Emergency Medical Supplies?

[sailorgirl]

One of the things the skipper is insisting on is that we have a comprehensive kit to deal with any serious injury or other medical emergency in the middle of an ocean. Whereas I'm quite happy with plasters, splints, seasickness tablets and iprobrufen, he says we need antibiotics, morphine and the means of dealing with an amputation!

I've researched on the web a few first aid kits etc as supplied by chandlers and bluewater specialists, most seem to contain only what is already in our first aid kit....so can anyone help advise what should a long term ocean cruiser have on board please?

 

[sarabande]

have you come across the Ship's Captain Medical Guide ?

http://www.dft.gov.uk/mca/mcga-seaf.../mcga-dqs_st_shs_ships_capt_medical_guide.htm


There's a link to the Ships Medical Stores which seems pretty comprehensive, but can only be used, for space reasons on a smaller boat, as a guide.

http://www.dft.gov.uk/mca/1768.pdf

 

[ChrisE]

One of the things the skipper is insisting on is that we have a comprehensive kit to deal with any serious injury or other medical emergency in the middle of an ocean. Whereas I'm quite happy with plasters, splints, seasickness tablets and iprobrufen, he says we need antibiotics, morphine and the means of dealing with an amputation!

I've researched on the web a few first aid kits etc as supplied by chandlers and bluewater specialists, most seem to contain only what is already in our first aid kit....so can anyone help advise what should a long term ocean cruiser have on board please?

Before we took off we went along to our quack with the recommended list, from a Yachting Monthly seminar. He gave us most what was on the list, which didn't include morphine or saws (!!).

His advice was that if it needed more the stuff you have mentioned then we should be calling out the rescue services. His one piece of advice (that you can take at your own risk) is that you can take 8 times the recommeded highest dose of ibuprofen in the event of a broken limb whilst awaiting help. That kept us on good stead for a year's cruising, the only thing we bought on top of the recommended list was an emergency dental kit, which strangley we used when I lost a filling miles from nowhere.

Chris

 

[nigelmercier]

I've researched on the web a few first aid kits etc as supplied by chandlers and bluewater specialists, most seem to contain only what is already in our first aid kit....so can anyone help advise what should a long term ocean cruiser have on board please?

I was going to say you need a Category C First Aid kit, but on looking at the contents, they are hardly comprehensive.

http://www.safety-marine.co.uk/firs...6s15/solas-category-c-first-aid-kit-cat-c.htm

For severe pain killers ask your doctor for a prescription for Tramadol, and also some broad-spectrum antibiotics. I also suggest a Travel Kit that they should sell in the surgery, it contains sterile needles etc for use in less well equipped countries.

 

[tri39]

I can't believe anyone is going to give you morphine!! You should already have a hacksaw onboard, but don't use it!!!!!
You'd just have to temporarily exceed the guidelines on available painkillers if nec, but large doses of paracetamol can cause liver damage, and too much aspirin or ibuprofen can cause bleeding (or make it worse)!
Antibiotics have been overprescribed but could be lifesaver with a case of appendicitis. Your Doc may well give you a scrip, and they can probably be bought abroad, especially if you take an existing scrip or container to a chemist.
More complex treatment is frankly beyond amateurs. Carry a catheter anyone!? I have an airway for resuscitation, could be useful especially after someone's been in the water too long.
Making a pt comfortable and keeping them hydrated while you speed towards the next port would be the main option.
And prevention!! Control that boom, don't stand in loops of chain/rope, try not too inflict food poisoning on yourself!
Radio comms to ask for med advice. One use for that expensive sat phone.

I should have added, visit your dentist well before you set off!!

 

[rivonia]

Here we go; Different size splints= to immobilise broken limbs Rubber bandages= used to stem the flow of blood as a torniquet. Anibiotics (get them from the vet)= Prevention of infection due to Food poisoning/severe open fractures etc. Rehydration sachets= Prevention of sunstroke/heatstroke and loss of body fluids. Anti-histimine pills= In case of allergic reactions due to unknown allergies. Lots of pain relief tabs= Good for many symptoms such as Headaches,hangovers,muscular aches and pains. On top of these items you will need the usual first aid kit.

 

[KellysEye]

This is what we carried, I'd keep the same but halve the number. There are notes on the drugs or they are under headings, it's a long list.

