Physician, BVI, Medical Kit

[Michael Mangione]

Hello Everyone,My wife and I just booked a charter in the BVI with Horizons. From what we have read and sailors that have been, this should prove to be on the best vacations ever. We are chartering a Bavaria 41 from Nanny Cay. My question is this: I'll be traveling with my wife, our 14 year-old son, and his best buddy (who is also 14). She is an emergency room physician and would like to take a few things medical. Some injectable epinepherine(Adreneline), and some anesthetics to do sutures. The last time we took a vacation, she put 15 sutures in my son's friend leg after a bicycle accident. Does anyone know if it's possible to bring things like this into the BVI? Are customs a problem? Suggestions? Thanks,Michael Mangione

 

[Wayne Estabrooks]

First Aid Kit?

Michael,Sounds like a great trip. We love the BVI's and plan to go again in May with several friends, we will be chartering several boats as a group.When we went last was before 9-11 and I packed inflatable life vests and various things in my luggage that would be questioned today. We Chartered in St. Martin a couple of years ago but did not dare too take much so I did not take the inflatable life jackets. I did take a small plastic boxed first aid kit and it was not questioned. It had ace bandages, gauze, band-aids, and very basic first aid materials. I packed it in my checked luggage. I would think you could pack something like that in your checked luggage with suture needles and thread and that should not be a problem. You might ask the charter company what they think.Have fun, the Bavaria is a pretty boat.Wayne Estabrookss/v Wind Drift h340

 

[Tony1468]

Call the airline

We chartered in BVI this year and called the airline to see if we could bring some steaks and a few other items. They should have a list of what you can bring to different countries.

 

[Steve]

Med Kit

Just ask customs if they'll recognize your wife's FDA number. Then you should be all set. If not, you'll have to determine what's OTC and what's regulated down there. Generally speaking, the rest of the world isn't as regulated as the US, as foreign governments assume their citizens actually have brain activity.

 

[AndyK]

Another thought

We often ship many items ahead when we charter out of the BVI. You might consider sending some the bulkier items along with you med kit on ahead. At least you will not be slowed down if you travel seperate from these posibly problematic items.Andy