taking sterile seringes

[dstehouwer]

we have some sterile seringes with us, just in case.

but the question: in which area's would you really need them in case of trouble.
I assume it is smart to take them with you through Africa, but the rest of the continents? Anyone a good advice?

e.g. We are driving from N-A to S-A, and probably I can better stuff them deep in some pannier as you can also get difficult questions with seringes in your jacket...

[mark manley]

I usually carry a set in my first aid kit for the sake of availability and traceability, although I have never needed them. The only place questions were asked was Australia where customs were a bit dubious until I pointed out that these kits were available in any good camping shop.

[dstehouwer]

I have the main kit in a pannier, but also a few (with a doctors declaration) in my inner pocket of my bike jacket. Reason: if we need them, we've probably crashed a bike and will probably forget that little red back stuffed deep into a pannier. But I though: probably everywhere in Central and South America only sterile stuff is used in hospitals, so better not to carry them with me all the time

[*Touring Ted*]

You're better off buying a 'Sterile First Aid kit' It is a normal first aid kit but these also have all different size needles, drip feeds and usually a card or paper that says what it is.

I have this one and thankfully I never needed it.


Care Plus Sterile First Aid Kit

Make sure you stash it somewhere handy.

Anyway. I'd take it EVERYWHERE not in the Western world. For sure in Africa, but there are plenty of nasty things you can catch from a dirty needle which aren't HIV.

Recharge your Karma by leaving it at a poorly stocked medical station at the end of your trip.

[Fern]

Got talking to a Chinese doctor recently, he said at home, there is a big black market in used syringes, they are washed, and then repackaged as sterile, and these are bought through 'reputable medical suppliers', so even in fairly new shiny looking clinics and hospitals, its best to try and insist they use your own stash bought in your home country.

[ChrisC]

Keep your syringes, med/first aid kit together - hopefully can't be accused of carrying them for 'other' purposes either!

[dstehouwer]

I have doctor's declarations in both my kits... hope that keeps my ass out of jail!