wounds.
- Pain and fever-reducing medications like Ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
- Antihistamines for allergies (such as Zyrtec, Claritin, or Benadryl).
- Antacids for acid reflux or stomach upset.
- Anti-nausea medications for motion sickness or other nausea.
- Cough medicine.
- Medication for traveler’s diarrhea (such as Pepto-Bismol).
- Epinephrine auto-injector (e.g., EpiPen or others) if a member of your family has been prescribed one.
- Any regular medications you or a member of your family requires. Ensure you have an ample supply of these in case of delays on your trip.
Ready for the Unexpected: Road Trip Safety
Consider Your Destination
Where you’re headed can help you determine what to pack for your summer road trip. The activities you have planned are also important factors to consider. What first-aid supplies might you need for biking or boating?
Are you heading for the beach? Bring sunscreen to help prevent sunburns and aloe vera gel for sunburn relief. Consider electrolyte packets or drinks to help replenish electrolytes. Breathable clothing, hats, and beach umbrellas can help keep everyone cool and protected from sunburn and dehydration.
Are you going camping and hiking? Be sure to include relevant items you may need, such as elastic wraps in case of sprains, insect repellent, and wound care supplies (antibiotic ointment, bandages, hydrocortisone ointment, etc.). Supplies for purifying water are a good idea to include.
Research Care Options
Before your trip, consider conducting some basic research in case you or a family member needs medical care. Look for urgent care clinics or hospitals in the areas you’ll be visiting. It’s a good idea to check which of these may be included in your health insurance network.
Bring Important Documents
Make sure you bring any medical documents or paperwork you may need on your road trip, including:
- Medication lists.
- Health history summaries.
- Contact information for family doctors or specialists.
- Any medical alert bands or necklaces you may need (for allergies, diabetes, etc.).
- Health insurance cards.
- Identification cards.
Thibodaux Regional Urgent Care Wishes You a Safe Vacation
Wherever you and your family travel, we hope these tips can help you prepare a first-aid kit and be ready for any health issues that may arise during your trip.
Thibodaux Regional Urgent Care provides top-tier, convenient urgent care in the Thibodaux, LA, area 7 days a week. Visit us at a location near you.
