Your personal first aid kit checklist

Put your own basic first aid kit together

With this first aid kit checklist I want to help you to put your personal first aid items for an Outback trip together. In fact, this list of first aid kit supplies can be used for any holiday trip in the world. My suggestions are just for a general first aid kit, and by no means perfect.

When you have already a basic first aid kit from your last trip, check the use by dates, and replace all old and worn out packages.

Being prepared for all kinds of emergencies is part of the Outback safety. You can put your mind at rest when you carry the essentials to manage minor emergencies. And hey, isn't all that planning and searching for the right stuff part of the fun? :)

First aid kit checklist

These are the items I usually take with me. This first aid kit information is only a recommendation. It should NEVER replace your doctor's advice and your own judgment. What you need depends on your destination, and how remote and rough your trip will be.

• band-aids - various sizes - for small wounds, cuts, scratches
• sterile gauze dressings - various sizes - to cover larger wounds
• light elastic bandage - 8 cm x 4 m - to fix sterile gauze dressings
• elastic bandage/bandage crepe heavy duty- 8 cm x 5 m - to immobilise a limb or for pressure immobilisation to treat a snake bite
• roll of adhesive tape - you can fix many things with it
• bandage triangular - for slings
• wound cleansing tissue - individual packed moist tissues to clean wounds
• alcohol pads - useful to clean instruments

• scissors
• tweezers
• safety pins
• antiseptic cream
• cream or gel for burns
• eye wash / artificial tears phials - very useful if you have dry eyes, or your eyes become irritated because of the dust and sunshine in the Outback
• antihistamine cream and pills - for insect bites and mild allergic reactions.
• tea tree oil - that's definitely my personal insider tip to treat mosquito bites. This unique Australian remedy is also a great antiseptic. People with sensitive skin should use the oil with caution.
• insect repellent - this helps to get rid of annoying mozzies and prevents illness caused by mosquito bites.
• sun block cream - one of the most important things to take with you. Don't forget to apply sun cream daily in the Australian Outback.
• pain killers - Aspirin, Paracetamol - for minor pain and fever
• activated charcoal tablets - to stop diarrhea, also used to absorb food poison
• antacid tablets - when your tummy gets upset
• mineral & vitamin tablets - you won't always get fresh fruits and vegetables on an Outback trip, so I take them if the diet is not balanced
• disposable gloves
• multi-use tool - Swiss Army knife, or Leatherman
• notepad and pencil
• a record of your health problems and your personal medications

Check out excellent first aid kits and other travel health products

Don't forget to check your medicine chest at home. The items you store there might be useful to take for your trip. The health advice for travellers section has more tips for you. I hope you'll find the first aid kit checklist helpful.

Have a safe and healthy Outback trip!