Tips for creating a useful first-aid kit on the boat

Bag that could save a life

As soon as we start thinking about the sea and sailing, thoughts of freedom, relaxation, sea, sun, gin and tonic automatically impose on us… A first aid bag is certainly not your first thought, and that is why we decided to share with you tips for creating a useful first aid kit, and give you information what to expect on the boat. Preparing your travel first aid kit is a vital part of your pre-trip planning and packing.

• The boat must have medicines and basic medical equipment to provide adequate medical care
• Crew members are trained in basic first aid
• The first aid kit contains all the necessary bandages, gauze, medicines ,gloves and other accessories  needed to provide first aid to an injured person at sea
•  Be sure to notify the crew (or charter) if you suffer from a chronic illness
• If you are taking prescribed medication, always take your medicine with you in larger quantities than you need ( keep in mind that some medicines are not available in Croatia )
• The crew will check that everyone who needs  the prescribed medication have it, and knows how to use it
• Become familiar with emergency procedures and all alarms ( you will be introduced on board what safety equipment exists, where it is located and how it is used )
• If any person on board is a non-swimmer, the best life jacket is the one that he/she will wear J
• Be sure to report a food allergy, because you will rarely find the medical care that you need in the boat equipment, and you can buy everything you need before leaving
• Head, stomach and pain – a holy trinity that you must always have under control, so keep in mind to pack  proper pills
• Always be aware of slick decks, and keep hatches closed to avoid any accidents

• Seasickness is a common inner ear disorder, and can often come as a surprise. As a precaution, you can take a pill against seasickness or wear special bracelets. When you are on deck concentrate on the view and the horizon. It is important that you (try) not to think about the movements of the boat. Alcohol accelerates dehydration and reduces your body’s ability to resist seasickness. Try to stay dehydrated (with water).

• Sea urchin stings – most sea urchin stings are a painful annoyance only. Removing sea urchin spines with tweezers can cause them to break and splinter at the skin’s surface.  Minor thickenings and local inflammation are possible. The place of the sting is best disinfected with alcohol, put on cold compresses and wait for the body to expel the thorn itself ( soaking in the sea water or vinegar will help ). Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, can also relieve pain.

If you notice that after a few days the condition worsens, be sure to contact a doctor.

• Minor burns- too long sun exposure can ruin your vacation, so remember to use sunscreen and hats that will protect you. The first step in treating first-degree burns is to soak the affected area in cold water for 5 minutes or longer. You should see a doctor if the burns cover a large area of skin, or are on your face.

Note; Remember, you are sailing and you need to know that only larger islands have doctors and can provide you with all the medical care you need, but if you are in areas where medical help is not available right away, it is a good idea to have at least basic supplies to rehabilitate any injury or pain. Be careful, and you won’t even open the first aid bag!