One day while sailing in a breeze, you see the jib sheet is hung up on the forward hatch. You set the boat on autopilot and climb out of the cockpit onto the foredeck. On the way, you scrape your ankle on the one tunrbuckle cotter pin that has not been taped. Ouch! While boats are not inherently dangerous places to be, it does seem that they extract more than their fair share of our precious flesh. You really can't sail for long without finding the need for some kind of medical help, hopefully of the minor variety. Whether it's only a Band-Aid, a shot from a spray can of disinfectant, or the need for an aspirin, most sailors have some form of medical kit aboard. How do you deal with medical needs or emergencies while on board? Share your medical experiences with us here and then take the quick quiz on the homepage. (Discussion topic and quiz by Warren Milberg)
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Rescue Remedy ...
In addition to the usual first aid stuff, I have found that this product works very well. It is a homeopathic remedy - not a drug and is made from water and flower petals diluted beyond belief. It is a Bach Flower remedy and I still cannot believe that a drop or two on the injury and/or under your tongue can do much of anything. It does! I have been told that the ski patrol uses it for traumatic injuries. I used it myself (at a doctors direction) one time when I broke my toe. I was able to walk into the hospital for an xray. The technician came out looking for someone in a wheel chair and was surprised that I could even stand up much less walk on it.
In addition to the usual first aid stuff, I have found that this product works very well. It is a homeopathic remedy - not a drug and is made from water and flower petals diluted beyond belief. It is a Bach Flower remedy and I still cannot believe that a drop or two on the injury and/or under your tongue can do much of anything. It does! I have been told that the ski patrol uses it for traumatic injuries. I used it myself (at a doctors direction) one time when I broke my toe. I was able to walk into the hospital for an xray. The technician came out looking for someone in a wheel chair and was surprised that I could even stand up much less walk on it.
A basic "store-bought" First-Aid kit
If I were going off-shore - I would be much more concerned about the completness of my first-aid medical supplies. Since I don't go off-shore, I need only concern myself with what first-aid I would need to render within the first few hours of an accident. The farthest I've ever been from "port" is six hours.In addition to the basic "marine store" first-aid kit, I include asperin, any medicines taken by anybody on-board, and insect-bite "sticks." I also have sun-burn lotion as well. Bill on STARGAZER
If I were going off-shore - I would be much more concerned about the completness of my first-aid medical supplies. Since I don't go off-shore, I need only concern myself with what first-aid I would need to render within the first few hours of an accident. The farthest I've ever been from "port" is six hours.In addition to the basic "marine store" first-aid kit, I include asperin, any medicines taken by anybody on-board, and insect-bite "sticks." I also have sun-burn lotion as well. Bill on STARGAZER
Remember....
... that Russian sailor in the 'Around Alone' race who had to perform his surgery on his infected arm somewhere in the Southern Ocean? Yikes. As a mostly single handler who ain't getting any younger, I sometimes get concerned about what I would do in various situations involving getting hurt aboard. I keep a pretty good supply of medical stuff aboard, but hope I never need more than a bandaid...
... that Russian sailor in the 'Around Alone' race who had to perform his surgery on his infected arm somewhere in the Southern Ocean? Yikes. As a mostly single handler who ain't getting any younger, I sometimes get concerned about what I would do in various situations involving getting hurt aboard. I keep a pretty good supply of medical stuff aboard, but hope I never need more than a bandaid...
Must be tongue-in-cheek
When some respond that they are a tough guy and can take it. Maybe the tough guy can take it mentally, but his too tender flesh will become infected and eventually he will die of the problem he has ignored due to the tough-guy stance. As I said I'm sure(I hope) this is a humorous answer to a serious problem. Mike
When some respond that they are a tough guy and can take it. Maybe the tough guy can take it mentally, but his too tender flesh will become infected and eventually he will die of the problem he has ignored due to the tough-guy stance. As I said I'm sure(I hope) this is a humorous answer to a serious problem. Mike
I'm thinking about renaming my boat Vampirella
I can't seem to spend much time aboard with out coming up with a few scrapes/scratches/nicks/etc. Fortunately, none are bad enough that I'll bleed to death. Often, I don't remember how I got 'em. My cruising is all coastal, so I don't carry an extensive first aid kit. Bandages (w/ neosporin or bacitracin) are applied if I'm worried about getting bloodstains on something.
