Safety at Sea - First Aid

[MakoMatt]

Safety at Sea - First Aid

Tis the season that many of us begin to take stock of our rods, reels, and all manner of fishing gear as we prepare for next season. We want to be ready!!

Something that perhaps may not get as much attention is first aid. Both in being prepared for anything from minor cuts and bruises, to serious life threatening emergencies. How prepared are you? When is the last time you went through your First Aid Kit? Have any items reached their expiration dates? Do you even have a First Aid Kit? Has your First Aid, CPR certifications expired? Did you ever take the courses?

For all intensive purposes, should a medical emergency arrise, you are basically on your own. Help is not usually readly available as it is on land.

Here’s what I keep aboard, and invite all to give their thoughts, recommendations, and comments.

In no particular order……..

1. Ace Bandages
2. Stainless Steel Tweezers
3. Neosporin
4. Tylenol - Extra Strength
5. Burn Gel
6. Wound Wash
7. Stainless Steel Sissors
8. Waterproof Adhesive Tape
9. Assorted Gauze
10. Assorted Type/Size BandAid's
11. Compressions Pads
12. Disposable Latex Gloves
13. Wound Closure Devices
14. Benadryl
15. Tourniquet Kit
16. Blanket
17. Adult Low Dose Aspirin

All this, (except the blanket & gloves) is kept in an accessible waterproof airtight First Aid container.

We are not getting any younger so I also carry an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) on board as well.

 

[jpd]

Space blankets - to keep body temp up in case of hypothermia?

 

[MakoMatt]

Space blankets - to keep body temp up in case of hypothermia?

Yes, but not necessarily for reasons having to do with exposure to cold temperatures. If the human body goes into shock it can lose body heat rapidly.

 

[BoatGuy]

I hear hooks are very hard metal and may not be able to be cut by regular pliers. I added a small set of bolt cutters. If someone get a hook in them, I want to be able to cut off the barb to remove it.

 

[MakoMatt]

I hear hooks are very hard metal and may not be able to be cut by regular pliers. I added a small set of bolt cutters. If someone get a hook in them, I want to be able to cut off the barb to remove it.

Good idea. I carry a pair of heavy duty dykes in my on-board tool box which can handle cutting all but the largest hooks. I think I will look for a small bolt cutter to add as well.

 

[Avenger]

Name-dropping story, but we had Netflix filming a documentary involving an ambulance at our shop. So I asked the EMTs where they get their supplies and they recommend galls.com

Much cheaper than most of the kits offered by the retail suppliers to boaters and civilians, and it's pro-grade stuff.

Also, get a first-aid book, and read it before you need to use it.

 

[MakoMatt]

Name-dropping story, but we had Netflix filming a documentary involving an ambulance at our shop. So I asked the EMTs where they get their supplies and they recommend galls.com

Much cheaper than most of the kits offered by the retail suppliers to boaters and civilians, and it's pro-grade stuff.

Also, get a first-aid book, and read it before you need to use it.

Thanks, I’m going to take a look at galls.com. Agreed, purchasing prefilled first aid kits can be pricey. What I did was to buy a good quality waterproof empty first aid container. From there I shop,for the supplies to get the best pricing. COCTSO, CVS, Amazon, etc.

Nanuk makes good quality hard shell containers at a reasonable price.

First Aid Cases

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[MakoMatt]

Name-dropping story, but we had Netflix filming a documentary involving an ambulance at our shop. So I asked the EMTs where they get their supplies and they recommend galls.com

Much cheaper than most of the kits offered by the retail suppliers to boaters and civilians, and it's pro-grade stuff.

Also, get a first-aid book, and read it before you need to use it.

And first aid books are great but IMO courses are much better. Would highly recommend both CPR, and First Aid. My AED is an older unit and I am AED certified but there are what are known as home units you can buy today where no course is necessary. They are total automated, and fool proof.

 

[Avenger]

And first aid books are great but IMO courses are much better. Would highly recommend both CPR, and First Aid. My AED is an older unit and I am AED certified but there are what are known as home units you can buy today where no course is necessary. They are total automated, and fool proof.

Absolutely, a course is better. But even getting the basics from a book is better than everybody standing around wondering what to do.

And while we're at it, how many people in your crew and/or fishing buddies have cracked open that book or taken a CPR class? Because on a really bad day, you might be the one that needs the first aid. Are they going to know what to do if you're not able to direct them?