Basic Medical Aid Kit

Q: I will be doing a drive through southern Africa with my family and would like to put together a basic medical aid kit. Do you have any recommendations? - Don Jackman

A: The most basic kit would include antiseptic cream, sunscreen, painkillers, plasters, gauze, small scissors or tweezers, a crepe bandage, latex gloves and a hand sanitiser. To that you should add anti-diarrhoea tablets, laxatives, fluid and electrolyte replacement medications, water purification tablets, insect repellant, antihistamines and a general antibiotic. You should also take along any prescription drug regularly used by any family member (with a letter and prescription from your doctor). While this is a basic list, you should consult your doctor, who will have a better idea of what medical problems your family might encounter. You could also buy one of the medical kits available at camping and adventure travel shops, which have many of the medications you would require. (16 Aug 2009)