Choosing a first aid kit for the boat

by Bob Wonders on 7 Jul 2009 Recreational boating is a past time supposedly filled with good times, good cheer and good times, but accidents can (and do!) happen.

As any good Boy Scout would tell you, it’s best to be prepared and being prepared means that there’s a good first aid kit on board.

Common injuries likely to occur during a day out boating can be as varied as a severe case of sunburn, perhaps some dehydration, maybe a fish hook speared through a finger or stings from jelly fish.

Someone could get too close to a spinning propeller, severely cut a foot on shell-covered rocks, damage hands or fingers when working the ground tackle or simply come down with a severe headache or migraine.

No one is suggesting a first aid kit that would suit a skilled surgeon, but a basic kit should really be regarded as a 'must have' on board.

Some years ago, Dr. Peter Gwozdecky, the official medical officer to the Australian team headed to Belgium for the World Water Ski Race championships, outlined for me what he considered first rate basic kits.

Dr Gwozdecky suggested three styles of first aid kit; for the recreational boater who seldom departs enclosed waters, the blue water cruising boater likely to be some distance (or time) from medical help and the keen social ski groups who undertake their sport at relatively high speeds.

As the doctor points out, the small runabout-style rig using inland or close inshore waters needs only the most basic kit because of the proximity to shore and available medical assistance.

A recommended kit for such a vessel would comprise ‘everyday items’ like plastic and gauze bandages, adhesive tape, burn cream, scissors, tweezers and pain killers such as aspirin and similar.

Dr Gwozdecky described such a first aid kit as 'very basic', but said it would assist in dealing with the common emergencies likely to be encountered.

He suggested that those undertaking coastal cruising needed to be far better equipped, bearing in mind that they may have to combat an emergency for up to 24-hours, a time span that could be very critical in the event of a major injury.

In fact, for seriously long distance cruising, Dr Gwozdecky recommends that someone on board should be trained in at least rudimentary first aid, such as the very fine courses available through the St John Ambulance Association.

In addition to the previously mentioned basic kit, an offshore first aid should also include a good skin cleanser and antiseptic, antacids, an antihistamine for allergies, laxatives and sea sickness remedies.

Other important additions to a more comprehensive kit would include a thermometer, a hot water bottle, a thermo blanket in the event an injured crew member needs to be kept warm, an eye-wash cup and solution and ice packs to help with bruising or muscle tears.

Sterile packed bandages, slings in the event of a broken arm or leg, plenty of cotton wool should also be included.

Generally speaking, according to Dr Gwozdecky the more remote the cruising area the more the first aid kit should be updated.

The doctor also points out that a good first aid manual is an ‘absolute must’.

When it comes to water skiing groups, the first aid needs differ again.

Social skiers of course are usually close to shore and quite often close to onshore facilities, while competition skiers do so knowing that medical help is always close by.

However, in addition to the most basic first aid kit, there are some additions recommended for water ski groups.

The first of these is a cervical collar, as neck injuries can be quite common when taking a fall at speed.

A pair of heavy duty scissors may be required in the event a wet suit or heavy straps need to be cut through.

Needless to say, for the inland boater and the water ski group the main thing to remember is to seek immediate assistance when injury occurs, for there is no substitute for trained medical help.

For the long distance, blue water cruiser, having a comprehensive first aid kit on board, backed up by some knowledge, could mean the difference between life and death.

The Australia-wide St.John Ambulance Association runs a course which most boaters would find invaluable.

Courses cover lectures and demonstrations dealing with practical first aid and require only a minimal registration fee. For information check with the St John Ambulance Association in your nearest capital city.