I’m a mom and I’m a prepper. So it’s only natural that I always have a complete, easy-to-carry first aid kit ready inside our cabinet at all times!
However, I am also a minimalist. So you can be sure it’s most definitely compact and contains only our absolute essentials! 😉
I shared a clip of it on my Instagram a few days ago and got a ton of messages asking for the list of contents so, here it is! Hope you find it helpful and that it encourages you also to prepare one for your family.
Our Emergency + Travel First Aid Kit:
Like I said, our first aid kit serves two purposes: for travel and for emergencies. It’s located on top of our medical cabinet (yes, this is separate from our well-stocked medical cabinet) so that it’s easy to reach and grab when needed.
As a travel first aid kit: it’s what we bring with us during trips. Usually enough to cover us for 3-5 days so that I don’t have to go to a local drugstore when in another country. I pack more for longer trips.
As an emergency kit: it’s what I plan on stuffing in our go-bag when there’s an emergency (example: an immediate need to evacuate.) Note that we have basic meds on our go-bags but this is more comprehensive.
The Bag Itself
I have gone through many different pouches and bags but this is by far my favorite and the most useful. It’s 8.5 x 5 x 5″; spacious enough but not too bulky. It has a handle for easy carrying and it’s made of leather with a clear plastic window for easy viewing.
I got this bag and had it personalized from Booths Republic. This is called their “square clear kit.”
Can I just say, I really love that it says FIRST AID KIT instead of my name! 😉
What’s Inside Our Bag:
NOTE: These are the contents for our family of 4 with 2 adults, 1 child (5yo) and 1 baby (1yo) plus provisions for an extra adult since we usually travel with a nanny.
Please use my list merely as a guide. It is NOT comprehensive (meaning, I didn’t, for example, list down meds specific for other conditions which none of us have) because I only took into consideration our personal needs.
FEVER:
- Paracetamol: Adults (Biogesic)
- Paracetamol Drops: Baby (Calpol)
- Paracetamol Syrup: Child (Calpol) *
- Ibuprofen + Paracetamol: Adults (Alaxan FR)
- Ibuprofen: Kids (Dolan)
* If you wanna go super minimalist, you can stick with just the drops (instead of having to bring a huge syrup bottle) and consult with your pedia regarding dosage. I personally bring a syrup bottle even though it’s bulky, just because.
COUGH/COLDS:
- Mucolytic (Solmux) *
- Nasal Decongestant (Decolgen) *
- Lozenges (Dequadin, Strepsils)
- Kamillosan Spray
- Manuka Honey in sachet
- Saline spray (Salinase)
* Normally, we don’t use these (Solmux and Decolgen) when we have the flu but I included a couple of pieces on our kit, just in case we really need it.
ASTHMA & ALLERGIES:
- NSS Solution
- Ventolin/Asmalin Nebules
- Duavent Nebules
- Flixotide Nebules
- Cetirizine (ex. Allerkid)
- Antihistamine (ex. Benadryl)
* All the different nebules are because my son’s pedia sometimes switches the meds depending on severity.
STOMACH:
- Loperamide (Diatabs)
- Erceflora
- Oral Rehydration Salts (Hydrite)
- Electrolyte Drink Mix for Kids (Vivalyte)
- Water Purification Tablets (Aquatabs)
EXTERNAL:
- Bandages of different sizes
- Hirudoid
- Arnicare Gel: for bumps, bruises, especially for kids
- Antibiotic Ointment (Polysporin)
- Elica: for Eczema, extreme rash
- Anti-itch lotion (Suu Balm)
SUPPLEMENTS:
- Vitamin C
- Probiotics
- Multivitamins
- Fiber Gummies
- Elderberry Gummies: for immunity
- Manuka Honey in sachets
OTHERS:
- Antibiotics for adults
- Antibiotics for kids
* Complete set for 1 course.
SUPPLIES:
- Portable Nebulizer: FeelLife Airpro 4
- Nasal Suction: Laerdal Penguin Suction
- Medicine Dropper
- Measuring Cup
- Syringe for NSS Solution
- Face masks: Surgical kind, including for kids
Final Tips:
- Include a list of the dosage of the medicines already.
- Don’t forget to make sure it’s up to date according to the age of your babies and kids.
- Always bring a little bit of extra especially for maintenance meds because you’ll never know when you’ll get delayed or stranded (and for how long!)
If you think I missed out on something, please let me know in the comments below!