Going on a beach holiday can fun, relaxing, and rejuvenating. Especially when you get to set up a home away from home in the most comfortable of self-catering settings – we’re talking about the Ramsgate Cottage, of course!
With all the expected ‘fun in the sun’ that a beach cottage holiday brings to mind, it’s also important to be prepared for the unexpected and for the accidents and first aid emergencies that might arise, especially when you’re on holiday with young children. That’s why it’s a good idea to add a fully stocked first aid kit to your must-haves packing list. Or you could have two – a bigger one for the house and a smaller one to tuck into your beach bag. Go for a sturdy, waterproof case that’s lightweight and easy to organise and transport. And remember to keep it out of reach of little hands.
Essential items for your first aid kit
1.Sunscreen, lip balm and after-sun care
Proper sun care should be a top priority on a beach holiday so make sure you apply (and regularly re-apply) high factor sun protection and take care of your lips. In the case that you or a loved one does get a touch too much sun and a little sunburn, a cooling after-sun care lotion or gel can help can take the sting out of the situation.
2. Gloves
You never know when you might need them to help you avoid infection, especially when dealing with bloody injuries or vomit.
3. Insect spray and calamine lotion
Bug bites and rashes can be annoying and disruptive to sleep – best to repel insects with a handy insect spray or stick. If you do get bitten, a soothing calamine lotion will take the itchiness away and help soothe sore skin.
4. Hand sanitiser and hand cream
Your hands can take a beating while out on the sand and clean hands are a must when it comes to dealing with scrapes and open wounds. Clean your hands often and keep them well moisturised.
5. Instant ice pack or gel pads
Ice packs are great for bumps, bruises, sprains and anything that requires instant icing to prevent swelling and extra bruising.
6. Bandages and plasters
If helps to have these in various shapes and sizes.
7. Medical creams
Bactroban, Arnica and antibiotic creams can all come in handy in accident situations.
8. Scissors, nail clippers and tweezers
These little medical helpmates can be useful for everything from removing splinters to cutting loose bandage threads.
9. Thermometer
When it comes to pain, fever and heat stroke, you should never mess around and having a thermometer on hand will help you to determine if a fever is entering dangerous territory.
10. Pain medication
From fever-calming syrup to antihistamines to pain relief tablets (think pills for adults and liquids for kids), it’s always a good idea to have some pain medication on hand. Make sure you have a dispenser as well.
11. All prescription medication
Never leave home without prescription medications as well as scripts so that, if you need to, you can get your prescription refilled.
It’s better to be prepared than sorry and once you’ve got your first aid kit sorted, it will be a breeze to take it along with you wherever you go. A bonus tip – wherever you go, take the time to write down essential emergency numbers and find out where the nearest pharmacy, clinic, and hospital are so, if an emergency situation arises, you know who to call and where to go.