Home and travel first aid kit: What it should contain and how to use it correctly

Whether you're going on vacation, a weekend at the cottage, or just want to be prepared at home, a properly equipped first aid kit will help us can significantly ease the situation in a crisis, whether it is a minor injury, sudden pain or first aid for a more serious problem.

In this article you will find an overview of what should not be missing in it, as well as practical advice on how to use individual items.

Basic contents of a home first aid kit

For regular use at home, we recommend having the following groups of tools:

Bandage and covering material

Sterile squares and gauze
Band-aids of various sizes (including waterproof ones)
Elastic bandage
Triangular bandage (for limb fixation)

Disinfection and wound treatment

Antiseptic, disinfectant solution
Antimicrobial gel or spray
Tweezers (e.g. for removing chips)

Health measurement and control devices

Thermometer (digital or non-contact)
Small scissors with a round tip

Medicines for common ailments

Pain and fever medications
Allergy medications
Sore throat tablets or lozenges
Medications for diarrhea and constipation
Rehydration solution (for fluid loss, e.g. after diarrhea)

Travel first aid kit – for vacation and trip

The contents of a travel first aid kit differ from those of a home first aid kit mainly in their emphasis on quick treatment and prevention of problems that we encounter away from home.

Additionally for travel:

Sunscreen and lip balm with UV protection
After-sun gel
Insect repellent
Soothing gel for insect bites
Travel sickness medicine
Basic antibiotic ointment (if recommended by your doctor)
A written list of your medications and allergies (in case of an accident)

Tip: Always adapt the contents of your first aid kit to your destination – you will need different things for the mountains and others for the seaside.

Practical advice – how to provide basic assistance

Treatment of minor cuts

Rinse the wound with clean water.
Disinfect.
Cover with a sterile square or plaster.
Change the dressing regularly and watch for signs of infection (redness, pus).

Mosquito or other insect bite

Wash the area with soap and water.
Use a cooling gel or ointment to relieve itching.
In case of a severe reaction, an antihistamine can be administered.

Cut or laceration

Stop the bleeding by applying pressure with a sterile square.
Disinfect the edges of the wound (not the deep tissue).
Cover with a bandage.
For deep wounds, see a doctor.

Blisters from walking

Do not puncture unless necessary.
Cover with a special blister patch.
If it bursts, keep it clean and covered.

Basic first aid tip

Have the emergency number 155 memorized and know how to describe the location and condition of the injured person. If you are unsure, it is better to contact a doctor or emergency services.

How to store and check your first aid kit

Store in a dry place, out of reach of children.
Check the expiration date of your medications at least once a year.
After each use, replenish the missing items.

Summary

A well-stocked first aid kit is not just a “box of plasters”. It is a set of tools that can decide the speed of recovery or even your life. Whether at home or on the go, taking the time to prepare it will pay off when you least expect it.

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Recommended Clisodine products for antiseptic wound and burn care

Introducing a wound care solution in the form of our Clisodine product line - a skin antiseptic solution suitable for disinfecting and protecting the skin or mucous membranes in case of minor injuries, abrasions, bites, burns or before medical procedures. It helps prevent infection by destroying bacteria, viruses, fungi and other microorganisms, and creates a protective film that supports safe healing.