Medical & Survial Kit
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Malaria

Prevention is better than the cure... Prevent mosquitoes from stinging you and you will not get malaria. Use long-sleeved shirts and pants, socks, mosquitoes netting, fans, air-conditioners, crèmes, sprays, coils, etc.

Most anti-malarial prophylaxis available on the market have side effects that can affect the flying abilities of a pilot... be extremely careful and talk to a competent doctor.

Have a look at the MASTA website for a good explanation on malaria and various drugs. The health brief used to be free, you have to pay £3.99 now, but it is worth it.

I always carry 2 (two) packets of Coartem with me. If I feel like I am getting the "flu" and there is no clinic around for a blood test I take the treatment course. I have had Malaria several times, and if you catch it early it is no big deal.... Just don't hesitate going to the clinic, if you wait it WILL kill you!

Prophylaxis:

  • Larium (Methloquin)
  • Doxycycline
  • Malarone
  • Proguanil (Chloroquine/Paludrine)
  • Quinine Sulphate
  • Homeopathic products also exist, check out the Ainsworths Homoeopathic Pharmacy

Medical & Survival Kit

(The following is compiled courtesy of Pete Meinster - December 2005)

Herewith the basic first aid kit that I have composed for average length stay in an African country.

A very comprehensive and current source of travel health information for all countries, regarding all the different threats, inoculations (mandatory and recommended) and preventative measures can be found at www.travax.scot.nhs.uk.  Also contains current statistics concerning the many odd diseases out there.

  • Antacids.
  • Anti Malaria (Coartem).*
  • Aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol) or non-steroidal anti-inflammatories.
  • Plasters (band aids).
  • Benadryl or Allergex – antihistamine (for itching, hay fever, allergies).
  • Zopivane (insomnia).*
  • Chap stick with sun block.
  • Condoms (self explanatory – can be used to waterproof objects and transport water in case of emergency).
  • Cotton swabs.
  • Dental floss.
  • Hydrogen Peroxide.
  • Insect repellent (with DEET).
  • Panamor (muscular strains and pains).*
  • Pepto-Bismol and Immodium or Gastron.
  • Safety pins.
  • Scissors.
  • Sunscreen products.
  • Thermometer.
  • Topical antibacterial ointment.
  • Topical anti-fungal ointment
  • Tweezers (forceps)
  • Tincture of Benzoine.
  • Hydrocortisone topical cream.
  • Muscle relaxants.
  • Oral re-hydration compounds.
  • Water purification tablets (or a mechanical system such as reverse osmosis).
  • Anaphylaxis (if needed – only if you or someone in the party is has chronic allergies).
  • Artificial tears.
  • Malaria self diagnoses kits.
  • Motion sickness medication.
  • Setin (Nausea, vomiting and heartburn).*
  • Medication to prevent altitude sickness (Diamox).*
  • Ace Wrap, 3” width.
  • Adhesive tape, 1” width.
  • Cotton wool.
  • Antibiotics.*
    • Intestinal infections.
    • Skin infections.
    • Respiratory infections.
    • Eye & ear infections.
  • Sterile disposable needles and syringes.
  • Gauze pads 2” x 2” & 4” x 4”.
  • Gauze roll, 3” width.
  • Silvadene cream.
  • Elimite.

Optional medication for women –

  • For menstrual cramps.
  • For vaginal yeast infections.
  • Urinary tract infections.*
  • Tampons.

* All require a prescription within South Africa!

Here’s to hoping you’ll never need any the above stuff.  But rather have it and not need it, than need it and not have it!

When composing the kit have the pharmacist compile an inventory of the kit, with expiration dates, to facilitate a better overview assisting in identifying something and ease when replenishing the expired stock.

Bear in mind that some of the items listed are not for use when on active flight status.  Then again, if you are suffering some of these symptoms, you shouldn’t be flying anyways.  Furthermore some of the listed drugs cannot be taken in combination with one another.

Survival Kit

  • Water (...to wash Aspirin down)


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