BANDAGES AND DRESSINGS (2 BAGS)
4 sterile dressing packs
4 triangular bandages
6 sterile large wound dressings no. 15
6 sterile medium wound dressings no. 13
2 natural padding bandages (tensoban) (for ankle, wrist)
4 crepe bandages 7.5 cms
18 conforming bandages, six each of 10cm, 7.5cm and 5cm
2 boxes of assorted adhesive dressings
2 boxes of assorted waterproof adhesive dressings
2 packets of 4x4 gauze swabs(200)
1 plastic eye shield
20 Jelonet paraffin gauze 10x10cm individually wrapped
2 packets of cotton wool
4 packs of sterile gauze swabs (5 each at 7.5cm x 7.5cm)
2 packs sterile absorbent gauze (90cm x 3m)
2 packs Melolin adhesive wound dressings (5 each at 5cm x 5cm)
2 packs Melolin adhesive wound dressings (5 each at 8.3cm x 6cm)
2 rolls of adhesive strapping (Micropore) 1.5cms
4 rolls of adhesive strapping (Micropore) 2.5cms
1 rolls of adhesive strapping (Micropore) 5cms
Vulkan fixation tape x 2
3 packets of steristrips (various sizes)
2 tubegauze finger bandage applicator and roll
10 finger bob bandages
4 disposable finger stalls
4 disposable finger stalls
Sterile latex gloves, 6 large and 6 small

INSTRUMENTS AND HARDWARE
Stainless steel scissors Nurses pattern 18 cm
Stainless steel pointed forceps
Needle holder for suturing x 1
Clippers
10 disposable scalpels
4 protected safety pins stainless steel and 24 ordinary
Rectal thermometer (mercury)
Oral thermometer (mercury)
6 disposable spatulas
2 Guerdel airways, one no.2 and one no.3.
Eye bath (with Optrex bottle)
1 Dropper
6 Disposable single edge razors
12 sachets of silk sutures
12 sachets of nylon sutures
Inflatable splints: arm, wrist, leg
Wrist splint x 2
Syringes and needles

ANTIBIOTICS

Amoxycillin 500mg x 42 One three times per day (broad spectrum penicillin, including dental abscess, blood poisoning)
Augmentin (suppression of appendicitis used with Metronidazole. Also for bites and stings) 625mg x 42 -. take one 3 times per day.
Ciprofloxacin 500mg x 28 – take one twice daily (strong, broad spectrum, use if first doesn’t work. Kidney, prostate, chest, stomach, blood poisoning)
Tiloryth Erythromycin 250mg x 30 (broad spectrum, including teeth, wounds, stomach and bladder) One four times a day.
Metronidazole (suppression of appendicitis used with Augmentin) 400mg x 42 - take one 3 times per day.
Trimethoprim 200mg x 28 One twice a day and keep going for five to seven days (Infection of the bladder, urinary tract, cystitis; Infections of the organs associated with breathing, including nasal passages, sinuses, windpipe and lungs)

ANTISEPTICS

Sterile water 2 x 0.5 litre
Savlon wound wash 100ml x 2
Savlon dry antiseptic spray 2 cans
Surgical spirit 250ml bottle
Betadine ointment 2 x 20gm
Betadine solution – antiseptic paint 8ml
Betadine solution – skin cleanser 4% solution 250ml
Flamazine cream 2 x 50gm tube (for burns)
Iodine scrub
Iodine solution

BONES (FRACTURES)

Fucidin 250mg x 40 Two four times per day (antibiotic, also for blood poisoning, skin and wound infectios)

CHEST AND LUNGS

Codein linctus x 2 bottles
Ventmax Salbutamol MR capsules 4mg x 28 One twice a day (opens airways)
Epipen x 2 (Life threatening allergic/ anaphylactic reaction. NB Accidental injection into the hands or feet may result in loss of blood flow to the affected area and should be avoided. If there is an accidental injection into these areas, emergency treatment should be sought. The contents of the glass cartridge in the Auto-injector should be periodically checked to ensure that the solution is clear and colourless. Auto-injectors should ONLY be injected into the side of the thigh. Do NOT inject into the buttocks.

