A Well-Stocked First Aid Kit
Once a need arises is not the time to wish your boat’s first aid supplies were better stocked. Here are the essentials of a seagoing infirmary:
- Alcohol wipes
- Antibiotic ointment
- Anti-nausea acupressure wrist bands
- Arnica for muscle aches
- Bandages in a variety of sizes
- Black pepper for minor bleeding
- Cold packs
- Denture adhesive paste
- Disposable gloves
- Eye wash and dressing
- First aid tape
- Gauze
- Gel — aloe vera or other burn soother
- Ginger root capsules or drops for seasickness
- Hot packs
- Manual of basic first aid
- Pain relievers
- Petroleum jelly
- Plastic zip bags
- Razor blade
- Scissors
- Soap (mild or antibacterial)
- Sterile compresses
- Sting relief — vinegar or cola
- Table salt for gargling
- Tenderizer (papain) for bug bites
- Thermometer
- Toothache drops
- Topical anesthetic
- Tweezers
- Witch hazel
Include all medications and treatments used by those regularly aboard, including companion animals
Keep the kit in an accessible location, secure from kids and animals.
Always show anyone new to your boat the location of the first aid kit.
Routinely go through your boat’s first aid kit and dispose of expired items. Check that open items are reasonably full; liquids may evaporate and items exposed to air may become rancid.
Administering first aid aboard cannot replace proper medical attention; injured or ill boaters should head to an emergency room or see a doctor as soon as possible.
