10 FIRST AID TIPS WHEN TRAVELLING

Accidents can happen, sometimes far from home. Below are some tips to keep in mind when planning your next adventure.

1) Pack your medical kit to fit the environment you are going to (for example, if off to the Amazon, pack insect repellent. If off to the desert, pack oral rehydration salts). What you need for Paris will be different for what you need for Bangkok. Don’t forget to check the expiry date on the medicines in your first aid kit.

2) Go to a travel clinic before hand to see what vaccinations are mandatory or recommended. A good resource site for up to date information is www.cdc.gov. If your doctor gives you an antibiotic, take it only as prescribed or if experiencing symptoms.

3) If you are experiencing pain, don’t wait for it to get worse. Get it treated right away. Try to prevent minor injuries like cuts and scratches from becoming major ones (be especially cautious in tropical countries where infections are more susceptible).

4) If you travel frequently in the backcountry, it’s worthwhile to take a wilderness first aid course. This intensive course is generally 2-4 days in length, and covers a wide variety of content from wound management to spine assessments.

5) Make sure you have international medical insurance. Check what the coverage is and make sure it covers all the activities you will be doing.

6) Before drinking the tap water, make sure it is safe to drink. When in doubt, use bottled water. In most developing countries bottled water is readily available and cheap. If you have a sensitive stomach, use bottled water for brushing your teeth as well.

7) If eating at food stalls, check to make sure the food is being stored properly, especially if it needs to stay cool. Avoid salads, as well as fruits that can’t be peeled as they could have been washed in untreated water. The same goes for ice cubes (with this said, some of the best food I have had when traveling was street food. Don’t avoid food stalls just use caution when choosing which one to dine at).

8) The Sun. Never estimate the strength of the sun and don’t be fooled by an overcast sky. I will never forget being in a supermarket in New Zealand and a stranger coming up to me to lecture me on sunscreen and how the sun is much stronger in New Zealand in comparison to other places. I guess my nose was looking particularly like Rudolph that day! Make sure you have the appropriate sunscreen with you and use it. Also don’t forget to pack a wide-brimmed hat and good sunglasses.

9) If traveling to high altitude, take it easy your first few days, eat light meals and avoid caffeine and alcohol. Be aware of the signs of altitude sickness, and if need be, proceed to a lower altitude.

10) If in mosquito zones, use insect repellant and cover your arms, legs and feet with a layer of clothing (that is if you don’t want to have bites all over you). This can also prevent you from getting mosquito-borne diseases.

Safe Travels,
BikeHike