A Good Commercial First Aid Kit for Boats?
- Thread starter jviss
- Start date
I always find these typical fist aid kits to be an over-priced collection of bandages.
While I wouldn’t want the steel cabinet, but a kit like this seems more complete…and then put it all in a small kit may be the way to go…
firstaidsuppliesonline.com
Or you could use this checklist/order form to get just the stuff you really think is best for your kit…
You may also want to customize your kit for your own personal medical needs… I keep an Epi-pen on board in case I get stung by a bee or something….I am pretty allergic.
Greg
While I wouldn’t want the steel cabinet, but a kit like this seems more complete…and then put it all in a small kit may be the way to go…
Small Industrial First Aid Kit
Our Small Industrial First Aid Kit contains enough quality first aid products to serve up to 25 people in one location. ANSI Z308.1-2021 Class A
firstaidsuppliesonline.com
Or you could use this checklist/order form to get just the stuff you really think is best for your kit…
You may also want to customize your kit for your own personal medical needs… I keep an Epi-pen on board in case I get stung by a bee or something….I am pretty allergic.
Greg
Thanks @Tally Ho and @Crusty Ol Salt . I'm really looking for a pack-style first responder's first aid kit that has not only typical bandages, etc., but also things to deal with serious wounds and trauma, like a tourniquet, vented chest seals, quick clotting gauze, and so on. I might have to buy a couple of kits to make up something. Also, I can ask my physician for sutures, antibiotics, and painkillers.
I'd like to get some formal training on these things, too.
I'd like to get some formal training on these things, too.
Thinking of something along the lines of these:
Ever Ready First Aid Fully Stocked EMT Trauma Bag Feat. Tourniquet, Chest Seals, Bleeding Control, Bandages, Shears, Gauze Pads and Rolls – Orange
Surviveware Comprehensive Premium First Aid Kit Emergency Medical Kit for Trucks, Cars, Camping, Office and Sports and Outdoor Emergencies - Large 200 Piece Set
Ever Ready First Aid Fully Stocked EMT Trauma Bag Feat. Tourniquet, Chest Seals, Bleeding Control, Bandages, Shears, Gauze Pads and Rolls – Orange
Surviveware Comprehensive Premium First Aid Kit Emergency Medical Kit for Trucks, Cars, Camping, Office and Sports and Outdoor Emergencies - Large 200 Piece Set
I sense you want something more complete. The Lightening X collection should answer your requirements. The choice you make here should be based on research from a more authoritative source. There are a number of MD published guides for cruisers. Here's a typical guide.
Thank you. That link doesn't bring you to the kit pictured, though.I sense you want something more complete. The Lightening X collection should answer your requirements. The choice you make here should be based on research from a more authoritative source. There are a number of MD published guides for cruisers. Here's a typical guide.
Lightning X Stocked X-Large Modular EMT Medic Trauma Bag w/ Emergency Medical Fill Kit Supplies - RED https://a.co/d/2jc3jCI
Greg
This one even comes with O2…
Lightning X Jumbo Medic First Responder EMT Trauma Bag Stocked First Aid Trauma Fill Kit D (RED)
Greg
Some food for thought. I sailed for 47 years, and 40 years with my wife and neither of us ever suffered an injury underway, or on the hook for that matter, that required anything more than a band aid. And that does include some offshore work a few days at a time. We had a fundamental rule that any evolution aboard was thought out in detail and discussed before executing. We kept our boats in the best maintenance condition we could so we never had an equipment failure underway to contend with. As we aged we went to wearing inflatable life jackets whenever underway, or in the dinghy, and tethered in the cockpit. We had the best equipment money could buy ,including best quality jacklines so if we needed to go out of the cockpit we always clipped on underway. I always carried a high quality first aid kit aboard but never used any of the items in the kits. As I said, a band aid here and there, but no serious cuts or bruises.
I really do believe the foundation for safety aboard is careful planning of every evolution from chopping a tomato to going below in a seaway to retrieve a piece of gear. Never do anything hastily, think it through first. Aboard our last boat, a Hunter 44, I added several grab rails below in way of the companionway for safer up and down. In my view that is one of the most dangerous moves aboard that can lead to an incapacitating fall.
YMMV
Rick
I really do believe the foundation for safety aboard is careful planning of every evolution from chopping a tomato to going below in a seaway to retrieve a piece of gear. Never do anything hastily, think it through first. Aboard our last boat, a Hunter 44, I added several grab rails below in way of the companionway for safer up and down. In my view that is one of the most dangerous moves aboard that can lead to an incapacitating fall.
YMMV
Rick
Thanks Rick, that makes sense, although accidents do happen - that's why they are called accidents! For example, a fridge door strut failed once and the lid smashed my wife's fingers. No fun! And I don't think any amount of thinking through that in advance would have prevented it. Better to be prepared, both with supplies and training, in my view.
My experience with boat first aid kits thus far, not expensive ones, is that they are big on physical treatment of cuts, sprains, and certain traumas for example eye injury, but short on treatments for pain, infection, or severe allergic reactions, etc. Except for basic analgesics that they might contain, you’d have to supply those yourself probably by prescription. Do any supply medical oxygen or morphine?
Most likely, if at sea you cannot rescue a stroke or heart attack victim b/c that person needs transportation to a hospital and CPR is only an interim treatment awaiting arrival of paramedics, etc. My own and wife’s “medical” needs at sea or at anchor over 30+ years of boating have been treatments for allergic reactions, flu, bronchitis, dizziness, nausea, headaches, minor cuts, inflammation, back pain, sciatica, gout attacks, muscle swellings, mild dehydration, and neuritis, etc. A developing or developed in-grown toenail can be a very debilitating condition on a boat. You’d need syringes and local anesthesia to dig it out.
