First Aid kit contents

[ShipsWoofy]

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Cling film for burns
Clear plastic bags for burns

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Good advice but use the right stuff. When this was put on the lifeboats the inspector was adamant the film must not contain petroleum in it's make up. I don't know how easy it is to find one or the other, I must actually check the ingredients of mine /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[ShipsWoofy]

I would like to carry an Epi-Pen or adrenalin in case of anaphylactic shock, can I buy this over the counter or would I need a private prescription?

 

[Rigger]

Epi pen not available over the counter,and not something I would recommend as a routine part of a first aid kit. Doses differ according to age and they also have a limited shelf life. Most people who need them (ie those with a history of previous severe allergic reaction) tend to carry their own.

 

[Andrew_Fanner]

Refreshing the cat/pigeon interface.

Defib?

 

[Rigger]

Defib?

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Can o' worms that one. Again needs to be maintained with regard to batteries, pads etc. The modern fully automated ones are fairly idiot proof (tho previous training still required)
Following cardiac arrest even with efficient CPR each 10 mins away fom a de fibrillator reduces survival chances by 15%,though succesful de fibrillation is by no means the end of the story (as per seen on Casualty!!).
IMHO not something to be carried by the average cruising yacht .

 

[webcraft]

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Epi pen not available over the counter,and not something I would recommend as a routine part of a first aid kit.

[/ QUOTE ] Allergic reactions can happen out of the blue and can quickly be fatal, so I would have thought it was a sensible thing to carry provided it was only ever used in extremis .

SWMBO had a bad reaction to sandflies the previous time we were in the Caribbean, so our GP had no hesitation giving us one on prescription when we said we were going back there in our own boat.

- W

 

[bumblefish]

I always carry adrenaline (sorry epinephrine), morphine, ondansetron, cyclizine, plus a few others and a range of syringe and needles. Not kept on the boat as the pack also goes skiing with me, just don't tell the GMC!

 

[ShipsWoofy]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Epi pen not available over the counter,and not something I would recommend as a routine part of a first aid kit.

[/ QUOTE ] Allergic reactions can happen out of the blue and can quickly be fatal, so I would have thought it was a sensible thing to carry provided it was only ever used in extremis .

SWMBO had a bad reaction to sandflies the previous time we were in the Caribbean, so our GP had no hesitation giving us one on prescription when we said we were going back there in our own boat.

- W

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This was/is my point, we never know if it is something that might happen, many people have a full healthy life and then get stung by a bee and die after going into shock. Stu on here wrote last year after gardening and was either stung by a wasp or scratched by a rose, can't remember which. Luckily he was savvy enough to realise that what was happening to him was not right and went to A&E and survived.

My cousin, again out of the blue, went into shock following a bee sting, he now carries a pen all the time.

All this is very well, but if you find out for the first time you have this problem and you are on the boat well off land, what then, you might not have the chance to carry the remedy in future.

 

[marilynch]

Your list is ok but please review some of the items, which, if used in an emergency may not work (how you think it will) or, could make a casualty's condition worse.
For advice you may like to get an up to date Emergency First Aid book which will advise on contents for your first aid box, if you do then you should keep them together on the boat as it will guide you through what to do in an emergency.

For medication advise might I suggest consulting with your local pharmacy who can help you improve your list.

Alas most First Aid books do not demonstrate aquatic first aid so Taking a relavent basic First Aid course will help.

There are three couses available to Mariners (in the uk):

Firstly - RYA First Aid at sea, designed for sailors with medical emergencies within 0-60 miles of shore and will provide you with basic skills to use when help is not too Far away.

Thre is a more comprehensive 3 Day Course Approved by the MCA which on sucessfull completion (as there is an assessment) will allow you to access the 'Ships Captain' Course suitable for off shore passages, you may need to not only sew up a wound but also provide post emergency Care for a casualty who then becomes a patient.

Go to the RYA or MCA webb site for more info on these or other medical courses that are available.

If you are lucky to have a nurse or other suitabally medically qualified person on board then you will be able to carry 'extra' medical equipment that reflect the skills of the crew on board as there is no point having kit or drugs on board you do not know how to use nor know what effect it will have on a casualty.

Hope this helps