Every boat should carry a first aid kit, and here first aid pharmacist Ian Hardy explains the bare minimum for coping with emergencies.
Even for pottering about on board without going anywhere, there are some things you can’t do without. The following items are what you’ll generally find in most first aid kits and are the bare minimum I’d expect you to have on board:
> An instruction leaflet explaining resuscitation, the recovery position, and any likely problems you may have learned about in a First Aid training course.
> A resuscitation aid as a barrier against transmission of infection.
> Latex gloves (or others if you’re allergic to latex)
> Washproof sticking plasters - a pack of 20 will do.
> Triangular bandages (2) Calico has most strength and is very useful to raise an injury to help stop blood flow, for strapping any injury, holding dressings in place and helping with a splint. Remember ropes will also help in an emergency.
> Safety pins used for seemingly everything!
> Sterile dressings, the sort with a sterile pad and bandage attached, and in sizes 12x12cm and 18x18cm. Found in all first aid kits they are your best ‘mopper uppers’ for blood flow, as pressure dressings to stem the blood, and to ensure that infection does not enter a wound.
> Sterile eye pads which are very similar to the sterile dressings and can be used as smaller versions. If there is a difficulty with an eye, say grit that cannot be washed out, or something even more serious, then both eyes must be covered to restrict eye movement and prevent further damage – so two eye pads are a minimum requirement.
> Alcohol-free moist wipes, preferably non-antiseptic. Alcohol impregnated wipes are for preparing injection sites and will sting open wounds, while antiseptics in this form can cause problems which will be discussed at a later date. Wipes are very useful as they’ll cleanse wounds and dry quickly ready for the application of a dressing.
Beyond the bare minimum
This basic first aid kit is just that – a bare minimum – and alone is not really sufficient to help cope with every situation or to avoid spoiling a good weekend should a minor emergency arise. Adding some extras to make a more comprehensive kit could save you a lot of hassle during your trip, or even save someone’s life, so take the trouble to be prepared and help yourselves, your passengers and your crew.
Here are some further items that I would strongly suggest having, and why:
> Sterile saline eye wash pods – say five 20ml pods. Grit, sand, insects and cigarette ash are all things that can get into your eyes in wind and cause problems. These eye wash pods can be used to wash them out quickly and safely. The saline solution is also brilliant for cleaning wounds; it is isotonic, sterile, and does not contain preservatives to upset the body tissues.
> Instant cold pack – the portable ‘bag of frozen peas’. For soft tissue injuries this can provide quick action for fast chilling and restriction of swelling. It’s disposable after use.
> Elasticated crepe bandage (7.5cm). This can be used to restrict a swelling, support a sprained wrist or ankle or twisted knee and, when used lightly, to hold another dressing in place.
> Watergel-type dressings for burns. These are the most effective dressing to stabilise the nerve endings and ease the pain. They remain portable, are water soluble and bacteriostatic. Beware of less effective imitations.
> Some larger adhesive wound dressings such as Primapore, Steropore and Mepore Plasters. Ordinary plasters only cover small wounds and a bigger absorbent dressing such a those mentioned will be needed for grazes, minor burns, blisters, and the like.
> Stainless steel scissors and tweezers can be useful, but it is important to remember that they are not sterile, so be very careful when removing splinters, etc.
> On a weekend trip remember something for sea-sickness – it can happen to anyone – and your usual effective pain-killer for minor pain.
> Also think carefully about sun-screens for skin and lips.
Ensure that these items are acceptable to and can be used by those joining you on your trip, taking into account age range, other medical conditions.
So take the trouble to be prepared and help yourselves, your passengers and your crew. Always remember to share your knowledge and thoughts about first aid – it may be you who winds up in trouble and needs help from the other members of your crew. Enjoy your adventure with the peace of mind that you can cope a bit better travelling with a safety-conscious outfit.
No responsibility can be accepted for illnesses or injuries arising from the misuse of the information in this article. The opinions expressed are those of the author only.
First published in Practical Boat Owner August 2004.
Reproduced with kind permission of Ian Hardy/ Practical Boat Owner/IPC+ Syndication
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