First aid

Big E · Post by **Big E** » Apr 16th, '08, 16:26

I'm trying to put together a first aid kit for the summer. Any suggestions? I checked the archives & there's not much out there. Thanks for your input!!

Neil Gordon · Post by **Neil Gordon** » Apr 16th, '08, 17:29

Orion lists the contents of their various first aid kits on their website.

http://www.orionsignals.com/Marine/Products/fakits.html

butterflier · Post by **butterflier** » Apr 16th, '08, 19:40

I suggest making your own kit. Most first aid kits are not worth their price and give a very limited supply of items that have to be replaced quickly. I would purchase some cold packs, that is packets when smacked, provide a temporary ice cold pack, plenty of bandaids, advil or some other anelgesic, gatorade (electrolytes), bacintracin, tweezers, gauze pads, four triangular bandages, blanket, and a good bottle of rum.

Ron M. · Post by **Ron M.** » Apr 17th, '08, 07:35

Good advice........for a fraction of the cost of a " Marine " first aid kit you can go to Walmart and put together an extensive package that will serve you much better. I use a plastic (yellow) tool box from HD to contain my kit........you could even paint red crosses on it....!
________
Gm Foods

Sea Hunt · Post by **Sea Hunt** » Apr 17th, '08, 12:35

I agree about putting together your own medical kit. I did this a long time ago for diving and update it periodically, discarding items that have gone bad or aged and adding new and improved items.

The only recommendation I would make is to keep all medical supplies in a water tight container. Pills, BandAids, etc. when exposed to constant moisture, do not do well.

There are several companies that make water tight containers (those with a dedicated 0-ring seal). I have always used and been very satisfied with Pelican products. http://www.pelican.com/

I have not financial or other interest in the company. They just make good stuff that works in the marine environment. I use a lot of their stuff.

On the outside of the container you can print the telephone numbers for USCG, your family MD, etc. so that they are readily available to you when needed.

Joe Montana · Post by **Joe Montana** » Apr 18th, '08, 16:06

It's a small thing, but for anyone who hasn't discovered them yet, 3M's "Nextcare" bandages (Band-Aids to most of us) are great around water. You can even shower with them and they don't come off'!! They replaced "Band-Aids" in my first aid kit a long time ago.

Neil Gordon · Post by **Neil Gordon** » Apr 18th, '08, 17:12

Joe Montana wrote:It's a small thing, but for anyone who hasn't discovered them yet, 3M's "Nextcare" bandages (Band-Aids to most of us) are great around water. You can even shower with them and they don't come off'!! They replaced "Band-Aids" in my first aid kit a long time ago.

Whether you go Nextcare or traditional, if you regularly service your seacocks, stock extras. The hose clamps are killers.

chase · Post by **chase** » Apr 18th, '08, 17:37

I put my own kit together after taking a weeklong course in wilderness emergency medicine -- which has handily paid off in sailing.

I'd add some medicine for diarrhea as it can be dangerous if you get sick away from civilization for an extended period. I also got a scrip for antibiotic which I slip in there for longer trips. With a bad ear infection from swimming or the like it can be very helpful. Also some clove oil for toothache, sunscreen, and emergency sunglasses are useful items. Lots of vitamin I (ibuprofen).

Chase

bottomscraper · Post by **bottomscraper** » Apr 18th, '08, 17:56

Neil Gordon wrote:
Joe Montana wrote:It's a small thing, but for anyone who hasn't discovered them yet, 3M's "Nextcare" bandages (Band-Aids to most of us) are great around water. You can even shower with them and they don't come off'!! They replaced "Band-Aids" in my first aid kit a long time ago.
Whether you go Nextcare or traditional, if you regularly service your seacocks, stock extras. The hose clamps are killers.

Not to change the topic but an inch of heatshrink tubing over the tail of the hose clamp works wonders. They also sell little plastic tips but they are pricey. Bulk heatshrink may be available at your local hardware store or try All Electronics. I think this came up about a year ago.

http://www.allelectronics.com/matrix/He ... ubing.html

Paul McCary · Post by **Paul McCary** » Apr 18th, '08, 20:26

Be sure that your assortment of Band Aids includes some high quality butterfly bandages. If someone gets cut badly, there is no substitute.

Evergreen · Post by **Evergreen** » Apr 18th, '08, 21:21

Whenever we prepare for a cruise we always beg a couple of prescriptions for broad spectrum antibiotics from our local MD, NP, or PA. It usually takes two prescriptions to cover most common bugs and infections. We get them filled and carry them along. It certainly is nice not having worry about finding a medical facility in a strange place and wait endless hours when you want to be out cruising. If they are not used then we just save them for the winter season when someone eventually comes down sick.

Evergreen · Post by **Evergreen** » Apr 19th, '08, 10:05

Overnight I thought of a couple other items that are useful.
Pepto-Bismol (generic is fine): Works really well for an assortment of gastrointestinal ailments.
Milk of Magnesia or Correctol: People tend to have problems when they are out of their regular routine.
Benadryl: Works well for allergic reactions and sunburns.
Caladryl lotion: Good for poison ivy and sunburns.
Your treatment of choice for jelly fish stings.
Rubbing alcohol: Pour a little in each ear after swimming to minimize the risk of ear aches.

Most important of all is the remind all people coming on your boat to let you know if they are having a problem. Most people tend to be too embarrassed to mention it until the situation ruins their sailing experience.

chase · Post by **chase** » Apr 19th, '08, 11:24

Hey my crew always gets out of their routine for whatever reason! I'll add a laxative to their cocktails. Like a Kahlua and M.O.M.?

Chase

I'm sending an email Philip and Sharon

The Cape Dory Board

First aid

First aid

First aid kit

kit suggestions

Hose Clamp Tails or Tales?

butterfly bandages

Antibiotics

A Couple Other Items

good ideas, guys