What is in your travel First Aid kit?

[JC in CA]

Starting to think about all the little stuff for our upcoming fall Panama Canal cruise.  Wondering what everyone takes in their bags for first aid.  

So far I have:

bandaids

antibiotic cream

antacids

sunscreen

aloe for sunburns

bug repellent

tylenol

advil

 

thanks for all your thoughts!

Jerie

 

 

[wwcruisers]

Good list, Jerie! Some of those things can be purchased onboard -- but some can't.  Another couple of things that come in handy, if you -- or anyone you're traveling with -- is prone to seasickness: Bonine tablets and some form of ginger (I personally like Trader Joe's Ginger Mints).

[JC in CA]

Good idea on the Bonine- yes, I usually bring it, and thankfully haven't had to use it!

[TheOldBear]

Add

• Stool softener
• Imodium
• Eye Drops
• Antihistamine [Benadryl]

 

[navybankerteacher]

In addition to bandaids, we always carry non-stick gauze pads and easy-off paper tape for abrasions or larger cuts.  We also keep an eyeglass repair kit and temporary dental filling material.

[Cruiser_1977]

Hmm I'm thinking of what was in my dopp kit that isn't a daily use item:

• Ibuprofen
• Excedrin Migraine
• Tweezers
• Aloe Vera gel

 

[DRS/NC]

Cold medicine (dayquil/nightquil)

Any OTCs that you use at home

 

 

I keep a general packing list in my computer.  I don't plan to buy any OTCs on board -- too costly or may not be available.

 

[Kartgv]

Great list so far.   A couple of other things we add because we have chronic arthritis pain issues:   an old-fashioned ice bag (can use hot or cold) and lidocaine pain patches.   

[crystalspin]

3-COMPARTMENT

BATHROOM BAG:

Placquers

Sewing Kit

Emery Boards

-----------------

Chlorasceptic   Lozenges

Mucinex DM pills

nonstick gauze pads

Adhesive tape

Nu-skin tape

Skin wrap

Ace Bandage

Tums

Talcum Powder

-----------------

Small Bottles Tylenol

Ibuprofen

Benadryl

Peptobismal     chewables

RX: Transcope   patches

 

Those are all "dry"; in "wet" 3-1-1 bags:

Neosporin

DEET bugdope

Afterbite

Benadryl cream Coldsore treatment

[EatonDoolittle]

24 minutes ago, Kartgv said:

:   an old-fashioned ice bag

 

My paramedic friend found a mini one at the dollar store, (softball size, when filled with ice). 

I got myself one, and bring it now, along with an ace bandage to hold it in place in case of knee or ankle pain or injury. 

 

Also - an extra contact lens case. Learned that one the hard way. Nothing available on the ship, but I found a fellow cruiser who had one and shared.  One lives in my permanently packed cosmetic case now. 

 

[Warm Breezes]

1 hour ago, JC in CA said:

Starting to think about all the little stuff for our upcoming fall Panama Canal cruise.  Wondering what everyone takes in their bags for first aid.  

So far I have:

bandaids

antibiotic cream

antacids

sunscreen

aloe for sunburns

bug repellent

tylenol

advil

 

thanks for all your thoughts!

Jerie

 

 

Benedryl, Immodium, Tylenol Cold, Visine, Cortizone, Icy Hot

[ducklite]

Tweezers.  

 

I also bring Zofran (prescription) that is sublingual.  If motion sickness hits me hard, I can become dehydrated.  Fortunately I've only needed it once.

[clo]

Just as an aside, we call it our "what if" bag.  And for OTCs that don't look alike we have them two to a zipping bag.  Weighs less and takes up less space.

[calliopecruiser]

9 hours ago, JC in CA said:

Wondering what everyone takes in their bags for first aid.  

I'm supposed to take things in my bag for first aid?

Seriously:  there are a few bandaids and some triple antibiotic cream in my toiletries bag, and some Advil in my knapsack.  I add some anti-seasickness medication for cruises.  Other than that, it's just my prescription meds and an extra contact lens case.  I'm not going on a hiking adventure or into a backward rural country-side......I'll be able to find what I need should something happen, either from the ship's store, medical department, or somewhere at a port.  I'd rather risk spending an extra $10 or $15 than have to decide on the time and space to pack something I probably won't need.

(I didn't include sunscreen, which I do take, because I don't consider it a "first aid" item.  It's more like my daily face cream or toothpaste - a necessity to use before, not a way to fix a problem after.)

[Blondilu]

Eye drops, cold sore medicine, benadryl, Imodium, bandaids, antibiotic cream, cortisone cream, decongestant, pain reliever, antacid, pain cream, sea-sick meds.  Toenail clippers, a pair of tweezers, a very small eyeglass screwdriver.  It all fits in a pouch not much larger than my extended hand.  Separately, and even smaller, I carry a sewing kit:  needles, thread and some safety pins.

 

I have carried this stuff around for awhile and have never used most of it.  I think it makes just as much sense to buy it when you need it.  Even at elevated prices it can't be more expensive in the long run to get it as needed than to have to throw it out unopened and buy new.

