A first-aid kit is an important but often neglected piece of safety equipment on a boat. All vessel owners should take the time to fortify their first-aid kits.
General tips
- Check and restock all kits every six to 12 months, replacing expired medications and used supplies.
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Make sure anyone who might use the kit knows where it is and what’s in it.
Small first-aid kit
For one to two people; day trips, cars, desk drawers
NECESSARY COMPONENTS
Wound care
- adhesive bandages (assorted sizes, 10–15)
- sterile gauze pads (2Ă—2 and 4Ă—4, a few of each)
- medical adhesive tape
- antiseptic wipes or alcohol pads
- antibiotic ointment (single-use packets)
Tools and supplies
- tweezers
- medical scissors or bandage scissors
- disposable gloves (1–2 pairs, nitrile)
- CPR face shield
Medications
- pain reliever/fever reducer (ibuprofen or
acetaminophen) - antihistamine (diphenhydramine/Benadryl)
Ideal additional components
- elastic bandage/ACE wrap (for sprains)
- butterfly closure strips/Steri-Strips
- instant cold pack
- blister treatment pads (e.g., moleskin)
- burn gel or burn dressing
- eye wash solution (small bottle)
- small flashlight or penlight
- personal medications list/emergency contact card
Medium first-aid kit
For four to 10 people; offices, family homes, camping, small events
NECESSARY COMPONENTS
Wound care
- adhesive bandages (assorted sizes, 25–50)
- sterile gauze pads (2Ă—2 and 4Ă—4, 10-plus of each)
- gauze rolls (2-inch and 4-inch)
- medical adhesive tape (1–2 rolls)
- antiseptic wipes or alcohol pads (20-plus)
- antibiotic ointment packets (10-plus)
- elastic bandage/ACE wrap (2–3)
- triangular bandages/slings (2)
Tools and supplies
- tweezers
- medical scissors or bandage scissors
- disposable gloves (4–6 pairs, nitrile)
- CPR face shield or pocket mask
- digital thermometer
- instant cold packs (2)
- SAM splint (moldable splint)
Medications
- pain reliever/fever reducer (ibuprofen or acetaminophen)
- antihistamine (diphenhydramine/Benadryl)
- antacid tablets
- anti-diarrheal medication
Ideal additional components
- butterfly closures/Steri-Strips (assorted)
- irrigation syringe (for wound flushing)
- burn gel or burn dressings
- eye wash station bottle (4–8 oz.)
- blister treatment (moleskin or hydrocolloid pads)
- tourniquets (1–2, e.g., CAT tourniquet)
- hemostatic gauze (e.g., QuikClot) for severe bleeding
- space/emergency blanket
- small flashlight or penlight
- blood pressure cuff and stethoscope
- pulse oximeter
- first-aid manual or quick-reference card
- waterproof bag or hard case with labeled compartments
- medications list and emergency contact info for each person
Seasickness
One of the most common emergencies while boating is seasickness.
BEFORE YOU GO OUT
- scopolamine patch (Transderm Scop) four to eight hours before travel for up to three days
- diphenhydramine (Dramamine) 30–60 minutes before departure
- meclizine (Bonine) one hour before departure
For treatment of onboard vomiting
Nonmedical
- Focus on the horizon.
- Take ginger products.
- Use acupressure bands.
- Get the victim to the center of the boat.
- Get fresh air.
- Avoid strong smells (diesel fumes, vomit).
- Drink Gatorade or Pedialyte if the victim can tolerate
oral intake. - Eat plain saltine crackers.
- Sniff alcohol wipes or peppermint essential oil.
- Have plenty of sealable emesis bags.
Medical
- promethazine (Phenergan) rectal suppositories or
injectable - prochlorperazine (Compazine) suppositories
Note: Ondansetron (Zofran) is ineffective.
