First Aid
Adventure Kokoda Trek Leaders are experienced and qualified in First Aid. They carry a comprehensive first-aid kit with each group however there are items which you should bring to treat minor ailments or irritations.
Plan to look after your feet. Ensure you have a comfortable pair of walking boots and good thick socks. Each night you will have the opportunity to thoroughly wash and dry your feet. It is then a good idea to give them a liberal covering of foot powder to dry them out during the night. Next morning it is advisable to massage some 'Bepanthen' antiseptic cream or Tea Tree oil into them.
Blisters should not be a problem if you have a good pair of walking boots and have broken them in properly - and trim your toenails before you begin your trek. Nevertheless it is a wise precaution to have blister kit with you. The 'Spenko Blister Kit' (containing a soothing 'second skin') or 'Dr Scholl Blister Kit' are recommended.
Personal First-Aid Checklist:
- Anti-malarial tablets (as prescribed by your doctor)
- Anti-inflammatory tablets (as prescribed by your doctor)
- Antibiotics for treating diarrhoea (as prescribed by your doctor)
- Antibiotic eye and ear drops
- Antibiotic cream or powder
- Aquim Antibacterial Gel
- Canistene Antiseptic Liquid
- Tropical strength mosquito repellent
- 3 X 50g tubes of 'Bepanthen' (Antiseptic Cream with Vitamin B5) - for your feet!
- Two (2) Dr Scholl or Spenko blister packs
- Two (2) Rolls of broad elasticated bandage
- Two rolls of Leukoplast waterproof elastoplast (5 cm X 5 m)
- Band-Aids (waterproof)
- Anti-histamine (Benadryl) - useful as a decongestant for colds or allergies and to ease the itch from any insect bites or stings
- Panadol Forte/Aspirin tablets/capsules
- Codral cold and flu tablets
- Sunscreen
- Scissors, tweezers, and safety pins
- Staminade/Gatorade/IsoSport electrolyte drink powder (Two (2) jars).
- Gastrolyte (for re-hydration if necessary)
- Dettol Antiseptic bottle