If you are travelling outside Europe or North America, particularly to underdeveloped or third world countries, and are planning to go off the beaten track or undertake some adventurous activity and will be away from immediate medical assistance, consider taking with you a set of sterile needles and syringes.

In some parts of the world this type of equipment is not always sterile before use so there is an increased risk catching HIV or Hepatitis B. If you do require an injection whilst away, using your own sterile equipment will help to prevent infection.

There is a special kit available called a "Sterile kit - Medical Emergency Travellers Pack". The likely contents of which are listed in the table on the right:

The sterile kit is designed for travellers going anywhere that safe and trusted medical equipment might be difficult to find. Items are generally not for use by non qualified individuals but to hand to a qualified person e.g. a doctor, nurse or similarly qualified person.

If you are planning an expedition to some remote location, consider including a suitably qualified person in your group.

Sterile medical kits can be obtained on line from:-