I can't seem to spend much time aboard with out coming up with a few scrapes/scratches/nicks/etc. Fortunately, none are bad enough that I'll bleed to death. Often, I don't remember how I got 'em. My cruising is all coastal, so I don't carry an extensive first aid kit. Bandages (w/ neosporin or bacitracin) are applied if I'm worried about getting bloodstains on something.
Beyond bandaids
I've bought several first aid kits over the years, and for the most part throw the stuff out before it gets used, when hte first aid cream and goes out of date and alcohol swabs dry out. The things that really get used most often are bandaids, as much to stop the dripping blood on the gel coat as to protect the wound. That said, I had the experience of a crewperson who had his hand on the mainsheet receive a separated shoulder during a flying jibe in 25 knots 25 miles out, The only thing I had aboard to relieve the pain was aspirin. To see him in agony for 5 hours lying on the cabin sole was heart rendering. Now I keep aboard the remaining vicodins that I didn't use after a root canal this summer. Would conult with MD via VHF or cell phone before giving it, but I've got it if it's needed and helpful (at least till it goes out of date). Wish I still had the "epi-pen" epinephrine dose that I was once prescribed after an allergic reaction. I don't get them anymore, but it can be the kind of thing you have only a minute or two to medicate if the need arises. Now all I can do is keep liquid benadryl for allergic reactions, and hope it's strong enough and works in time. Calling 911 for an ambulance sometimes just isn't an option.
I've bought several first aid kits over the years, and for the most part throw the stuff out before it gets used, when hte first aid cream and goes out of date and alcohol swabs dry out. The things that really get used most often are bandaids, as much to stop the dripping blood on the gel coat as to protect the wound. That said, I had the experience of a crewperson who had his hand on the mainsheet receive a separated shoulder during a flying jibe in 25 knots 25 miles out, The only thing I had aboard to relieve the pain was aspirin. To see him in agony for 5 hours lying on the cabin sole was heart rendering. Now I keep aboard the remaining vicodins that I didn't use after a root canal this summer. Would conult with MD via VHF or cell phone before giving it, but I've got it if it's needed and helpful (at least till it goes out of date). Wish I still had the "epi-pen" epinephrine dose that I was once prescribed after an allergic reaction. I don't get them anymore, but it can be the kind of thing you have only a minute or two to medicate if the need arises. Now all I can do is keep liquid benadryl for allergic reactions, and hope it's strong enough and works in time. Calling 911 for an ambulance sometimes just isn't an option.
SPILLING
The only thing that I've spilled more than blood on my boat is beer. While I don't like spilled beer, I like the alternative less.
The only thing that I've spilled more than blood on my boat is beer. While I don't like spilled beer, I like the alternative less.
My wife loves First Aid Kits...
We are just getting our first boat, but knowing her she will find the largest First Aid Kit possible. I think she has her eye on one of the Adventure Medical Kits we saw advertised in a sailing magazine. I know Pete Gross drained fluid from his elbow while participating in the Vendee Globe race. He talks about it in his book "Close to the Wind". He was British. -- Jeremy
We are just getting our first boat, but knowing her she will find the largest First Aid Kit possible. I think she has her eye on one of the Adventure Medical Kits we saw advertised in a sailing magazine. I know Pete Gross drained fluid from his elbow while participating in the Vendee Globe race. He talks about it in his book "Close to the Wind". He was British. -- Jeremy
Playing Doctor
When I bought my boat eighteen months ago, I contacted the St John's Ambulance here in Canada and bought their Sportsman's Medical Kit. I then added about $80.00 worth of medication, mainly sea-sickness medication. Over that time, I have only had one request for Tylenol for a headache and a Bandaid or two. Even the green-faced crew have not asked for medication. They can even have Gravol suppositories if required provided they insert them themselves. Playing sailor is more fun than playing doctor with all it's potential legal liability. Hopefully I will never need to dispense any of that stuff. It is a comfort to know that I at least have it on board.
