Medication and medical equipment should be kept in the original, labelled packaging. Some medicines that may be bought over the counter in chemists in the UK, for example nasal decongestants containing pseudoephedrine, are illegal in some countries. The legality of any medicines can be checked with the relevant embassy, consulate or high commission for their destination, although this can be difficult and time consuming in some cases. They should also be aware of legal and customs restrictions relating to travelling with medicines and medical equipment. Travellers should make sure they are familiar with the contents of their kits before they go. Long term and/or frequent travellers, especially those travelling with children and those visiting remote areas or areas with poor facilities, should consider carrying a basic first aid handbook and attending a basic commercial first aid course. First aid kits and sterile medical kits can be purchased from larger commercial chemists, specialist travel clinics and some camping and walking shops. This helps access through security and/or customs. These kits are normally packed in secure, zipped, rip and water resistant nylon bags, clearly labelled as first aid kits. This equipment should be packed in the main hold rather than hand luggage.Д¬ommercial kits, with a clear list of items, written instructions and a certificate explaining that the contents are for personal emergency medical use only, are appropriate for most travellers.

Such equipment is not for the traveller to use themselves, but to give to a nurse or doctor during medical emergencies. Kits should be tailored to the destination and individual, with enough supplies to manage pre-existing conditions and to cope with minor injuries and illnesses such allergies, travellersвЂ™ diarrhoea, and headaches.ДЇor those travelling to areas where there is concern about the quality or even availability of local medical equipment, a sterile medical kit with items such as sterile needles, syringes, lancets, suturing equipment, intravenous fluid giving sets and sterile gloves should be considered. Travellers should prepare a travel first aid kit containing supplies and medicines ready for emergency use.

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