The next vacation trip is coming up and the suitcase is packed, but what about your first aid equipment? Is everything up to date and tested? So that you don't experience any nasty surprises on your trip or vacation, we'll give you tips on what to do in the event of an accident, on emergency equipment and for your first-aid kit (incl. checklist).
Before every trip, you should check and test the emergency equipment in your motor home, caravan or car. This includes a warning triangle, high-visibility vests (mandatory in many countries), a complete first-aid kit that complies with the DIN standard, and an individual first-aid kit. Stow this first aid equipment so that it is always within reach.
Correct behavior in the event of a (traffic) accident
As the first person to arrive at the scene of an accident, you are obliged to provide first aid. Keep calm and, taking your own safety into account (wearing a high-visibility vest if necessary), secure the accident site with a warning triangle so that following traffic is made aware of the danger early enough. If necessary, help injured persons out of the danger zone. Then send an emergency call to the police, where the following information (see list on the left) must not be missing.
It is also recommended to regularly refresh the "first aid" knowledge in the form of a "first aid" course. After all, what good is the best equipment if the handling and behavior in the event of an accident are not practiced. Associations such as the German Red Cross (DRK), the German Life Saving Association (DLRG) or the Johanniter regularly offer both the course for life-saving immediate measures and small refresher courses. Inform yourself so that you can help yourself and others in an emergency.
The first aid kit - helper in an emergency
For caravanners and motorhomers, the first-aid kit may even be part of the medicine cabinet. It is important that the dressing materials are not too old. Sterile bandages are marked with a date. Plasters that are too old no longer stick, old disposable gloves become porous. For your own protection, not only because you are required by law to do so, you should replace unusable products.
| 1x adhesive plaster DIN 13019-A 5 m x 2.5 cm |
| 8x quick wound dressing DIN 13019-E 10 cm x 6 cm |
| 1x dressing pack DIN 13051-G 10 cm x 12 cm |
| 3x dressing pack DIN 13151-M 8 cm x 10 cm |
| 1x bandage cloth DIN 13152-A 60 cm x 80 cm |
| 2x bandage cloth DIN 13152-BR (for burns) |
| 6x compress 100 mm x 100 mm |
| 2x fixation bandage DIN 61634-FB 6 or gauze bandage DIN 61631-MB-6 CV/CO |
| 3x Fixation bandage DIN 61634-FB 8 or gauze bandage DIN 61631-MB-8 CV/CO |
| 2x triangular cloth DIN 13168-D |
| 1x rescue blanket (minimum dimensions 2100 mm x 1600 mm, minimum foil thickness 12 µm) |
| 1x scissors DIN 58279 A 145 |
| 4x disposable gloves according to DIN EN 455-1 and DIN EN 455-2 |
| 1x first aid brochure |
| 1x table of contents |
- Most important are your personal medications, which must be taken regularly. These should be taken on vacation in sufficient quantity.
- A painkiller and fever remedy should not be missing in the first-aid kit. In most cases, fever is a natural reaction of the organism to an infection with viruses, bacteria or other pathogens. Ask your pharmacy for advice on which preparation is the right one for your needs. The active ingredient paracetamol is recommended for all, adults u. Children.
- Diarrhea and vomiting usually help to quickly get rid of germs or toxins that have been ingested with food or water. So means against diarrhea as well as an electrolyte solution are equally important. Here, for example, charcoal tablets are recommended. These bind pollutants and bacteria and make them harmless. In case of diarrhea, 2-4 tablets are taken 3-4 times a day. Since diarrhea causes a considerable loss of fluid and thus salt in the body, it is recommended to take an electrolyte powder with plenty of fluid. Our tip: Iberogast (herbal and very effective).
- Stings from insects or arachnids can not only be acutely agonizing, but can also lead to serious illnesses. A well-stocked first-aid kit also contains products against insects. Annoying and itchy mosquito bites can therefore be prevented. Many products contain caring parts of aloe vera and are suitable for sensitive skin. And if a biting monster has caught you, a cooling gel helps against itching and insect bites. This can also be used to treat minor burns, sunburn and chilblains.
- Whether a cut, puncture or abrasion, the principle of treatment is the same. First, the wound should be cleaned and disinfected. A suitable dressing protects the wound and promotes healing. Plasters, compresses, gauze bandages, tape and wound disinfectant can certainly be found in the first-aid kit of your motorhome or caravan.
- Just as important as the bandages are a pair of scissors, tweezers, tick forceps and a digital thermometer.
- A wound ointment is recommended as aftercare. It prevents the wound from drying out and germs from entering.
- Especially on vacation, sporting activity is often emphasized. It is undisputed that this promotes physical and mental well-being. Therefore, a pain-relieving, cooling and anti-inflammatory sports gel for bruises, strains and sprains should have a permanent place in your luggage. Our tip is Arnica D6. The homeopathic globules prevent sore muscles during sports vacations and relieve discomfort and bruising from bruises or sprains.
- The effects of sun rays on skin aging and cancer risk are well known. Therefore, especially light-sensitive people should protect themselves from the skin-damaging UV rays. In addition to a sun hat, your luggage should contain adequate sun protection in the form of a cream or spray with UV filters. Here, too, follow the advice of a specialist for your individual protection.