When I bought my boat eighteen months ago, I contacted the St John's Ambulance here in Canada and bought their Sportsman's Medical Kit. I then added about $80.00 worth of medication, mainly sea-sickness medication. Over that time, I have only had one request for Tylenol for a headache and a Bandaid or two. Even the green-faced crew have not asked for medication. They can even have Gravol suppositories if required provided they insert them themselves. Playing sailor is more fun than playing doctor with all it's potential legal liability. Hopefully I will never need to dispense any of that stuff. It is a comfort to know that I at least have it on board.
Good Medical Kits
There is a world of difference between them. The one we now have on the boat is an OLIN kit that is well thought out and complete. I have had several opportunities to delve into it. The one thing you always need more of is disinfectant and bandages, BIG ones. I just had an opportunity to use it recently when I tried to go to the foredeck without noting the boom's location and generated a 2" scalp gash. Now that I am on thinning medication, I go through a lot of bandages and, like a prior poster mentioned, it's as much to keep the boat clean as the wound clean. When several friends and I were on a two-week sail offshore to Mexico, one of the guys got a pretty good cut on his hand. THe Captain had a medical kit, but one of the home variety. It was very sparce in content when we opened it up, a real disappointment. Rick D.
There is a world of difference between them. The one we now have on the boat is an OLIN kit that is well thought out and complete. I have had several opportunities to delve into it. The one thing you always need more of is disinfectant and bandages, BIG ones. I just had an opportunity to use it recently when I tried to go to the foredeck without noting the boom's location and generated a 2" scalp gash. Now that I am on thinning medication, I go through a lot of bandages and, like a prior poster mentioned, it's as much to keep the boat clean as the wound clean. When several friends and I were on a two-week sail offshore to Mexico, one of the guys got a pretty good cut on his hand. THe Captain had a medical kit, but one of the home variety. It was very sparce in content when we opened it up, a real disappointment. Rick D.
medic
i once asked a similar question and a doctor replied - simply and obviously- that item number one should be a good first aid book. i got the a.m.a. one.
i once asked a similar question and a doctor replied - simply and obviously- that item number one should be a good first aid book. i got the a.m.a. one.
"Doctor's Bag" On Board
It has been said that I was in a boat about the time my dear Mother dropped me! I am not sure how true that is, but I have pictures of me in a boat when I was less then a year old. I am not sure if there is any part of my body that I have not cut, scraped, or mangled at one time or another on one boat or another. I still go back for more. I introduced my son and daughter in their pre-pre teens to boating, and the safety requirements, including a first class FIRST AID KIT. It so happens, that the kit was in a rather large leather bag that my mother lugged around as a purse for years, but because of it's size it easily accomodated all the items necessary for any minor emergency, including dropping a few stitches if I or my wife had to. The kit contained all the basics including band aid, bendages, aspirin, tylenol, iodine, gauze,disinfectents, tripple antibiotic cream or ointments, and a miracle solution called SILVADENE! It is silver based creame ideally suited for burn patients, but it is an esential first aid supply on a boat. I am not a salesman for Marrion Labratories or whatever they are called now, but the stuff works miracles on burns, scrapes, cuts, basically any open sore. It also contained a scalpel with a number of new, replacable blades, several surgical sissors, two or three hemostats, several clamps, several needles, and three or four kinds of surgical threads. Also an excellent first aid book by Dr. Howard Greenbaum of the University of Vienna,in English, of course. We never had to, but in case we needed to, we could have stopped some faily severe bleeding! To make a long story short, each of the kids had chores when we went to the boat. My son, who at three called an air mattress a "flotation device" proudly proclaimed that he would be carrying the "DOCTOR'S BAG!" So, ever since then, the first aid kit in our boat has been called the "doctor's bag." It is also called that in both of my kids own boats. It jsut so happens that my son is teaching his own daughter to sail. She has a bit to go... she is only 4 years old. Keep the wind in your sails! Paul "Fine as Frog's Hair"