EAR

See also Eye treatments - Sofradex
See also Eye treatments – Chloramphenicol
Otosporin ear drops 5mls x 6 Two to three drops three times per day and keep going for five days (steroid/antibiotic for bacterial infection of outer ear)

EYE, NOSE, MOUTH AND THROAT

Optrex solution 110ml
Brolene drops x 4
Chloramphenicol drops minims x 20 One drop four times a day and must keep going for 5 days (antibiotic for bacterial infection of eye or outer ear)
Amethocaine eye drops minims x 20 (local anaesthetic)
Sofradex eye drops x 6 One drop three times a day (steroid/antibiotic for treating inflammation of eye or outer ear. Do NOT use for Eye conditions producing pus; Fungal infections of the eye; Inflammation of the front of the eye (cornea) or the membrane lining the eye (conjunctiva) due to the herpes simplex virus (herpetic keratitis); Otitis externa in people with a perforated eardrum; Tuberculosis infection affecting the eye)

Otrivine nasal spray 2 x 10ml
Boxer’s plug (stop nose bleed)

Strepsils 2 x 24
Bonjela x 2
Oil of cloves 1 bottle.
Dequadin lozenges 20
Dentanurse dental kits x 2
Corsodil dental gel x 2
Glycerine and thymol pastilles 1 pack


OTHER

Dioralyte 2 boxes
Anusol haemorrhoid cream 2 tubes.
KY jelly

PAINKILLERS AND ANTI INFLAMMATORY

Ketoprofen suppositories 100mg x 100 One when required. (nonsteroidal anti- inflammatory for arthritis, pain and muscle pain)
Dicloflex Diclofenac tablets75mg x 28 One twice a day after food (strong nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory, can combine with Paracetamol or Opioid)
Voltarol Diclofenac suppositories 100mg x 30 One daily

Paracetamol 500mg tablets x 100
Migraleve tablets 4 packs of pink and yellow mixed
Soluble aspirin tablets x 32 tablets
Co-proxamol x 200 Two four times a day if required (dextropropoxythene and paracetamol, max 8 per day)
Solpadol x 100 One four times a day if required (paracetamol and codeine phosphate)
Tylex 500+30mg x 50 One or two four times a day (co-codamol i.e. 30mg codeine and 500mg paracetomol)
Xylocaine spray 500 dose unit (local anaesthetic)
Xylocaine and adrenalin injectable 5 x 20 vials (local anaesthetic, must NOT be injected in vein)
Zydol soluble 100mg x 30, One every 6 hours (tramadol hydrochloride which is an opioid analgesic or painkiller, for moderate to severe pain).
Zydol injectable 1 box ampoules

SEASICKNESS

Stugeron (Cinnarizine) 75mg x 100 One twice a day (antihistamine for motion sickness)
Motilium suppositories 30mg x 30 One three times a day (anti-emitic, also relief of upper abdominal discomfort, sense of fullness and regurgitaion of stomach contents)


SKIN

Germoline plastic skin 2 bottles
Calamine cream x 2 50gm
Anthisan cream 2 x 25gm tubes
Aloe vera gel 1 250ml
Solarcaine spray 2 cans
1% Hydrocortisone cream 2 1-oz tubes
Zinc oxide 2 1-oz tubes
Arnica cream (bruises) 2 tubes
Piriton allergy tablets
Friars Balsam 2 x 50ml (use to paint skin before strapping)
Granuflex sterile gel pads (place against ulcer or burn and bandage, removes gunge)
2nd skin non-sterile artificial fat (place against friction burn or graze)
Artificial fat (place gel against ulcer or burn and bandage)
Zovirax (cold sores and verrucae – skin ridge goes round verrucae and through corn)
Deep Heat 2 tubes.
Viscostat in applicator/syringes (stops bleeding, also for dental use)
Cicatrin powder 50g x 2 Apply 4 times per day 7 days max (antibiotic for burns, abrasions, cuts)
Fucidin ointment 2 packs Apply twice a day (antibiotic for bacterial infection).
Lamisil cream x 20p Apply twice a day (antifungal for athletes foot, itchy groin, ring worm)


STOMACH AND BOWEL

Rennies x 2 packs
Ranitidine (Zantac) 150mg x 30 tablets
Kaolin and morphine mixture 100ml
Loperamide (immodium) i.e.Arret capsules 3 cartons (30)
Sennokot tablets x 40
Buscopan tablets 10mg x 40 Two four times a day (antispasmodic)

 

[tcm]

I have loadsa medical stuff - went to the medical supplies co in Antibes and sorted it out, even a defibrillator, tramadol (heavy duty pain relief, like morphine) and so on... perhaps the main thing u need is a sat phone - falmouth will put you direct on to a doctor if needs be...

