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Expert Q&A

	By David L. Fay, M.D. Family Physician Associate Director, Waukesha Family Practice Residency Program

What medicines/first aid items are essential to pack when going away with young children?

This is an interesting question, and, to me, the answer really depends on where you're going. Different locales present different risks, and have varied levels of medical help available.

In terms of medicines, the only ""essentials"" are prescription medications. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen would probably be helpful for fever or pain. In children who have allergies, antihistamines may be of value. Cough and cold preparations are usually not necessary, and most medications are available at the local drug store (again, depending on location). If someone has a history of anaphylactic reactions to insect stings, epinephrine should be carried (this requires a prescription).

In my opinion, the most important first aid item is change for a pay phone (or a cellular phone or phone card). Band-Aids/bandages are very useful, as is antibiotic ointment or burn cream.

What do I carry in my first aid kit? A cellular phone and Band-Aids. Everything else is improvised: belt = tourniquet; handkerchief = bandage; shirt = sling; tree branches = splint; shoulders = crutches; etc. Most other items are not necessary for immediate problems, and readily available if they are needed. I carry much more, however, if I'm traveling to foreign countries, where medical care is either not available or not recommended, or if I'm going hiking or camping in a remote area. These are not likely to be places where one would take small children, however.

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