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 anti-fungal foot powder to dry them out during the night. Next morning it is advisable to massage some canistene antiseptic liquid 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
- 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
- Micropur water sterilization tablets
- Staminade/Gatorade/IsoSport electrolyte drink powder (Two (2) jars).
- Gastrolyte (for re-hydration if necessary)
- Dettol Antiseptic - plastic bottle
- One ankle and knee guard