Travel Carry-On First Aid Kit

As an avid traveler, and paramedic with 40 years of field experience, I carry a small first aid kit with me wherever I go when I go to another country. 

Before I begin, I am in no way telling you to carry any or all of these items, this is only a suggestion based on my experience. If you are allergic to any of these medications or are not comfortable having them in your kit, DO NOT ADD THEM TO YOUR KIT.

I purchase the small travel size of each item or get the foil pouch for each medication. These are all OTC (Over The Counter) medications and products and do not require a prescription. However, certain countries MAY get a little upset seeing all these medications. To be certain, check with your travel agent or ask your family physician for a note to carry the kit with you. 

This is the equipment I take in a very small bag and fits in my carry-on or backpack. Do not purchase large bottles of pills, this kit is meant as a travel or carry-on. Extra stock can go in your checked luggage. I purchased a small bag from Sands or just use a zip lock bag. My kit is 4 x 6 x 1 inches. 

  • ASA x 6: pain relief and anti-coagulant

  • Tylenol or Acetaminophen x 6: pain relief and fever reducer

  • Advil or Ibuprofen x 6: pain relief and anti-inflammatory 

  • Gravol x 6: for nausea (I use Gravol ginger, you don’t want to be falling asleep while traveling)

  • Benadryl x 6: for minor allergic reactions

  • Immodium x 4: Stop any sudden gut reactions while traveling

  • Epi-Pen or Allerject x 1: for severe allergic reactions emergencies

  • Robaxacet x 4: for severe back pain

  • Burn gel x 2: for minor burns (you can get burn relief gel in tiny travel-sized packets)

  • Superglue x 1: skin closure for severe lacerations (Practice before using it, don’t get any glue inside the wound) buy the tiny tubes, not the big ones. 

  • Butterfly strips x 6: skin closure for minor to severe lacerations

  • 2 x 2 sterile gauze x 2: to clean the wound before you apply a skin closure

  • Assortment of band-aids: for minor cuts and blisters

  • Individual pouches of electrolyte powder x 2: for rehydration

  • Individual foil pouches of hand sanitizer x 4: to sanitize hands and surfaces on planes, buses

  • N95 masks x 1: for airborne safety

NOTE: always carry your prescription meds in their original bottles and to be safe, ask your physician for a letter listing your meds. 

I hope you never have to use the kit.