 

[ribrage]

This is what we carried, I'd keep the same but halve the number. There are notes on the drugs or they are under headings, it's a long list.

BANDAGES AND DRESSINGS (2 BAGS)
4 sterile dressing packs
4 triangular bandages
6 sterile large wound dressings no. 15
6 sterile medium wound dressings no. 13
2 natural padding bandages (tensoban) (for ankle, wrist)
4 crepe bandages 7.5 cms
18 conforming bandages, six each of 10cm, 7.5cm and 5cm
2 boxes of assorted adhesive dressings
2 boxes of assorted waterproof adhesive dressings
2 packets of 4x4 gauze swabs(200)
1 plastic eye shield
20 Jelonet paraffin gauze 10x10cm individually wrapped
2 packets of cotton wool
4 packs of sterile gauze swabs (5 each at 7.5cm x 7.5cm)
2 packs sterile absorbent gauze (90cm x 3m)
2 packs Melolin adhesive wound dressings (5 each at 5cm x 5cm)
2 packs Melolin adhesive wound dressings (5 each at 8.3cm x 6cm)
2 rolls of adhesive strapping (Micropore) 1.5cms
4 rolls of adhesive strapping (Micropore) 2.5cms
1 rolls of adhesive strapping (Micropore) 5cms
Vulkan fixation tape x 2
3 packets of steristrips (various sizes)
2 tubegauze finger bandage applicator and roll
10 finger bob bandages
4 disposable finger stalls
4 disposable finger stalls
Sterile latex gloves, 6 large and 6 small

INSTRUMENTS AND HARDWARE
Stainless steel scissors Nurses pattern 18 cm
Stainless steel pointed forceps
Needle holder for suturing x 1
Clippers
10 disposable scalpels
4 protected safety pins stainless steel and 24 ordinary
Rectal thermometer (mercury)
Oral thermometer (mercury)
6 disposable spatulas
2 Guerdel airways, one no.2 and one no.3.
Eye bath (with Optrex bottle)
1 Dropper
6 Disposable single edge razors
12 sachets of silk sutures
12 sachets of nylon sutures
Inflatable splints: arm, wrist, leg
Wrist splint x 2
Syringes and needles

ANTIBIOTICS

Amoxycillin 500mg x 42 One three times per day (broad spectrum penicillin, including dental abscess, blood poisoning)
Augmentin (suppression of appendicitis used with Metronidazole. Also for bites and stings) 625mg x 42 -. take one 3 times per day.
Ciprofloxacin 500mg x 28 – take one twice daily (strong, broad spectrum, use if first doesn’t work. Kidney, prostate, chest, stomach, blood poisoning)
Tiloryth Erythromycin 250mg x 30 (broad spectrum, including teeth, wounds, stomach and bladder) One four times a day.
Metronidazole (suppression of appendicitis used with Augmentin) 400mg x 42 - take one 3 times per day.
Trimethoprim 200mg x 28 One twice a day and keep going for five to seven days (Infection of the bladder, urinary tract, cystitis; Infections of the organs associated with breathing, including nasal passages, sinuses, windpipe and lungs)

ANTISEPTICS

Sterile water 2 x 0.5 litre
Savlon wound wash 100ml x 2
Savlon dry antiseptic spray 2 cans
Surgical spirit 250ml bottle
Betadine ointment 2 x 20gm
Betadine solution – antiseptic paint 8ml
Betadine solution – skin cleanser 4% solution 250ml
Flamazine cream 2 x 50gm tube (for burns)
Iodine scrub
Iodine solution

BONES (FRACTURES)

Fucidin 250mg x 40 Two four times per day (antibiotic, also for blood poisoning, skin and wound infectios)

CHEST AND LUNGS

Codein linctus x 2 bottles
Ventmax Salbutamol MR capsules 4mg x 28 One twice a day (opens airways)
Epipen x 2 (Life threatening allergic/ anaphylactic reaction. NB Accidental injection into the hands or feet may result in loss of blood flow to the affected area and should be avoided. If there is an accidental injection into these areas, emergency treatment should be sought. The contents of the glass cartridge in the Auto-injector should be periodically checked to ensure that the solution is clear and colourless. Auto-injectors should ONLY be injected into the side of the thigh. Do NOT inject into the buttocks.

