Offshore First Aid

First Aid Kits for Offshore Use

The following equipment list includes the items typically needed in an Offshore first aid kit. Items are sorted by the type of injury they apply to. When equipping your first aid kit, consider that you may be several days to several weeks away from help.

Before setting out on a voyage that will take you out of reach of medical help for a prolonged time (3 days or more) consult your physician about which medications you should take along

First Aid Kit for Offshore Voyaging

þ	Item	Link to Detail
Books & References
	Basic first aid reference book
	Advanced first aid reference book - e.g. "Advanced First Aid Afloat" by Peter F. Eastman, M.D.
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
Burns - 3rd Degree


Deep cuts / Lacerations
	Butterfly closures
	Gauze dressings, 2" squares / 4" squares
	Skin stapler
	Sutures, 6/0

Gastro / Intestinal
	Antacids tablets such as Tums; an acid stomach often accompanies seasickness
	Disposable enema / laxative for constipation
	Kaeopectate / Imodium, etc. for diahrea
	Pepto-bismol or similar for upset stomach
Infections
	General-purpose, wide-spectrum anti biotic (Prescription required)
	Oral thermometer
Minor Cuts and Abrasions
	Adhesive bandages - assorted
	Antibiotic ointment
	Gauze pads
	Phiso-derm for cleaning skin around wounds
	Surgical tape
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
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