 

Unless you need it in the middle of the night and the stores are closed.  I DO like to be prepared so maybe I'll just keep carrying it around.

 

 

 

 

[GUT2407]

Drugs that would get you sent to prison in many countries of the world.

[clo]

2 hours ago, calliopecruiser said:

I'm supposed to take things in my bag for first aid?

Seriously:  there are a few bandaids and some triple antibiotic cream in my toiletries bag, and some Advil in my knapsack.  I add some anti-seasickness medication for cruises.  Other than that, it's just my prescription meds and an extra contact lens case.  I'm not going on a hiking adventure or into a backward rural country-side......I'll be able to find what I need should something happen, either from the ship's store, medical department, or somewhere at a port.  I'd rather risk spending an extra $10 or $15 than have to decide on the time and space to pack something I probably won't need.

(I didn't include sunscreen, which I do take, because I don't consider it a "first aid" item.  It's more like my daily face cream or toothpaste - a necessity to use before, not a way to fix a problem after.)

Our entire "what if" meds fit easily in a gallon zipping bag.

[ducklite]

8 hours ago, calliopecruiser said:

I'm supposed to take things in my bag for first aid?

Seriously:  there are a few bandaids and some triple antibiotic cream in my toiletries bag, and some Advil in my knapsack.  I add some anti-seasickness medication for cruises.  Other than that, it's just my prescription meds and an extra contact lens case.  I'm not going on a hiking adventure or into a backward rural country-side......I'll be able to find what I need should something happen, either from the ship's store, medical department, or somewhere at a port.  I'd rather risk spending an extra $10 or $15 than have to decide on the time and space to pack something I probably won't need.

(I didn't include sunscreen, which I do take, because I don't consider it a "first aid" item.  It's more like my daily face cream or toothpaste - a necessity to use before, not a way to fix a problem after.)

We've learned to take some of our known brands of things like allergy medication (Allegra for example) as we have been in countries where the pharmacist spoke little English and all instructions for dosage and use are in a foreign language that doesn't even use the same alphabet set as we do.  I also would never rely on a ship's store to be open or stocked when I need something. 

Everything we take fits into a sandwich sized Baggie.  
 

Edited June 19, 2019 by ducklite

[calliopecruiser]

6 hours ago, clo said:

Our entire "what if" meds fit easily in a gallon zipping bag.

Exactly!

1 minute ago, ducklite said:

We've learned to take some of our known brands of things like allergy medication (Allegra for example) as we have been in countries where the pharmacist spoke little English and all instructions for dosage and use are in a foreign language that doesn't even use the same alphabet set as we do.

Yup, it can happen, and there are apps for that!  When I forgot my prescription meds on a trip to Europe, I was able to buy replacements behind the counter but non-rx, even though the pharmacist didn't speak much English.....I knew I was very fortunate, and was actually going to ask the pharmacist for a doctor's office who did speak English, but it turned out I didn't need an rx after all.   

Yes, you might not be able to get your known brand or favourite OTC product, but I'm OK with that. 

[SRF]

5 hours ago, ducklite said:

We've learned to take some of our known brands of things like allergy medication (Allegra for example) as we have been in countries where the pharmacist spoke little English and all instructions for dosage and use are in a foreign language that doesn't even use the same alphabet set as we do.  I also would never rely on a ship's store to be open or stocked when I need something. 

Everything we take fits into a sandwich sized Baggie.  
 

 

Better is to learn what the chemical name is, so you can buy overseas.

 

Dosage is the same in mg, so you do have to figure that out.  Google translate (with the camera function) can help with that.

 

 

[SRF]

The one thing I have seen only mentioned once, but missing from most lists, is Ducolax or similar.

 

Everything thinks of diarrhea, but serious constipation can be an issue also.

 

I also carry these for electrolyte replacement.  Both for hot weather (one or two a day is all you need) or if you get serious diarrhea.

 

https://www.amazon.com/Sqwincher-ZERO-Qwik-Stik-Electrolyte/dp/B011OU3C04

 

Much better for you than the sports drinks.  Less sodium, no sugar, and higher potassium.

[ducklite]

1 minute ago, SRF said:

 

Better is to learn what the chemical name is, so you can buy overseas.

 

Dosage is the same in mg, so you do have to figure that out.  Google translate (with the camera function) can help with that.

 

 

Or you can just bring a small supply of things you might need.  I have no problem giving up a sandwich sized space in my suitcase for a small emergency medical kit.

[SRF]

Not saying to not bring a small supply.  But was commenting on getting more, if you run out, or if you forgot something.

 

 

[Itchy&Scratchy]

12 hours ago, clo said:

Our entire "what if" meds fit easily in a gallon zipping bag.

really? Must not have very many meds.

There are three of us (2 adults, 1 kid), and our meds fit into 3 gallon sized ziplock bags. One per person. We dedicate an entire backpack to carry these 3 gallon bag.

[CruiseRonJulie]

We use an over sized daily pill container. It obviously has seven spots. Use one spot for each of things like: 

Advil, Tums, motion sickness, sinus meds, anti-diarrhea,

pills.webp

Edited June 19, 2019 by CruiseRonJulie
Adding picture