EAR

See also Eye treatments - Sofradex
See also Eye treatments – Chloramphenicol
Otosporin ear drops 5mls x 6 Two to three drops three times per day and keep going for five days (steroid/antibiotic for bacterial infection of outer ear)

EYE, NOSE, MOUTH AND THROAT

Optrex solution 110ml
Brolene drops x 4
Chloramphenicol drops minims x 20 One drop four times a day and must keep going for 5 days (antibiotic for bacterial infection of eye or outer ear)
Amethocaine eye drops minims x 20 (local anaesthetic)
Sofradex eye drops x 6 One drop three times a day (steroid/antibiotic for treating inflammation of eye or outer ear. Do NOT use for Eye conditions producing pus; Fungal infections of the eye; Inflammation of the front of the eye (cornea) or the membrane lining the eye (conjunctiva) due to the herpes simplex virus (herpetic keratitis); Otitis externa in people with a perforated eardrum; Tuberculosis infection affecting the eye)

Otrivine nasal spray 2 x 10ml
Boxer’s plug (stop nose bleed)

Strepsils 2 x 24
Bonjela x 2
Oil of cloves 1 bottle.
Dequadin lozenges 20
Dentanurse dental kits x 2
Corsodil dental gel x 2
Glycerine and thymol pastilles 1 pack


OTHER

Dioralyte 2 boxes
Anusol haemorrhoid cream 2 tubes.
KY jelly

PAINKILLERS AND ANTI INFLAMMATORY

Ketoprofen suppositories 100mg x 100 One when required. (nonsteroidal anti- inflammatory for arthritis, pain and muscle pain)
Dicloflex Diclofenac tablets75mg x 28 One twice a day after food (strong nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory, can combine with Paracetamol or Opioid)
Voltarol Diclofenac suppositories 100mg x 30 One daily

Paracetamol 500mg tablets x 100
Migraleve tablets 4 packs of pink and yellow mixed
Soluble aspirin tablets x 32 tablets
Co-proxamol x 200 Two four times a day if required (dextropropoxythene and paracetamol, max 8 per day)
Solpadol x 100 One four times a day if required (paracetamol and codeine phosphate)
Tylex 500+30mg x 50 One or two four times a day (co-codamol i.e. 30mg codeine and 500mg paracetomol)
Xylocaine spray 500 dose unit (local anaesthetic)
Xylocaine and adrenalin injectable 5 x 20 vials (local anaesthetic, must NOT be injected in vein)
Zydol soluble 100mg x 30, One every 6 hours (tramadol hydrochloride which is an opioid analgesic or painkiller, for moderate to severe pain).
Zydol injectable 1 box ampoules

SEASICKNESS

Stugeron (Cinnarizine) 75mg x 100 One twice a day (antihistamine for motion sickness)
Motilium suppositories 30mg x 30 One three times a day (anti-emitic, also relief of upper abdominal discomfort, sense of fullness and regurgitaion of stomach contents)


SKIN

Germoline plastic skin 2 bottles
Calamine cream x 2 50gm
Anthisan cream 2 x 25gm tubes
Aloe vera gel 1 250ml
Solarcaine spray 2 cans
1% Hydrocortisone cream 2 1-oz tubes
Zinc oxide 2 1-oz tubes
Arnica cream (bruises) 2 tubes
Piriton allergy tablets
Friars Balsam 2 x 50ml (use to paint skin before strapping)
Granuflex sterile gel pads (place against ulcer or burn and bandage, removes gunge)
2nd skin non-sterile artificial fat (place against friction burn or graze)
Artificial fat (place gel against ulcer or burn and bandage)
Zovirax (cold sores and verrucae – skin ridge goes round verrucae and through corn)
Deep Heat 2 tubes.
Viscostat in applicator/syringes (stops bleeding, also for dental use)
Cicatrin powder 50g x 2 Apply 4 times per day 7 days max (antibiotic for burns, abrasions, cuts)
Fucidin ointment 2 packs Apply twice a day (antibiotic for bacterial infection).
Lamisil cream x 20p Apply twice a day (antifungal for athletes foot, itchy groin, ring worm)


