Fleet Surgeon
Antibiotic ointment works well for cuts and abrasions. Contrary to popular lore, wounds do not need to breathe or have air exposure. This just leads to dryness, crusting, and delayed healing. Truly, plain Vaseline works as well but does not offer the warm and fuzzy of antibiotic ointment. Triple – antibiotic ointment contains Neosporin, which can lead to a bad allergic skin rash in the area; bacitracin offers a better alternative. The American College of Surgeons initiated the Stop the Bleed program after identifying hemorrhage as a leading preventable cause of death. They (and of course Amazon and many others) offer small kits that will supplement items in a basic first aid kit. The main components are (1) an easy – to – use tourniquet, and (2) a material called Quick Clot. The latter is a gauze that can stop minor bleeding or, in the event of a severe laceration, be packed into the wound and compressed with hands and body weight. Time spent reviewing their website https://www.stopthebleed.org/ They offer kits, links to training, and other info. This would be a good thing to have on any boat.
Boaters (even without any blood alcohol level) have been known to slip and fall. The SAM splint comes in a roll and is comprised of foam padding and a malleable aluminum strip. These fit most any bone or joint; Kerlex or Coban secure them well. Rolled up newspaper, a padded board, and a multitude of other materials provide a similar rigid surface to accomplish the mission. https://www.sammedical.com/products/sam- splint?variant=32444250292333
Surgeons all know the phrase that, “the solution to pollution is dilution.” This includes peroxide or, better yet, sterile water to flush the heck out of a wound. Bottled water works fine in a pinch and should be around in case one splashes gasoline or high – test vodka in the eye. Many yacht clubs have a dearth of young younger people and spring chickens. An automatic external defibrillator (AED) is never a bad consideration to have around for this age group. CPR does not help all that much but the right application of electricity after a cardiac arrest saves lives. These devices talk you through everything, advise when to push the button to administer a shock, and tells people not to touch the victim during its delivery. A quick internet search yields a plethora of companies looking to sell you a refurbished device (what your Fleet Surgeon has) for $600 - $800 or so. A worthwhile investment even on your pontoon boat or RV! Medications to consider include (again, depending on your type of cruising): • Pain meds: Acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), naproxen (Aleve) • Antihistamines: loratadine (Claritin), cetirizine (Zyrtec), diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and others • Hydrocortisone for rashes, poison ivy exposure • Sea sickness (all best before nauseated): dimenhydrinate (Dramamine), meclizine (Antivert, Bonine), Scopalamine patches (prescription), Ondansetron (Zofran – (prescription) • Stomach and gastrointestinal: loperamide (Imodium), bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto – Bismol)
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