RIDEWELL
Some fi rst aid kit suggestions for motorcycle touring
By Marven Ewen #150506
YOU ARE RIDING along on the third day of your tour, and you realize that although it is din- ner time, you aren’t hungry. An hour later, after unpack-
ing your bike and checking into the motel you still aren’t hungry. In fact, at this point, you notice that you are starting to feel nauseated. The rest of the night is spent camped out in the bathroom. By morning you are exhausted, dehydrated, and dizzy when you try to get up. You can’t ride. You are too weak and miserable to do anything. Hopefully there is medical help nearby—if not, you are really in trouble...
This actually happened to me
on a trip a few years ago. Fortu- nately, I always bring medications with me to help with the symptoms of food poisoning. I was able to take Famotidine to reduce stomach acid, Meclizine for nausea, and Imodium for diarrhea. Also, I started sipping Gatorade as soon as I noticed I wasn’t feeling well. I still had a rough night, but it wasn’t as bad as it could have been, and by the next morning, I cau- tiously set off on my bike.
Here is what I carry for a medical kit while traveling:
1. Basic injury treatment: Antibiotic ointment, Band-Aids, 4x4 gauze pads, Coban wrap, non- stick gauze pads, clear tape, and small scissors.
2. Basic medical treatments: – Acetaminophen 325mg. Two tablets every four to six hours as needed. This is good for fever or mild pain.
– Ibuprofen 200mg. Three tablets every six hours as needed for fever. This is also for moderate pain as long as stom- ach is not upset. Not for those on blood thinners, history of ulcers, or poor kid- ney function.
border (a prescription is required for this).
– Benadryl 50mg. This is used for aller- gic reactions; however, it is quite sedat- ing, so don’t ride for eight hours if you take it.
– Famotidine 10mg. One to two tablets every 8-12 hours as needed. I use this for food poisoning, upset stomach, or in addition to Benadryl for allergic reactions.
– You must carry an EpiPen® with you if you have a history of anaphylactic allergic reactions.
– Powdered electrolyte replacement (Gatorade). Mix as directed with water and drink frequently to replace losses from vomiting or diarrhea. – Extra drinking water.
– Sunscreen and mosquito repellant.
– Meclizine 25mg. One tablet every six to eight hours as needed for nausea. Good option for mild nausea as it usu- ally isn’t sedating. It is probably a good idea to try this medicine sometime when not riding or driving to make sure you are not one of those rare indi- viduals who finds it sedating.
– Dramamine 50mg. Half to one tablet every six hours as needed instead of Meclizine for more severe nausea, if you are not going to be riding in the next 12 hours (this is a very sedating medication).
– Ciprofloxacin 500mg. One tab twice daily for three days if you contract traveler’s diarrhea. I would definitely bring this if traveling south of the
88 BMW OWNERS NEWS March 2016
Keep all these things in a little bag some- where near the top of your panier or tank bag, except for the EpiPen®. This should be in your riding jacket pocket so you can find it quickly if needed. Also, keep your cell phone in your jacket pocket. It isn’t going to do you much good in an accident if it is packed away on the bike and you can’t get to it.
All over-the-counter and prescription
meds should be in well labeled original containers if possible, especially if you are going to be crossing any borders. I was glad I followed my medication rule when returning to the U.S. a few years ago, when I was subjected to a thorough search by a Customs Officer who seemed determined to prove I was a drug dealer. Funny story actually, in retrospect. This little kit has served me well on
many trips. I always hope for the best but prepare for the worst, and I am never disappointed.
skills
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