“PRECAUTION IS BETTER THAN CURE”
This proverb is particularly relevant to all athletes, especially cyclists. All it takes is a tricky pothole or a failed break and before you even know it, you’ve ended up with bruises and scratches or even worse; a fracture.
At such times, it is recommended you have a handy first-aid kit for immediate relief and to ensure a safe ride back home. Whether a newbie or a seasoned pro, carrying a first aid kit is a must for those casual rides around the city as well as those long distance adventures.
Listed below are a few essentials one might need for a first aid kit.
Feel free to make additions and customise the First aid kit for cyclists according to your requirements.
First aid for cyclists Essentials:
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- A small bowl
- Cotton
- Gauze tape
- Gloves and-aid (waterproof)
- Antiseptic to clean the wound (Dettol)
- Antibiotic cream (Betadine)
- Painkillers (e.g paracetamol, crocin)
- Wet wipes
- SWISS army knife
- Anti-allergens (in the case of allergies)
- Any other medicines you might need
- Money
- Mobile phone
The above first aid kit for cyclists can fit in a waterproof zipper pouch or a plastic bag. The plastic bowl can be used to keep cotton band-aids and gauze, and later emptied to make a dilution of the antiseptic clean the wound before treating it.
Your first aid kit may include other antibiotics and supplies for stitching wounds. Don’t forget to carry any drugs prescribed by your doctor. In cases of diabetes or other ailments.
Here’s a list of essentials you must carry along on a Long Distance Ride.
A standard first aid kit is easily available in the chemist that one can buy and add on to the supplies according to their requirements. A small torch, whistle some change for a pay phone, safety pins, etc. It’s important to carry local hospital information for safety, and important numbers of your relatives and friends.
Editor: Tracy Alvares
