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For Summer Travel, Bring Along Your "Vacation Medicine Chest"

As you prepare for your vacation this summer, some key items should make it to the very top of the packing list, and it’s not your swimsuit and sandals.

John J. Russell, M.D., a family medicine physician on the staff at Abington Memorial Hospital, stresses the importance of being prepared for emergencies by bringing a cell phone and packing a medical kit. “Nothing can ruin a vacation like being unprepared for a medical emergency,” says Russell. “When traveling, we often don’t have access to the things we need, because we are often in unfamiliar surroundings or maybe even traveling in a remote area. It helps to be prepared with the basics.”

Russell says that each medical kit should include: cold packs; pain/fever reducers; sunscreen with SPF greater than 30; anti-diarrhea medication; bandages; antibacterial and antiseptic ointments; cough syrup; oral antihistamine; decongestant; adhesive tape; calibrated medicine dropper or cup; lotions for insect bites and stings; medical scissors; tweezers; small first aid manual; and prescription medicines.

If your itinerary includes a very remote area, you should include syrup of Ipecac to induce vomiting in case of accidental poisoning, rehydration fluids to treat infant diarrhea (if applicable) and epinephrine kits for bee stings and other allergic reactions. Epinephrine kits should be kept in a cool place.

Be sure to leave all medicines in their original containers; otherwise it may appear that you are transporting drugs illegally. Bring all relevant phone numbers for family and physicians and the medical insurance cards, as well as insurance claim forms, since some medical facilities may want to see these.

If they don’t already have one, says Russell, those with serious illnesses should obtain a medical alert bracelet. You may also want to find out in advance where the nearest hospitals or 24-hour clinics are in your point of destination and along the way. Ask your insurance company if any doctors in the destination city accept your insurance. If you are flying, carry your medicines with you, rather than storing them with the luggage, which may get lost during travel. With all of this careful planning, you can go on to relax and have a good time!

Courtesy of Abington Memorial Hospital