Be Prepared

When out on the open water, you want to make sure that you are fully prepared for emergencies. With a well-stocked first aid kit, you can have peace of mind when you are away from immediate medical assistance.

A Comprehensive First Aid Manual

The first thing you will need is a comprehensive first aid manual. Two manuals written specifically for first aid needs when on board a watercraft have been widely accepted throughout the years: Marine Medicine, A Comprehensive Guide and Advanced First Aid Afloat. Both address specific information about medical support, injuries, and illnesses while traveling on a watercraft.

Stocking Your Kit

You can find pre-stocked first aid kits that are developed specifically for boaters. There are several available on the market that are tailored to the amount of passengers and the length and type of the trip. If you prefer putting together a customized one from scratch, it should be secured in a sturdy, waterproof case, well organized and all components put in watertight sealed packages.

No boat will ever be fully prepared for every medical emergency that may arise. But your first aid kit should contain a wide range of equipment and over the counter medications in order to deal with a broad array of emergencies. Considering most medical help is a phone call away, you need to be prepared for the most common emergencies that may befall your passengers and crew.

  • Sea sickness medications
  • Over the counter pain medications
  • Sun block
  • Insect repellent
  • Triple antibiotic ointment
  • Surgical staples
  • SteriStrips
  • Super glue
  • A broad-based antibiotic
  • Laceration tray
  • Hydrocortisone cream
  • Bandages – various sizes
  • Gauze dressing – various sizes
  • Cold pack
  • Antiseptic wash and wipes
  • Cotton swabs
  • Scrub brush
  • Vinyl gloves
  • Trauma pads
  • Blister/burn gel
  • Splint kits – large and small
  • Blood pressure cuff
  • Trauma scissors/emergency scissors
  • Stethoscope
  • Thermometer
  • Tweezers
  • Hemostat
  • Safety pins
  • Bug sting medications
  • Eyewash
  • Antacids
  • Cold medicines
  • Diarrhea medication

Consult With Your Family Doctor Before a Large Trip

There are many more items that can be included depending on the length of your trip and your destination. Consult with your family physician before embarking. Make sure all crew and passengers know where to find your first aid kit and your key crew has been trained in its usage. Al crew members should be trained in how to react to a medical situation and should be well versed in signals, alarms, and whistles that differentiate each emergency.

You always hope that the first aid kit will never be used but when traveling far from immediate medical care, your first aid kit can be a lifeline until more extensive medical care can be located. Enrolling in a Red Cross First Aid and CPR class will make you even more prepared. Your safety and that of your crew and passengers are a fundamental part of boating. Keeping a well-stocked first aid kit is part of that safety plan before traveling via watercraft.

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