Extreme Medical Kit of a Long Term Traveller
My medical kit is extreme and is notable for what I do not carry as opposed to what I carry.
** I am not suggesting you follow my example in any way, shape or form. This is what I think is necessary. Period.
** I am not suggesting you follow my example in any way, shape or form. This is what I think is necessary. Period.
Iodine solution: I use this to purify water. 2 drops per 1 litre. Works in about 20 minutes but I generally leave longer. And I use it for the sterilisation of any cuts. I bought this in Malaysia. I cannot get it at the chemist's back in England. Am always asked what I want it for. "to purify water". And I get an ill-informed reply, "we have Puritabs for that", "Puritabs don't kill giardia".
Micropur Forte: I use these to purify water as well. 1 tablet per 1 litre.
Nurofen: You never know when raging toothache will start. Generally, it is in my experience that headaches are caused by not drinking enough water.
Imodium: I only use these when I must travel when struck down with the shits. Bananas do a great job of binding you up if you only have a mild dose. If you develop constipation, eat pineapple, papaya or similar. I needed to buy these in Yamoussoukra.
Zambuk (Thai version): I got these small tins on Amazon. It's imported from Thailand. The best thing for putting on bites.
Pyramid Trek 50 100ml mosquito repellent: Started off with 3 bottles of this. Used lots in Mali and Côte d'Ivoire, less so here.
Gaviscon: For ongoing belly issues.
Other items which would not generally be tagged under #medical but are essential for my well being: mosquito net, earplugs, ex-special forces bush hat to protect my head from the sun, long-sleeved tops also used from protection from long exposure to the sun.
So that's about it. Any questions on why I don't carry even a plaster, message me on DISQUS. You can send messages without the need to create an account. After you've entered your name and Email address, check the 'send as guest' box.
Micropur Forte: I use these to purify water as well. 1 tablet per 1 litre.
Nurofen: You never know when raging toothache will start. Generally, it is in my experience that headaches are caused by not drinking enough water.
Imodium: I only use these when I must travel when struck down with the shits. Bananas do a great job of binding you up if you only have a mild dose. If you develop constipation, eat pineapple, papaya or similar. I needed to buy these in Yamoussoukra.
Zambuk (Thai version): I got these small tins on Amazon. It's imported from Thailand. The best thing for putting on bites.
Pyramid Trek 50 100ml mosquito repellent: Started off with 3 bottles of this. Used lots in Mali and Côte d'Ivoire, less so here.
Gaviscon: For ongoing belly issues.
Other items which would not generally be tagged under #medical but are essential for my well being: mosquito net, earplugs, ex-special forces bush hat to protect my head from the sun, long-sleeved tops also used from protection from long exposure to the sun.
So that's about it. Any questions on why I don't carry even a plaster, message me on DISQUS. You can send messages without the need to create an account. After you've entered your name and Email address, check the 'send as guest' box.