STOMACH AND BOWEL

Rennies x 2 packs
Ranitidine (Zantac) 150mg x 30 tablets
Kaolin and morphine mixture 100ml
Loperamide (immodium) i.e.Arret capsules 3 cartons (30)
Sennokot tablets x 40
Buscopan tablets 10mg x 40 Two four times a day (antispasmodic)

BL@@DY HELL

thats one massive list, do you work for the NHS

 

[michael_w]

Before we headed off on our Atlantic Circuit, SWMBO and I did probably the most comprehensive course you can do outside of a medical school. The STCW 95 Medical Care Aboard Ship. It's a 5 day course, normally taken by Ship's Masters and their 1st Mates. There you will learn how to handle all the stuff in the MCA's medical stores for British registered ships. Plus you get to practice suturing, catheters, injections and you'll get very good at CPR. Plus strapping a fellow student into a Neil Robertson stretcher for light relief.

It's expensive as you have to do a basic First Aid and then the First Aid Aboard Ship course first. We've done the whole thing twice, once at Warsash and the other time at the North East Kent College in Gravesend. Both to be thoroughly recommended. Once armed with your certificates, you can order what ever you like from companies like L E West. Though it does have to be countersigned by a doctor.

We reduced the amount of stuff from the standard packs as we would only have a maximum complement of four. Also, we based things on keeping a patient going for a week. We felt that this was the maximum time before help in the form of a ship or rescue would arrive. It was very much hope for the best, but prepare for the worst. On our trips we never had to open the serious first aid kit, but I would not have been happy sailing without it.

 

[rivonia]

This is what we carried, I'd keep the same but halve the number. There are notes on the drugs or they are under headings, it's a long list.

BANDAGES AND DRESSINGS (2 BAGS)
4 sterile dressing packs
4 triangular bandages
6 sterile large wound dressings no. 15
6 sterile medium wound dressings no. 13
2 natural padding bandages (tensoban) (for ankle, wrist)
4 crepe bandages 7.5 cms
18 conforming bandages, six each of 10cm, 7.5cm and 5cm
2 boxes of assorted adhesive dressings
2 boxes of assorted waterproof adhesive dressings
2 packets of 4x4 gauze swabs(200)
1 plastic eye shield
20 Jelonet paraffin gauze 10x10cm individually wrapped
2 packets of cotton wool
4 packs of sterile gauze swabs (5 each at 7.5cm x 7.5cm)
2 packs sterile absorbent gauze (90cm x 3m)
2 packs Melolin adhesive wound dressings (5 each at 5cm x 5cm)
2 packs Melolin adhesive wound dressings (5 each at 8.3cm x 6cm)
2 rolls of adhesive strapping (Micropore) 1.5cms
4 rolls of adhesive strapping (Micropore) 2.5cms
1 rolls of adhesive strapping (Micropore) 5cms
Vulkan fixation tape x 2
3 packets of steristrips (various sizes)
2 tubegauze finger bandage applicator and roll
10 finger bob bandages
4 disposable finger stalls
4 disposable finger stalls
Sterile latex gloves, 6 large and 6 small

INSTRUMENTS AND HARDWARE
Stainless steel scissors Nurses pattern 18 cm
Stainless steel pointed forceps
Needle holder for suturing x 1
Clippers
10 disposable scalpels
4 protected safety pins stainless steel and 24 ordinary
Rectal thermometer (mercury)
Oral thermometer (mercury)
6 disposable spatulas
2 Guerdel airways, one no.2 and one no.3.
Eye bath (with Optrex bottle)
1 Dropper
6 Disposable single edge razors
12 sachets of silk sutures
12 sachets of nylon sutures
Inflatable splints: arm, wrist, leg
Wrist splint x 2
Syringes and needles