It has been said that I was in a boat about the time my dear Mother dropped me! I am not sure how true that is, but I have pictures of me in a boat when I was less then a year old. I am not sure if there is any part of my body that I have not cut, scraped, or mangled at one time or another on one boat or another. I still go back for more. I introduced my son and daughter in their pre-pre teens to boating, and the safety requirements, including a first class FIRST AID KIT. It so happens, that the kit was in a rather large leather bag that my mother lugged around as a purse for years, but because of it's size it easily accomodated all the items necessary for any minor emergency, including dropping a few stitches if I or my wife had to. The kit contained all the basics including band aid, bendages, aspirin, tylenol, iodine, gauze,disinfectents, tripple antibiotic cream or ointments, and a miracle solution called SILVADENE! It is silver based creame ideally suited for burn patients, but it is an esential first aid supply on a boat. I am not a salesman for Marrion Labratories or whatever they are called now, but the stuff works miracles on burns, scrapes, cuts, basically any open sore. It also contained a scalpel with a number of new, replacable blades, several surgical sissors, two or three hemostats, several clamps, several needles, and three or four kinds of surgical threads. Also an excellent first aid book by Dr. Howard Greenbaum of the University of Vienna,in English, of course. We never had to, but in case we needed to, we could have stopped some faily severe bleeding! To make a long story short, each of the kids had chores when we went to the boat. My son, who at three called an air mattress a "flotation device" proudly proclaimed that he would be carrying the "DOCTOR'S BAG!" So, ever since then, the first aid kit in our boat has been called the "doctor's bag." It is also called that in both of my kids own boats. It jsut so happens that my son is teaching his own daughter to sail. She has a bit to go... she is only 4 years old. Keep the wind in your sails! Paul "Fine as Frog's Hair"
The site of Blood makes me sick...
We keep an very extensive medical kit onboard, such that we could do, even minor surgury should the occasion ever arise. Until very recently we had not had to break open the large kit, as we normally keep small items like band-aids and such in a small separate container. It happened rather suddenly, while I was washing up some dishes. I shoved the wash cloth into a glass whirled my hand around, and ended up with a nice cut straight through the webbing, between my pinky and the finger next to it. It was deep enough that you could see the tendons. Yikes! that hurt... of course I was bleeding pretty good, and Eileen said, "let me see it" well I pulled the fingers apart a bit and we found out that she didn't really have the stomach for blood or "minor" surgury. This amounted to her leaving me alone for a few minutes, while she almost fed the fish, before she came back and we got it glued together. I still had to do most of it myself. I said, "I didn't know you were so squemish to blood". she says, "I didn't either, I guess it was because it was someone else's" So I was glad to find this out while at a dock and not out in the middle of the ocean. What if I had been more severely injured? Anyway, we treated it as if we were offshore and it's now it's healed up quite nice. So just because you have a good kit onboard doesn't mean that you'll be able to use it.... Hopefully your partner can give you hand.
We keep an very extensive medical kit onboard, such that we could do, even minor surgury should the occasion ever arise. Until very recently we had not had to break open the large kit, as we normally keep small items like band-aids and such in a small separate container. It happened rather suddenly, while I was washing up some dishes. I shoved the wash cloth into a glass whirled my hand around, and ended up with a nice cut straight through the webbing, between my pinky and the finger next to it. It was deep enough that you could see the tendons. Yikes! that hurt... of course I was bleeding pretty good, and Eileen said, "let me see it" well I pulled the fingers apart a bit and we found out that she didn't really have the stomach for blood or "minor" surgury. This amounted to her leaving me alone for a few minutes, while she almost fed the fish, before she came back and we got it glued together. I still had to do most of it myself. I said, "I didn't know you were so squemish to blood". she says, "I didn't either, I guess it was because it was someone else's" So I was glad to find this out while at a dock and not out in the middle of the ocean. What if I had been more severely injured? Anyway, we treated it as if we were offshore and it's now it's healed up quite nice. So just because you have a good kit onboard doesn't mean that you'll be able to use it.... Hopefully your partner can give you hand.