So, I guess my point is that a first aid kit is for giving stabilizing “first aid” until help arrives, which if in a remote place could be problematic. Thus bandages, etc. to stop bleeding and mild pain killers. But a boat’s medical kit should contain chiefly MEDICINE; prescription ones like antibiotics, steroid treatments, morphine or oxycodone, local anesthesias, powerful antiemetics, treatments for constipation/diarrhea, and so forth. One of my worst weekends was catching a flu or cold that developed with a very painful sore throat, severe coughing and fever. I did not have the proper remedies aboard. It was awful. Since then I strived to assemble a combination “first aid” and “medical” kit containing treatments and remedies for conditions which I’ve experienced actual need.
Most likely, if at sea you cannot rescue a stroke or heart attack victim b/c that person needs transportation to a hospital and CPR is only an interim treatment awaiting arrival of paramedics, etc. My own and wife’s “medical” needs at sea or at anchor over 30+ years of boating have been treatments for allergic reactions, flu, bronchitis, dizziness, nausea, headaches, minor cuts, inflammation, back pain, sciatica, gout attacks, muscle swellings, mild dehydration, and neuritis, etc. A developing or developed in-grown toenail can be a very debilitating condition on a boat. You’d need syringes and local anesthesia to dig it out.
So, I guess my point is that a first aid kit is for giving stabilizing “first aid” until help arrives, which if in a remote place could be problematic. Thus bandages, etc. to stop bleeding and mild pain killers. But a boat’s medical kit should contain chiefly MEDICINE; prescription ones like antibiotics, steroid treatments, morphine or oxycodone, local anesthesias, powerful antiemetics, treatments for constipation/diarrhea, and so forth. One of my worst weekends was catching a flu or cold that developed with a very painful sore throat, severe coughing and fever. I did not have the proper remedies aboard. It was awful. Since then I strived to assemble a combination “first aid” and “medical” kit containing treatments and remedies for conditions which I’ve experienced actual need.
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Have you looked at the MedAire kit? I got the offshore kit. I'm pretty impressed with it. Wednesday of this coming week, I'm bringing the whole kit to my primary care doc and she is going to go through it to see if there is anything more I should have.
dj
p.s. had to go find the link: MedAire Global MedKit For Yachts | Medical Emergency
p.p.s. @Kings Gambit Check out the MedAire offshore kit... The oxygen you can get as a separate item, but you do get the meds...that's why it has to be licensed to your boat..
dj
p.s. had to go find the link: MedAire Global MedKit For Yachts | Medical Emergency
p.p.s. @Kings Gambit Check out the MedAire offshore kit... The oxygen you can get as a separate item, but you do get the meds...that's why it has to be licensed to your boat..
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Did you have to get any training for that kit? I see a lot of categories of stuff I would t be comfortable trying to administer, especially on myself… Catheterization kit
, IV and IO Infusion Systems , Sam Sling – Pelvic Traction Device Cervical Collar , Heart Attack Test Kit .I am still not sure if @jviss intended this medical kit to be for solo sailing, or for general preparedness. But I cannot see using a lot of this stuff on myself, and almost certainly not if I am 50 miles from shore or assistance.
Your point about meds is well taken. But getting a supply of morphine or oxy is way more involved than I want to get in to….
and how long is the expiration date on meds like that? This sounds like an expensive “ just in case” kit that I would never use.
How much was the Medaire kit?
Greg
Yes, to a degree, but they also support smaller craft. They do supply kits for like the cruise ship industry - not sure how big their kits get but I imagine for passenger levels in the hundreds. I got their smallest kit for 10 people. While I'll only be four max, I figured that would be fine. The biggest advantage from my perspective was the fact you get a very complete kit.
@Tally Ho - Yes, I have a fair amount of training in first aid and the world of medical treatments. If you were someone that did not have much of that, then I'd suggest you get their phone service where you can call a physician and describe what's happening. They know exactly what is in the kit and where and will direct you to exactly what pouch you will need and what it contains and how to use it. Of course, if you are less educated in first aid - take a course - or stick to band aids....
dj
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Expiration of “safety” equipment (often never used) or of certifiable condition is a fact of life, and emergency meds likewise. Liferaft certification, flares, fire extinguishers, CPR certs, defibers, inflatable PFDs, compressed gas cylinders (air/oxygen), and so forth. It costs what it costs to maintain readiness aboard your boat. Yes. Your meds could technically expire before you might need them. “Expiration” is itself an approach to safety. But suit up or assume the risk, which could be low, or stay home. Those are the choices, it seems.
Obviously, if you’re suffocating because your throat has swollen closed due to an allergic response to something you consumed or inhaled, you’re not going be faulting yourself about those $100s to maybe $1000s you spent for emergency epinephrine pens not needed until then. But will we find those in one of these kits, I wonder?
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When you contact them, you get a representative to discuss your "needs". I did almost nothing on their website other than how to contact them. Then I did all the rest of correspondence through that representative. All in all, I think it took me close to two months to get everything settled and have the kit on my boat. The kit is better than I expected, to be honest.
But for coastal cruising, it's likely overkill. But the OP was talking about some serious medical needs initially. I don't know of a more comprehensive kit that could cover all needs. There is another one out of New Zealand that I found, looks equally as good actually. But that was looking like quite a bit of work to get into the USA, hence for North Americans, I think this one is really excellent. Look, I'm not trying to sell this kit. I'm just a really happy customer...
dj
p.s. @Kings Gambit - a bonus is the MedAire folk track your supplies and will let you know what is expiring and will send you replacements - pretty sure - anywhere in the world you may be....