First Aid Kit and packing list

In addition to bandaids
What's in my First aid kit (some may be checked with luggage, others hold on to)

nasal spray in quart ziploc for the security, use often on plane, take water every time they offer it to you on the plane
benedryl
duct tape
glue stick (for journal)
Ibupropren
Acetaminophen
Moleskin journal
Moleskin patch for blisters
Pepto
cipro
doxy or antimalarial of choice
precautionary dose of trifulcam
precautionary dose of broad spectrum antibiotic if your NP or provider
Medix card or My ISC card
Small bright flashlight
Deet
Aquaphor
Antibiotic ointment
Rehydration salts
Hydrocortisone cream
Sunblock
Protein bars
Peanut butter
Small ziplock bags for saving food from one meal to the next
Hand spray (some people we touch are already immunosuppressed and we don’t need to carry germs from one house the next)

Tea bags (lots of tea over there, but it is a nice comfort to have own as well)

Nice writing pen
Plenty of pretty notecards to write thank you notes midway to lectures, community development workers and others who help and assist with the program.


Clare's Suggestions
SOUTH AFRICA

LUGGAGE:
BAGS: Soft-sided luggage is a good idea because it makes squeezing in and out of vehicles easier. Be sure to put a piece of paper with a current contact INSIDE your luggage to aid in getting it back if it goes missing. (You might use the WRF number in addition to your home number.) You should also have an ID tag on the OUTSIDE of your luggage.

WHEELS: Wheels are good. Remember that if you bring a hiking backpack, you run the risk of dangling straps, etc., getting ripped off in luggage handling machinery.

LOCKS: LLBean

CHECKING: We recommend one checked bag (duffel, etc) and one carry-on (daypack). If you are mad for souvenirs, consider sticking a folded small bag inside of your big bag—you can check both on the way home.

On YOUR PERSON, you should have:
Passport
Credit/ATM cards
Contact info for someone in the US

In your CARRY ON, you should have:
Any electronic equipment (be prepared to turn it on for safety inspectors)
Any prescription medications
A change of underwear and socks
Your contact info
A bottle of plain saline nasal spray
Sunglasses
Info on how to replace a lost/stolen ATM/credit card/Passport
Toothbrush and paste
Nalgene and gum

PACK Clothes:
One windbreaker/waterproof shell. (Esp. important for Cape Town visitors!)
One fleece/insulating layer
Two long-sleeved t-shirts/polos
Two or three short-sleeved t-shirts/polos
Two or three pairs of pants (jeans are heavy and take a long time to dry)
Long underwear (if you get cold easily, also good for sleeping in)
Running clothes (if you intend to run)
Several pairs of underwear and socks.
One pair of comfortable walking – around shoes (trail runners, low boots, closed toes keep your feet warmer)
Running shoes (if you intend to run)
A hat (especially if you burn easily)






Toiletries/First Aid:
Any prescription medicines
SUNBLOCK—Even though it is winter, it’s really bright during the day.
Insect repellant
Tube of antibiotic ointment (always useful)
A few Band-Aids
Soap
Pepto-Bismol (the tablets are easy to carry and won’t spill)
Benadryl or other anti-histamine allergy medicine if you need it
Aspirin/Tylenol/Ibuprofen (your preferred painkiller)
Decongestant (Sudafed is a great all-purpose one)
Shampoo/conditioner
Shaving needs (No electric razors—you will need a power converter and it’s a pain.)

Study Stuff:
A couple of notebooks—you might want ones with stiff backs to help you write in the field.
Several pens/pencils
Thompson’s History of South Africa
R21 and flash card

Foreign Visitor Stuff:
1 .Camera (if you want pictures)
2. Film and batteries for camera
3. Memory cards for digital cameras
4 .Laptop---be sure that your converter can handle the 240V current in South Africa, and pick up an adaptor at Peace Frogs. Note that the adaptor DOES NOT convert the current to 110 (what we have in the US). Particularly susceptible to the higher current are DIGITAL CAMERA BATTERY RECHARGERS.
5. Addresses of folks at home to send postcards to. (Relatives really dig this.)

GIFTS: Anything with Virginia on it, or UVA
I have taken UVA Blankets, calendars, Coffee mugs, plastic Nalgene with UVA logo