Personal Medical Kits - MSO Recommendations

The purpose of providing medical kits is to ensure that quality assured products are immediately available to you in case of emergency overseas. Items should not be self administered without the contemporaneous advice of a physician.

Kits need to be as compact as possible, with all items sealed. All medications (except Aspirin) will need to be prescribed by a physician – usually your family doctor. All should be in original blister packs; package inserts from medications should be included and medication expiry dates should be clearly visible. The indications given below for the use of medications are for guidance only. You will need to seek the advice of a physician before taking any prescription medication. As medications are used or approach their expiry date you will need to make arrangements for further supplies to be prescribed.
 

Medications

Aspirin

300 mg

tabs

2-4 (+/-)

for heart attack

The following will need to be obtained by prescription in the UK before travel

Amoxicillin

500 mg

tab/cap

10-15 (+/-)

for ear, nose, throat and most chest infections

Ciprofloxacin

500 mg

tabs

8-10 (+/-)

for urine and acute diarrhoeal infections

Metronidazole

400 or 500 mg

tabs

10 (+/-)

for giardia and amoeba diarrhoea infections

Malarone

tabs

12

for treatment of malaria (also prophylaxis)

or

Mefloquine

250 mg

tabs

8

for treatment of malaria (also prophylaxis)

Disposable items

Adhesive plasters

7.5 x 2.5 cm

2 (sizes approx.)

Dressing, gauze, sterile

10 cm x 10 cm

2 (sizes approx.)

Adhesive tape roll

2.5 cm x 10 m

1 (sizes approx.)

Latex gloves, non-sterile

1 pair

Needles, sterile for use with syringes

21 Gauge

3

Syringe, sterile

5 ml

1

Suture with fixed needle 3/0 non-cutting, silk, sterile

1

Butterfly-type needle

21 or 23 Gauge

1

Thermometer (alcohol, digital or colour change, not Hg)

1