ANTIBIOTICS

Amoxycillin 500mg x 42 One three times per day (broad spectrum penicillin, including dental abscess, blood poisoning)
Augmentin (suppression of appendicitis used with Metronidazole. Also for bites and stings) 625mg x 42 -. take one 3 times per day.
Ciprofloxacin 500mg x 28 – take one twice daily (strong, broad spectrum, use if first doesn’t work. Kidney, prostate, chest, stomach, blood poisoning)
Tiloryth Erythromycin 250mg x 30 (broad spectrum, including teeth, wounds, stomach and bladder) One four times a day.
Metronidazole (suppression of appendicitis used with Augmentin) 400mg x 42 - take one 3 times per day.
Trimethoprim 200mg x 28 One twice a day and keep going for five to seven days (Infection of the bladder, urinary tract, cystitis; Infections of the organs associated with breathing, including nasal passages, sinuses, windpipe and lungs)

ANTISEPTICS

Sterile water 2 x 0.5 litre
Savlon wound wash 100ml x 2
Savlon dry antiseptic spray 2 cans
Surgical spirit 250ml bottle
Betadine ointment 2 x 20gm
Betadine solution – antiseptic paint 8ml
Betadine solution – skin cleanser 4% solution 250ml
Flamazine cream 2 x 50gm tube (for burns)
Iodine scrub
Iodine solution

BONES (FRACTURES)

Fucidin 250mg x 40 Two four times per day (antibiotic, also for blood poisoning, skin and wound infectios)

CHEST AND LUNGS

Codein linctus x 2 bottles
Ventmax Salbutamol MR capsules 4mg x 28 One twice a day (opens airways)
Epipen x 2 (Life threatening allergic/ anaphylactic reaction. NB Accidental injection into the hands or feet may result in loss of blood flow to the affected area and should be avoided. If there is an accidental injection into these areas, emergency treatment should be sought. The contents of the glass cartridge in the Auto-injector should be periodically checked to ensure that the solution is clear and colourless. Auto-injectors should ONLY be injected into the side of the thigh. Do NOT inject into the buttocks.

EAR

See also Eye treatments - Sofradex
See also Eye treatments – Chloramphenicol
Otosporin ear drops 5mls x 6 Two to three drops three times per day and keep going for five days (steroid/antibiotic for bacterial infection of outer ear)

EYE, NOSE, MOUTH AND THROAT

Optrex solution 110ml
Brolene drops x 4
Chloramphenicol drops minims x 20 One drop four times a day and must keep going for 5 days (antibiotic for bacterial infection of eye or outer ear)
Amethocaine eye drops minims x 20 (local anaesthetic)
Sofradex eye drops x 6 One drop three times a day (steroid/antibiotic for treating inflammation of eye or outer ear. Do NOT use for Eye conditions producing pus; Fungal infections of the eye; Inflammation of the front of the eye (cornea) or the membrane lining the eye (conjunctiva) due to the herpes simplex virus (herpetic keratitis); Otitis externa in people with a perforated eardrum; Tuberculosis infection affecting the eye)

Otrivine nasal spray 2 x 10ml
Boxer’s plug (stop nose bleed)

Strepsils 2 x 24
Bonjela x 2
Oil of cloves 1 bottle.
Dequadin lozenges 20
Dentanurse dental kits x 2
Corsodil dental gel x 2
Glycerine and thymol pastilles 1 pack


OTHER

Dioralyte 2 boxes
Anusol haemorrhoid cream 2 tubes.
KY jelly

PAINKILLERS AND ANTI INFLAMMATORY

Ketoprofen suppositories 100mg x 100 One when required. (nonsteroidal anti- inflammatory for arthritis, pain and muscle pain)
Dicloflex Diclofenac tablets75mg x 28 One twice a day after food (strong nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory, can combine with Paracetamol or Opioid)
Voltarol Diclofenac suppositories 100mg x 30 One daily

Paracetamol 500mg tablets x 100
Migraleve tablets 4 packs of pink and yellow mixed
Soluble aspirin tablets x 32 tablets
Co-proxamol x 200 Two four times a day if required (dextropropoxythene and paracetamol, max 8 per day)
Solpadol x 100 One four times a day if required (paracetamol and codeine phosphate)
Tylex 500+30mg x 50 One or two four times a day (co-codamol i.e. 30mg codeine and 500mg paracetomol)
Xylocaine spray 500 dose unit (local anaesthetic)
Xylocaine and adrenalin injectable 5 x 20 vials (local anaesthetic, must NOT be injected in vein)
Zydol soluble 100mg x 30, One every 6 hours (tramadol hydrochloride which is an opioid analgesic or painkiller, for moderate to severe pain).
Zydol injectable 1 box ampoules

