Medical kit, for long distance, remote area cruising.

[hellosailor]

"First Aid Kit"
I try to stop using that term, because it is so vague. I keep a "trauma kit", which is intended for "something really needs fixing here", and then a "boo boo kit" which contains the simple bandaids and aspirin and splinter tweezers, the kind of stuff that is most commonly used, and if it wasn't around, you could just do without until you got somewhere.
That also helps ensure that everything in the trauma kit will be cleaner and drier when it is needed, since it goes largely untouched. Knock wood.

[Hoosiersailor]

Just out of curiosity is anyone carrying a automatic defibrillator?

[Papasail]

Obnoxiously, I will defend ((quarter strength)) Hydrogen Peroxide, Vinegar, and Bleach: I've packed hundreds of wounds, and they work just fine. Again, Hydrogen Peroxide is an amazingly cheap must-have. Any (significant) injury, and your boat becomes a slow ambulance... meantime, this stuff can prevent infection.

!! Learn what Gas Gangrene is !!
(Definitive diagnosis is x-ray)

I forgot this idea: Valerian Tea.
This, for all intents and purposes is Valium, without the potential for addiction. (It does NOT show up in a regulated drug screen, either). It doesn't taste or smell good, but will curb moderate pain, and help mild issues (migraines), as well as psychological distress. The smell is not good, so don't know if it would be the best for sea-sickness. It's available in health food stores, and can be a blessing under the right circumstances: aka - knocking someone out, who must get rest.

Most have said knowledge is powerful, and while any knowledge is helpful (books, etc.) you need a medical person as a resource... you will be insecure about what is serious, and what isn't... you'll need someone who knows the difference, even if you do read a pamphlet, book, or whatnot.
PLEASE remember.... many medically-minded folk have been insulated by working in an environment where all the tools and technology are at their disposal (hospitals). For that reason, you must explain to a real veteran of medicine, the down-and-dirty rock-and-a-hard-place environment you will be in: "medical practice" gets VERY different when you're in the trenches, with few places to turn.

Take your very good idea, and get mean and real with it... you could easily save a life if you know what to look for, or have a good contact.

Much is being said about a new emerging form of medicine: snap a pic and send by cell-phone direct to a physician. Look into it

Bill

[pesarsten]

Download a free copy of the international medical guide for ships, it has everything. Also, for those who doubt the effectiveness of MSG on jellyfish and bee stings, try it before you say it doesn't work, or better yet, ask around some dive shops.

[tstano]

We also carry some blood clot powder and tooth epoxy that we use for a chipped tooth. Both were in the pharmacy in US. Good info here.


All U Get

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, gmsutton.