Major medical emergency
I keep a basic medical kit onboard. All of my travels are from MS. coast to TX coast. Recently though I was offshore La. and one of the crew was having what we thought was a heart attack. Within 30 minutes I was at one of the many drilling rigs in the gulf and the medic was onboard my boat. The medic provided very professional care and no doubt saved a life. The crew man was airlifted to a shore hospital and recovered fully due in part to the fast and excellent care he received.
I keep a basic medical kit onboard. All of my travels are from MS. coast to TX coast. Recently though I was offshore La. and one of the crew was having what we thought was a heart attack. Within 30 minutes I was at one of the many drilling rigs in the gulf and the medic was onboard my boat. The medic provided very professional care and no doubt saved a life. The crew man was airlifted to a shore hospital and recovered fully due in part to the fast and excellent care he received.
Ask a vet!
In stocking a medical kit for sea, you will often find that the supplies used by veterinarians and home health care nurses are more appropriate to our enviornment than what is packed in most commerical kits. Take a look at the attached link.
In stocking a medical kit for sea, you will often find that the supplies used by veterinarians and home health care nurses are more appropriate to our enviornment than what is packed in most commerical kits. Take a look at the attached link.
Essential Items
Essential items on every boat should be, Isoprophyl alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, asprin, Neomycin, Benedryl, Tylenol, and Super Glue. (Super Glue will, after cleaning a deep cut with the alcohol, act as a chemical suture, holding the wound closed until you can get to a medical Facility. Duct tape can also be used. We never go out without the stuff listed above on the boat. Our back-up is a decent First Aid Kit. (We have been trying to get the Marina to have one of the portable Defibrillators and have it accessible for the marina residents. ) s/v First Light
Essential items on every boat should be, Isoprophyl alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, asprin, Neomycin, Benedryl, Tylenol, and Super Glue. (Super Glue will, after cleaning a deep cut with the alcohol, act as a chemical suture, holding the wound closed until you can get to a medical Facility. Duct tape can also be used. We never go out without the stuff listed above on the boat. Our back-up is a decent First Aid Kit. (We have been trying to get the Marina to have one of the portable Defibrillators and have it accessible for the marina residents. ) s/v First Light
One More Thing....
Include some house hold ammonia. Dab it on itching insect bites. Stops the itch instantly!
Include some house hold ammonia. Dab it on itching insect bites. Stops the itch instantly!
Medical kit
I am a physician, so my idea of a medical kit may be a little more extensive than the average sailor with little or no medical training. Still, it is a good idea to have something on board to handle the most likely scenarios that you might face. In that regard, you have to look at the type of sailing you do. If it's just the occasional day sail, a few bandaids, antiseptic, and something for nausea and jelly fish stings or imbedded fish hooks is reasonable. More extensive cruising, where you may be 2 or more days from the nearest port with medical care, requires a different kit. In such cases, you will need all the stuff for a simple day sail, as well as medications, splints, suture, etc. I compiled a kit that would cover possible needs for a cruise of 8 days across the Gulf of Mexico from Ft. Lauderdale to Galveston with a crew of 4 middle aged men on board. I have kept that same kit on my boat since, upadating it periodically and discarding out of date drugs, etc. We were prepared for sea sickness, diarrhea, lacerations, fractures, infections, eye contamination, heat stroke and sun burn, angina, fever, headache, allergic reactions, jellyfish and man-o-war stings,burns, and more. While I thought of most of the items in my kit, I have to credit several other physician-sailors who paved the way, and my kit is by no means the right fit for your type of sailing. The most prudent course is prevention: keep your boat (and yourself)in good condition, sail to the weather not the calendar, be prepared, don't over-indulge on alcohol, stay hydrated and rested, and you will have a great time and rarely require any major medical help. Finally, make sure you have a good radio, cell phone, or EPIRB in the event of a truly serious medical situation. Happy sailing, Frank Kemah,TX My kit: