I just grab a few things from the bathroom cabinet.
Sure you wouldn't like a pouch?

Depends what's in it
Antiseptic wipes and cream, plasters, crepe bandage,safety pins, scissors, paracetamol. That's the basic one.

Not much good in the Matto Grosso.
No, but fine for visiting most developed countries: proper medical help within 24 hours.

But I'm going upcountry.
More than two days from a clinic? You need a bigger kit, even in Europe and the US. Various dressings, a sling, adhesive tape, plastic gloves, stronger analgesics, a general antibiotic, water-purifying tablets. Talk to your doctor before you go.

Who makes the kits?
Lifesystems, Nomad, Go Travel Products are three good brands. About £8 for a basic pocket pack, £20 for a sterile set, £40 for a mountain leader kit.

And where do I get them?
Boots, some chemists, specialist outdoor shops,clinics like the Royal Free Hospital Travel Health Centre in London (020-7830 2885).The Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine has a travel clinic and advice line (0906 7088807). So has The Scottish Centre for Infections and Environmental Health (0141- 300 1100) and Bristol Royal Infirmary (0117 9284848). And most GPs do travel clinics and immunisations.