December in South Africa is a special time — sunshine, braais, beach days, family gatherings, road trips, and kids running wild until late in the evening.
It’s also the time of year when accidents, allergies, heat-related issues, and holiday mishaps tend to spike.
Whether you’re staying home in Somerset West, hosting family from out of town, or hitting the road, having a well-stocked first-aid kit is essential. Here’s a simple, practical guide to what every South African household should keep on hand during the festive season.
1. Essentials for Cuts, Scrapes & Minor Injuries
Kids, cousins, dogs, bicycles — December is chaos in motion.
Make sure you have:
- Adhesive plasters (various sizes)
- Sterile gauze
- Antiseptic wipes or solution
- Antibacterial ointment / cream
- Medical tape
- Small scissors and tweezers
- Elastic bandage for sprains
- Burn gel for minor heat or braai burns
Perfect for beach scrapes, garden cuts, and clumsy braai-table mishaps.
2. Medications You Should Always Have at Home
Stock these basics because pharmacies can get busy — and sometimes close early — in December:
- Paracetamol or ibuprofen (for pain, fever, headaches)
- Antihistamines (for allergies, insect stings, sinus flare-ups)
- Anti-nausea tablets
- Rehydration salts (great for dehydration from heat or stomach bugs)
- Diarrhoea medication
- Heartburn/indigestion medication
- Mild cough syrup
- Antiseptic throat lozenges
- Eye drops for redness or allergic irritation
- Anti-inflammatory or muscle-relief gel
Pro tip: Check expiry dates before the holidays.
3. Summer & Heatwave Safety Must-Haves
December heat waves in the Western Cape hit hard. Include:
- SPF 30+ sunscreen
- After-sun lotion or aloe gel
- Electrolyte sachets (especially for kids and older adults)
- A digital thermometer
- A refillable water bottle you won’t forget at home
Hot days, long queues, crowded malls, and outdoor adventures all mean dehydration can sneak up quickly.
4. Insect & Bite Relief
You will get bitten — this is South Africa.
Keep:
- Mosquito repellent
- Anti-itch gel or cream
- Bite-soothing spray
- Tick remover (if you’re hiking or heading into nature reserves)
Cape Town mosquitoes have Olympic-level stamina, so plan ahead.
5. Braai Burns & Kitchen Accidents Kit
December = braai season + lots of cooking.
Include:
- Burn dressing or burn gel
- Sterile non-stick pads
- Silver sulfadiazine cream (if recommended)
- Heat-resistant gloves for the braai master
Small precautions prevent unnecessary Christmas Day drama.
6. For Families With Kids
If you have little ones around:
- Children’s pain/fever syrup
- Children’s antihistamine
- Nasal saline spray
- Digital thermometer
- Rehydration sachets
- A “cool pack” for bumps and bruises
Kids never get sick on a weekday at 10 AM — it’s always 6 PM on a public holiday. Be ready.
7. For Travellers & Road Trips
If you’re hitting the N1, N2, or R44:
- Travel sickness medication
- Alcohol wipes
- Bandages
- Disposable gloves
- Small torch
- Hand sanitiser
- First-aid booklet or quick-reference card
Keep the kit in an easy-to-reach spot, not buried under eight beach bags.
8. Chronic Conditions — Don’t Forget These
If someone in your family has a chronic condition, ensure you have:
- Enough chronic medication for the entire holiday period
- Backup inhaler for asthma
- Glucose test strips (if diabetic)
- EpiPen (if prescribed)
- A printed list of allergies & medical conditions (useful in emergencies)
Pharmacies have limited hours on public holidays, so plan early.
9. Emergency Contacts List
Put this somewhere visible:
- Local GP number
- Nearest emergency room
- Poison Information Helpline: 0861 555 777
- Ambulance (all networks): 10177
- Local security/armed response number (if applicable)
In emergencies, clear information saves lives.
10. When to Seek Medical Attention
Go to your doctor or the emergency room if you experience:
- Severe burns
- Persistent chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Significant head injuries
- High fever that doesn’t improve
- Allergic reactions with swelling or breathing difficulty
- Deep cuts requiring stitches
If you’re ever unsure, it’s always safer to get checked.
Final Word
The festive season should be joyful, safe, and stress-free. A small first-aid kit — stocked with sensible essentials — can prevent a minor mishap from becoming a holiday crisis.
If you need personalised advice, updated prescriptions, or help preparing a holiday-ready first-aid kit (including travel medicine), our team is here to help.
Stay safe, stay hydrated, and enjoy the December holidays!
