If you're a regular traveler, knowing a little first aid can be very useful. Obviously this blog entry can't be a full guide to the subject, but it might help you pick up a few tips on where to improve your knowledge. Being able to deal with minor cuts and bruises can save a lot of trouble when you're on
vacation, especially if you're dealing with kids.
The first thing to remember is that reliable, sound and safe first aid knowledge really needs to be taught - it's difficult to learn from a textbook or from the Internet. A good route into first aid is to sign up for a class. This won't be toodemanding and you'll probably find it good fun. As well as learning how to patch up cuts and scrapes, you'll probably also learn some more major techniques that could prove lifesaving in a major situation.
Taking first aid equipment abroad is a more tricky proposition. Althoug carrying around some Band Aid and antiseptic wipes isn't going to be a big problem, you should make sure that you abide by all airline rules when it comes to carrying first aid kits that contain scissors or other blades.
It's also a good idea to educate your kids in basic first aid principles, even if it's just very simple concepts like reduction of bleeding and good wound hygiene. Again, all these skills will be taught on a good first aid course.
When traveling abroad you're very unlikely to have an events that require medical treatment, but it's possible that something may happen that is beyond the skill of a first aider and requires proper medical attention. You should make sure that you have the appropriate travel insurance to cover costs. Even countries that have free health services (such as the UK) will still charge non-citizens for use. Not having appropriate insurance can result in you having to make significant expenditure to get treatment for relatively minor, but unpleasant conditions that might otherwise have been fixed up very easily by a qualified professional.
First Aid for the USMLE Step 1 2009: A Student to Student Guide (First Aid Series)
First Aid for the USMLE Step 1: 2008 (First Aid USMLE)
First Aid for the USMLE Step 2 CK (First Aid USMLE)
First Aid for the USMLE Step 2 CS: Clinical Skills Exam (First Aid USMLE)
First Aid -- Responding To Emergencies