A well-stocked first aid kit is a must-have on board whether setting out for a day, a week or longer.
With summer just a few months away, boating is one of the activities to do while the sun is out. And since medical attention is seldom close when spending time on the water, you should have a boat first aid kit that is up-to-date and easily available.
Injuries in the water come in many forms and degrees of severity. Some may be minor, while others can be life-threatening. A boat first aid kit stocked with all essential items can treat injuries and protect everyone on board.
Why Do You Need A First Aid Kit In A Boat?
All boaters know that nothing beats a relaxing day on the water, whether it is a morning fishing trip or an afternoon sightseeing. The feel of the fresh air on the face and seeing the view of the sea is a great break from daily life or routine.
However, there are times when things can go wrong – resulting in injuries or illness while on board. It is important to be prepared with all safety equipment and tools to address an expected incident.
A comprehensive boating first aid kit will provide reassurance and practical assistance in a wide range of emergencies.
Boat First Aid Kit Checklist
Before assembling your kit, find an air-tight plastic container that will keep your first aid supplies dry and safe. Put a label on the container to avoid mixing it with other boat supplies. Stow it somewhere that is easy to access by everyone in case of emergency.
Here are some essential items that all boating first aid kits should contain.
Tools (Scissors and Tweezers)
Bring scissors to easily cut bandages, surgical tape, and clothing in treating wounds. While tweezers are used to remove ticks, splinters, and other small foreign bodies that are accidentally embedded in the skin.
First Aid Manual
A first aid manual contains instructions about administering first aid to different kinds of situations. This guide offers basic how-tos for treating moderate to severe injuries. Following these steps, you can treat someone well enough until they can see a doctor.
Over-the-counter Medications
Prepare a selection of over-the-counter (OTC) medications, including painkillers. These painkillers will each serve a different purpose – aspirin for heart attack symptoms, Ibuprofen to relieve pain, and acetaminophen for people with severe allergies.
Bandages
Keep a wide selection of bandages in your kit. Small ones are used to staunch the bleeding, while bigger bandages can cover more severe wounds.
Antiseptic Cream
Infection prevention is the essential focus if someone suffers from a cut while on board. Apply antiseptic ointment on the wound or use a few quick sprays of the same to protect the wound.
Burn Cream
Use burn cream to treat sunburn or galley burns.
Eyewash
Eye wash is used for flushing the chemicals, fuels, dirt, and grit out of the eye. It can offer relief in case of irritated eyes, especially when riding a boat at high speed.
Instant Cold Pack
Cold compressions provide temporary relief from minor burns and swelling from sprains and strains while on board.
Foiled Blanket
If someone goes in shock while on board, wrap them in a foil blanket to maintain body temperature while waiting for further help to become available.
Get Trained
Making memories on the water is one of the highlights of the summer. Thus, injuries and illnesses from being unprepared are something we can all work to avoid to ensure everyone has a good time during their time on the board.
Without first aid supplies and no proper training, all boat passengers are exposed to unnecessary risks.
Take a first-aid and CPR course and learn how to restore breathing, wound care, treat shock, and many more.
Contact our team at First Aid Courses Darwin to learn more about the course.
