What Are the Required Items in a First Aid Kit on Your Boat?

Every boat owner needs a comprehensive first aid kit to address emergency situations or injuries that may occur when out on the water. Even minor cuts and scrapes need treatment right away to prevent infection. What are some of the essential items for your first aid kit? Read on to find out.

Waterproof container

If you’re DIY-ing your first aid kit on your boat, the first thing you need to do is find a quality waterproof case. Since you’re obviously going to be surrounded by water when you’re using your boat, your first aid kit needs to be completely waterproof. Look for a case with a high IPX rating—IPX7 is best, since it prevents leaking for up to 30 minutes when submerged below one meter of water. Also, choose a case with a strong zipper and welded seams that make the container incredibly watertight.

Bandages

Every first aid kit should include a variety of bandages to cover and support any injuries that may occur when you’re out enjoying a day on the water. Include at least a few of the following bandages:

• Elastic bandages to cover and support injuries.
• Adhesive bandages in a range of sizes and shapes. Try to include a selection of small to large bandages, and be sure to have at least one butterfly bandage to close deep cuts.
• Triangular bandages to support and immobilize an injured shoulder or arm.
• Large adhesive pads to cover large cuts and wounds.
• Rolled gauze to cover wounds that are too small for adhesive bandages, or those that require an extra-absorbent covering.

Solutions and creams

Cleaning solutions are essential items for your first aid kit. Include a saline solution to flush wounds and get them clean before applying a bandage. It’s helpful to have a syringe on hand to flush dirt and debris from any wounds. You should also have alcohol wipes on hand to sterilize hands and utensils like scissors and tweezers before or after use. Always keep burn cream in your first aid kit, too, to treat sunburn or minor burns that may occur as you’re out on the water.

Other important items

When it comes to first aid, you can never be too prepared. Some of the other items that are important to have on hand include:

• Nitrile gloves: Every first aid kit should contain a set of nitrile gloves. Whenever you’re coming into contact with other people’s blood or bodily fluids, you need to protect yourself with puncture-resistant nitrile gloves.
• Tweezers: Used to remove debris from a wound.
• Trauma/bandage shears: Blunt-tipped scissors that cut through fabric.
• Safety pins: Can secure bandages and makeshift arm slings.
• Hypoallergenic tape: Used to secure dressings, bandages and splints.
• Emergency blanket: This item is important to have around to treat cases of shock or hypothermia.

Follow the guidelines above to create your DIY first aid kit, but keep in mind that it may be easier to purchase a premade kit with all the supplies you need. Learn more by about boating safety, as well as proper first aid, by contacting Trinity Alps Marina today.

Categorised in: Boat Safety

This post was written by Writer