Allergy-benadryl Nausea-compazine tabs/supps, chewable antacids, zantac otc Diarrhea-immodium, vicodin Fever-thermometer, Tylenol tabs/supps, Pain-tylenol, vicodin, ibuprofen Burns-silvadene, Neosporin, hydrocortisone Cuts-neosporin, betadine, Antibiotics-cipro, flagyl, biaxin, sulfacetamide optho gtts. Sore throat-lozenges (menthol or eucalyptus) Sunscreen Citronella-based repellant Sea-sickness-dramamine, peppermints, scopolamine patches Jelly-fish, man-o-war stings—vinegar, meat tenderizer, urine Nitroglycerin ointment Aspirin Stethoscope, bp cuff Suture, hemostat, bandage scissors Scalpel blade Safety pins Q-tips Bandaids (stretchy fabric type) Gauze, ace wraps Tape, steri-strips, mastisol adhesive Gloves (blue) SAM splints Antibacterial waterless soap Instant ice packs Artificial tears Lip balm, chap-stick Eye wash Tongue depressors
I am a physician, so my idea of a medical kit may be a little more extensive than the average sailor with little or no medical training. Still, it is a good idea to have something on board to handle the most likely scenarios that you might face. In that regard, you have to look at the type of sailing you do. If it's just the occasional day sail, a few bandaids, antiseptic, and something for nausea and jelly fish stings or imbedded fish hooks is reasonable. More extensive cruising, where you may be 2 or more days from the nearest port with medical care, requires a different kit. In such cases, you will need all the stuff for a simple day sail, as well as medications, splints, suture, etc. I compiled a kit that would cover possible needs for a cruise of 8 days across the Gulf of Mexico from Ft. Lauderdale to Galveston with a crew of 4 middle aged men on board. I have kept that same kit on my boat since, upadating it periodically and discarding out of date drugs, etc. We were prepared for sea sickness, diarrhea, lacerations, fractures, infections, eye contamination, heat stroke and sun burn, angina, fever, headache, allergic reactions, jellyfish and man-o-war stings,burns, and more. While I thought of most of the items in my kit, I have to credit several other physician-sailors who paved the way, and my kit is by no means the right fit for your type of sailing. The most prudent course is prevention: keep your boat (and yourself)in good condition, sail to the weather not the calendar, be prepared, don't over-indulge on alcohol, stay hydrated and rested, and you will have a great time and rarely require any major medical help. Finally, make sure you have a good radio, cell phone, or EPIRB in the event of a truly serious medical situation. Happy sailing, Frank Kemah,TX My kit: Allergy-benadryl Nausea-compazine tabs/supps, chewable antacids, zantac otc Diarrhea-immodium, vicodin Fever-thermometer, Tylenol tabs/supps, Pain-tylenol, vicodin, ibuprofen Burns-silvadene, Neosporin, hydrocortisone Cuts-neosporin, betadine, Antibiotics-cipro, flagyl, biaxin, sulfacetamide optho gtts. Sore throat-lozenges (menthol or eucalyptus) Sunscreen Citronella-based repellant Sea-sickness-dramamine, peppermints, scopolamine patches Jelly-fish, man-o-war stings—vinegar, meat tenderizer, urine Nitroglycerin ointment Aspirin Stethoscope, bp cuff Suture, hemostat, bandage scissors Scalpel blade Safety pins Q-tips Bandaids (stretchy fabric type) Gauze, ace wraps Tape, steri-strips, mastisol adhesive Gloves (blue) SAM splints Antibacterial waterless soap Instant ice packs Artificial tears Lip balm, chap-stick Eye wash Tongue depressors
doctor's advice
Frank, For those of us who are not medical professionals, please elaborate on how we can obtain prescription items, how we can know when and how to administer them when needed, and what liability we have for doing so. You mentioned several items - from scop patches to anti-biotics to nitroglycerin - that, as a lay person, I would be reluctant to pass out to a needy crew person - both for fear of doing harm rather than good and for concerns about liability if I did. What recommendations do you have for us? Is there a good book that you recommend? Thanks! Sherry
Frank, For those of us who are not medical professionals, please elaborate on how we can obtain prescription items, how we can know when and how to administer them when needed, and what liability we have for doing so. You mentioned several items - from scop patches to anti-biotics to nitroglycerin - that, as a lay person, I would be reluctant to pass out to a needy crew person - both for fear of doing harm rather than good and for concerns about liability if I did. What recommendations do you have for us? Is there a good book that you recommend? Thanks! Sherry
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