SEASICKNESS

Stugeron (Cinnarizine) 75mg x 100 One twice a day (antihistamine for motion sickness)
Motilium suppositories 30mg x 30 One three times a day (anti-emitic, also relief of upper abdominal discomfort, sense of fullness and regurgitaion of stomach contents)


SKIN

Germoline plastic skin 2 bottles
Calamine cream x 2 50gm
Anthisan cream 2 x 25gm tubes
Aloe vera gel 1 250ml
Solarcaine spray 2 cans
1% Hydrocortisone cream 2 1-oz tubes
Zinc oxide 2 1-oz tubes
Arnica cream (bruises) 2 tubes
Piriton allergy tablets
Friars Balsam 2 x 50ml (use to paint skin before strapping)
Granuflex sterile gel pads (place against ulcer or burn and bandage, removes gunge)
2nd skin non-sterile artificial fat (place against friction burn or graze)
Artificial fat (place gel against ulcer or burn and bandage)
Zovirax (cold sores and verrucae – skin ridge goes round verrucae and through corn)
Deep Heat 2 tubes.
Viscostat in applicator/syringes (stops bleeding, also for dental use)
Cicatrin powder 50g x 2 Apply 4 times per day 7 days max (antibiotic for burns, abrasions, cuts)
Fucidin ointment 2 packs Apply twice a day (antibiotic for bacterial infection).
Lamisil cream x 20p Apply twice a day (antifungal for athletes foot, itchy groin, ring worm)


STOMACH AND BOWEL

Rennies x 2 packs
Ranitidine (Zantac) 150mg x 30 tablets
Kaolin and morphine mixture 100ml
Loperamide (immodium) i.e.Arret capsules 3 cartons (30)
Sennokot tablets x 40
Buscopan tablets 10mg x 40 Two four times a day (antispasmodic)

All above is very very good the only addition required is adequate splinting.

 

[KellysEye]

>All above is very very good the only addition required is adequate splinting.

In the list:
Inflatable splints: arm, wrist, leg
Wrist splint x 2

 

[colind3782]

Cardboard and duct tape make a great temporary splint. Be careful with inflatable splints as they go tighter with temp and atmospheric pressure changes reducing the blood supply to the limb. We stopped using them in the Ambulance Service twenty odd years ago. Vacuum splints are a better bet but, for the chances of using them and the room they take up, I would go down the improv route.

As for morphine, forget it in the UK. After Shipman, even GPs can't carry it. We are only allowed to carry 20mg and that's after jumping through lots of hoops.

As with lots of medications that need a script in the UK, other countries like Spain have different rules so many meds can be sourced "over the counter" at pharmacies. I often stock up with antibiotics in Empuriabrava.

 

[LadyInBed]

BL@@DY HELL

thats one massive list, do you work for the NHS

pharmaceutical manufacturer

 

[nigelmercier]

pharmaceutical manufacturer
Last edited by LadyInBed; Today at 17:05. Reason: sp

Which word did you have trouble with

Following my mishap today, I suggest you pack extra Steri-Strips

http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?353703-When-will-I-learn-(not-for-the-squeamish!)

 

[Tricia]

Cruised for years without very much at all in the way of first aid kits. When we left Dubai in 2009 to go to India a very good friend who was also a doctor sorted out a pretty comprehensive kit for us including 5 boxes of amoxicillin. We used the amoxi for the first time about 3 weeks ago when I had an ear infection. I looked up the dosage etc in the Ship Captain's Medical Guide. Something to remember, which I never ever thought of and have to thank the lovely Dr Mike for, is that if taking high doses of antibiotics it is a good idea to have Canesten cream or pessaries as high doses of anti bios will probably result in thrush/candida so include Canesten in your first aid kit.

 

[PilotWolf]

Part of the reason for carrying a substantial kit (I would also suggest using the MCA guidelines) is that a doctor can give the (radio) advice on what medication to give or how to treat a particular condition - using the contents of the medical kit.

W.