Stock your seagoing infirmary with these necessities:

• Alcohol wipes
• Antibiotic ointment
• Anti-nausea acupressure wrist bands
• Arnica for muscle aches
• Aspirin
• Bandages in a variety of sizes
• Black pepper for minor bleeding
• Cold packs
• Denture adhesive paste
• Disposable gloves (non-latex)
• Eye wash and dressing
• Face masks
• First aid tape
• Gauze
• Gel — aloe vera or other burn soother
• Ginger root capsules or drops for seasickness
• Hand sanitizer
• Hot packs
• Manual of basic first aid
• Pain relievers for adults and children
• 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

Notes:

Add all medications and treatments used regularly, including for companion animals.

Keep the kit in an accessible location, secure from kids and animals.

Always show new passengers the location of the first aid kit.

Routinely go through your boat’s first aid kit — check that open items are reasonably full and dispose of expired items or liquids that smell 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.