Acute Illness

We travel frequently - both domestic and international. For example: In the fall of 2016, we spent 3 weeks in Peru cruising the Amazon River and hiking in the Altiplano at Lake Titicaca. On our return to the Miami airport, we drove up I-95 for five hours to our home in Jacksonville. Eight days later, we attended the theater in New York City.

 

Could we get sick or hurt in any of these places? Certainly.

 

Would we need to carry all the same medical supplies for each situation? Certainly not. We could walk into any drug store in NYC for head cold remedies but not so much on the Altiplano of Peru.

 

So why not take only what you need for the type of trip you're planning? Because it's a pain in the neck to figure it out each time. We just gave up and put together these two packs to throw into the suitcase or backpack wherever and however we're going.  Just another example of the "KISS" principle. So saying, may we suggest you prepare these two small packs.

 

01. MEDICATION BAG

This stays with your luggage at home base: hotel, ship, or campsite. The medicines in the Medication Bag are for a new non-emergency illness that can wait until you get back to home base.

 

02. FIRST AID KIT

The First Aid Kit is to be carried with you when you're out and about. All items in the First Aid Kit are those you'll want if a miserable or dangerous problem suddenly rears its ugly head.

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Lucky you! You've stayed healthy and free of injuries for the past few years of travel. So you've never delved into either pack. But before you go out again, consider the following:

• Are any of the medicines out of date?

• Are the Band-Aids and gauze pads all dried out?

• Any plastic parts weary from the heat/cold in your car?

Take a few minutes to look things over and renew/refill/refurbish both packs at least once a year. 

 

Those of you who travel to wild and remote places might find the following booklet interesting: "A Comprehensive Guide to Wilderness & Travel Medicine" (Paperback) by Eric S. Weis​