What should I pack in a first aid kit for a long-distance Australian road trip?
Short Answer: Heading off on a long-distance trip across Australia? Whether cruising along the coastal roads or venturing deep into the great outback, preparation is key. That being the case, a well-stocked first aid kit is not a nice-to-have; it's essential. When you are packing a first aid kit for a long-distance Australian road trip, it should include basic wound care supplies, medication, emergency items, and some Aussie-specific items.
When looking into long-distance road trip first aid kit essentials, you must also take a look at:
● What medical issues are most common during extended road travel?
● Should remote highways change what I include?
● How do I store a kit safely in a vehicle?
● Is a pre-packed travel kit better than building my own?
What medical issues are most common during extended road travel?
Long-distance road trips across Australia are certainly an adventure. But spending hours on the road can take a toll on your body. Here are some of the most common medical issues you can come across on extended road travel:
● Dehydration and heat exhaustion - The Aussie climate can be unforgiving, especially when you’re travelling in and around the outback. When you’re exposed to the sun and aren’t taking in enough liquids, it can quickly lead to exhaustion and dehydration. Symptoms can include dizziness, fatigue, and dry mouth.
● Sunburn - The Aussie sun can be a scorcher. Australia has some of the highest UV levels in the world, making sunburn a real possibility.
● Motion sickness – Common among passengers, constant motion on windy, bumpy roads can cause headaches, nausea, sweating, vomiting, and more.
● Muscle stiffness and back pain – sitting inside a vehicle for long periods of time can cause muscle stiffness, especially in your neck, shoulders, and lower back. This can be the case for both drivers and passengers.
● Minor cuts, scrapes, and blisters – Whether you're fixing your tent, repairing your car, or just stretching your legs, cuts, scrapes, and blisters can happen.
● Eye strain - When you need to consistently focus on the road under harsh sunlight or at night, it strains the eyes and cause headaches.
● Digestive issues – When the trip messes up your mealtime, causes significant changes to your diet, or you eat a bad service snack, digestive issues like bloating, constipation, and diarrhoea can rear their ugly heads.
● Insect bites and stings – Aussie creepy crawlies can deliver some painful bites and stings. While not as common as the other injuries on this list, it’s still important to be prepared.
Should remote highways change what I include?
Yes, if your road trip is going to take you onto remote highways or the outback, you adjust your first aid kit accordingly. Here are some points for you to consider when preparing for the long road:
● Get your supplies before the trip – Try to get everything you need before the start of the trip. Don’t assume that you can always pick up supplies on the way.
● Self-sufficiency - With long stretches of road between towns and limited access to medical supplies in remote areas, it’s important to be self-sufficient. This means packing extras of basically everything.
● Hydration is non-negotiable – dehydration and heat exhaustion can hit faster than you think. That being the case, travellers need to stock up on enough drinking water and rehydration salts.
● Add a snakebite kit – If you’re heading into the bushland, be ready for snakes. Australia has some of the deadliest snakes on the planet. If bitten, having the proper supplies can quite literally buy time and save your life.
● Communication and emergency extras – When preparing for the long road, you need to think beyond typical first aid. Consider packing extra supplies, portable phone chargers, headlamps with spare batteries, a whistle, and even a paper map of the area.
How do I store a kit safely in a vehicle?
When you consider extreme heat, long drives, and dusty roads, some thought must go into safely storing your first aid kit in your vehicle. After all, a kit that is damaged and contaminated with medical supplies will do you no good. Here’s what you need to consider to safely store your kit in a vehicle:
● Keep it easy to reach – Your kit should be kept in a place that is easily accessible, not buried with your luggage. Good spots to keep your kit include under a seat, in a side compartment, or right at the top of your boot storage.
● Protect the kit from heat – In the Australian sun, vehicles can heat up really fast. High temperatures can impact the integrity of your medical supplies (medications and adhesives). To protect your kit, try your best to park in a shaded area and store the kit in an insulated bag or container.
● Keep it dry and dust-free – To keep your kit dry and dust-free, keep it in a waterproof container and make sure it is properly sealed. Similar to heat, dust and humidity can also impact your medical supplies.
● Organise the kit for quick access – a messy first aid kit is almost as bad as not having one. Make sure to keep your supplies properly organised so you don’t need to turn your kit upside down to find the supplies you need.
● Regularly check expiry dates – Before you embark on your trip, make sure to check whether all the supplies are good for the job. If the supplies have expired, you will need to replace them.
Is a pre-packed travel kit better than building my own?
One of the most common questions regarding first aid kits for long road trips is, 'Should I build my own kit or stick to a pre-built first aid kit?' The short answer? It depends on your trip and how prepared you want to be.
Pre-packed travel first aid kits are the convenient, grab-and-go option. This is an excellent choice if you’re short on time and don’t know where to start when building your kit. You can find pre-made travel kits from brands like the Red Cross, St John Ambulance, and SURVIVAL. However, the downside is that it can be generic and might not include everything you need for the trip.
On the other hand, putting together your own travel first aid kit can take a bit of time, but the advantage is that you have complete control of everything connected to the kit. You can include the basics and tailor your supplies to the destination. At the same time, you add extra over-the-counter medication and even prescription medication. The downside? Creating a custom kit takes time, and you are likely to forget something if you’re not careful.
Related Questions
Q: What size first aid kit do I need for a road trip?
For most road trips, a medium-sized first aid kit will do the job. It’s big enough to cover the essentials, easy to carry and store in your car. However, if you’re travelling with your family or going to a remote area, it’s worth choosing a larger kit or carrying extra supplies.
Q: Do I legally need a first aid kit in my car in Australia?
For private vehicles, there is no legal requirement. However, it is strongly recommended. On the other hand, Safe Work Australia requires work vehicles and commercial operators to carry first aid kits if workers are required to travel as part of their job.
Conclusion
A long-distance road trip across Australia can be quite the adventure. But you have to expect the unexpected, and that’s why a well-prepared travel first aid kit is a must. From minor cuts and bruises to sunburn, dehydration, and other unexpected roadside stops, having the right supplies can make all the difference.
If you are looking for reliable, hassle-free first aid kits that are designed to handle the Australian wilderness, then SURVIVAL is the first aid kit brand for you. Our dedicated collection of travel first-aid kits takes the guesswork out of preparation, so you can travel and enjoy the adventure with complete peace of mind.