First Aid for Boaters

First Aid Kits for Inshore Use

A sunny day on the water can be marred by an accident or injury. It's important that you're ready to provide first aid until you can get back to shore.

The following equipment list includes the items typically needed in a first aid kit for boaters who will be within an hour or two of the coast. Items are sorted by the type of injury they apply to.

In addition to stocking your boat with first aid supplies, you should take a first aid course such as those offered by the American Red Cross (see links below).

First Aid Kit for Inshore Voyaging

	Item	Link to Detail
Books & References
	Basic first aid reference book
Broken Bones
	Finger splints (flexible, metal)
	Roll of 1" adhesive tape
	Triangle sling / safety pins
Burns - 1st or 2nd Degree
	Burn ointment
	Gauze dressings, 2" squares / 4" squares
Cuts and Abrasions
	Adhesive bandages - assorted
	Antibiotic ointment
	Butterfly closures
	Gauze dressings, 2" squares / 4" squares
	Phiso-derm for cleaning skin around wounds
	Surgical tape
Gastro / Intestinal
	Antacids tablets such as Tums; an acid stomach often accompanies seasickness
	Pepto-bismol or similar for upset stomach
Misc.
	Cotton swabs
	Latex gloves
Pain Relief
	Minor pain relief: Aspirin / Ibuprofen / Tylenol
	Prescription pain relief: Tylenol with Codeine, Demerol, etc.
Sprains
	Elastic Ace bandage

Links to Outside Resources

The following links provide links to further reading, manufacturers websites and more information on "how to"

	Item	Link to Detail
First Aid Training
	American Red Cross training in your state	Chapter listings by state


How-to Articles
	Excellent first aid guide from the Mayo Clinic	Link

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