Medical Kit Contents for Ocean Cruising?

[Pblais]

One thing missing that I see is training!

In the USA the Red Cross has numerous courses in First Aid all the way up through EMT training. Having a lot of gear could be important but knowing what to do and when might be even more important. Understanding what to look for in early warning signs might make all the difference even when the procedure is simple. How to do things can be important when time becomes a serious factor.

In my own opinion all crew should complete a basic first aid course. The best person to perform first aid is the one there first. In difficult situations it may require multiple persons doing multiple very important tasks to deal with both an injury and sea conditions requiring assistance controlling the boat. Trouble does not always strike when nothing is going on. Training and practice are basic concepts in sailing and is also the same for first aid. Confidence might be the difference between quick action and inability to act.

We have an AED in our club house and we regularly have a quick demonstration on how it works. We have a LOT of almost and retired members so it has a high probability of being used. In the last three years since we got it it has not been needed. It only needs to be used effectively once to make it worth it. Anyone could use it if they only thought that they could. Getting over the "I could never do that" mentality is easier with training.

[barnakiel]

If you are going far and away do take morphine or whatever strongest thing there is out there now. If going to the tropics, you may need anti-malaria drugs. Shots as per the region you are headed for (hepatitis and tetanus in any case, I think). We carried full monthy yellow book.

b.

[zeehag]

make sure the knowledge factor is included with all the goodies in the bag. no one will be there to administer the meds or use the tools unless you are able to do so yourself as well as sail the boat.

[Tashtego]

If going well off shore where you might be days away from shoreside assistance you might consider an oxygen concentrator. They are relatively small and light (some under 5 lbs.) and will provide oxygen continuously 24/7 as long as they get 12 Volt power. They usually have a battery pack as well so that the patient can leave the vessel. They aren't cheap but I have found at least one for around $2000 (it lists for $3995). Used with an AED and appropriate medication it could save a heart attack victim's life. A Google search will find several brands and many dealers.

[zeehag]

tashtego--again the knowledge base factor-- you are causing logarithmic need for a cardiologist on board. might as well bring one along with ye.

[Wattsailing]

What happen to the Adventure of just sailing I think we will all have to get bigger boats so we can fit the ER ward on as well

[s/v Beth]

The OP was asking what additional equipment might be helpful with his dad who has a heart condition. I hope it was answered a while back...

[zeehag]

ok--a fold up cardiologist to use the items no one else knows how to use.

[Wattsailing]

Lol that's right

[Dockhead]

Originally Posted by zeehag

ok--a fold up cardiologist to use the items no one else knows how to use.

We are a UK flagged vessel. Where we sail, the Coast Guard will put a cardiologist on the radio or on a satphone in case of need to talk you through what needs to be done, and send a helo if in range.

Having the right drugs and gear on board could save a life. Obviously you can't take a whole hospital with you, and you can't be sure to have everything needed of every possible contingency, but some things are more likely to be useful or life-saving than others, right?

I've gotten a lot of great advice here, for which many thanks!

[zeehag]

helos for medical evc usualllly have all the trimmings and ye dont need to carry -- theirs are better than what lay persons can get. just telll el ye need help and what kind. hve ntg 1/150 on board for chest pain. IF THE PAIN IS relieved by 3 in 15 mins, call for help. if not, isnt cardiac pain, generally. remember, with inferior wall mi, stomach upset is the symptom. is why is good to have fold up cardiologist on board with anyone with true history of cardiac events.