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Every boat should carry a first aid kit to cope with any medical emer- gencies that may arise. It doesn't have to be a large kit, but it should contain your basic first-aid essentials. To truly be prepared, keep in mind every pos- sible accident that may occur while on your houseboat. This will help when you're stocking your first aid kit. The kit may be used for a minor scrape on the knee or, more seriously, for heatstroke, a head injury or even a life-threatening accident. Having all the tools gathered ahead of time will help you handle any emergency. First aid kits may either be bought or made at home. You can buy a first aid kit online, from a drug store, or your American Red Cross chapter may sell them. Prices range from around $10 for a basic kit to $200 for a professional one. You can also buy kits designed specifically for boating emergencies. These kits typi- cally cost under $50. Don't be afraid to personalize the store-bought first aid kit with your personal prescrip- tions, extra bandages and emergency contact sheets. If you choose to make your own kit, buy a portable, lightweight and wa- terproof container to store the sup- plies. A fishing tackle box can be used as your first aid kit. It has separate compartments so that you can find what you need quickly. Plastic tubs, or art supply boxes also make excel- lent containers for kits. It may be helpful to purchase all your supplies first, and then look for the container to keep and organize them. It is important to read the in- structions on your supplies when you first buy them. Don't wait until you need them. The first minutes are very important in an emer- gency, and these precious minutes could be wasted trying to figure out how to use the items. Post emergency numbers such as Police, EMS and Poison Control on the lid of your first aid kit. Include your doctor's number and your local hospitals. Another good idea for your first aid kit is to include perti- nent health insurance information along with the emergency numbers. This will save you quite a bit of time should you need information quickly. The properly assembled first aid kit should include a number of impor- tant things. First and foremost, it should include those items necessary for treating wounds. Bandages of all sizes, gauze, tape and small scissors, alcohol or other antiseptic to clean the wound, bottled water, clean and dry cloths and antibacterial cream or spray should be some of the first and basic items included in your house- boat's first aid kit. In addition to these important items, your first aid kit should also include a variety of medicines such as pain relievers, aspirin, anti-diarrhea medicines, a fast-acting allergy medi- cation such as Benadryl, and extras of any medications you or your family take on a regular basis. After those basic items have been added, keep in mind your specific situations that you might need first aid for and continue to stock your kit with items for those emergencies. Some of the items might include: a pair of latex gloves, ammonia inhal- ants for fainting, cotton roll sterile dressing for holding bandages on the bigger lacerations and abrasions and to put direct pressure on wounds to stop the bleeding, a pair of scissors for cutting bandages and removing clothing if needed and tweezers for removing slivers or pieces of glass that might be found in the water. Ice packs for bumps on the head, sprains and heat exhaustion, a tube of antiseptic ointment to clean minor cuts, plastic Zip-Lock bags, disin- fectant wipes to clean yourself after you've treated someone's wounds, goggles to prevent fluids and other objects from getting into your eyes and flashlight in case someone is hurt in the dark or in a power out- age situation are important items to include as well. It would be wise to check the batteries in the flashlight frequently to make sure everything is in working order. Rescue Blankets can also be used for keeping someone warm, keeping them cool. Identify enough emer- gency blankets for the maximum allowance your boat can hold. Even a lollipop to calm a child who is afraid when injured can be a useful item in your first aid kit. In the event of accidental poison- ing, contact poison control immedi- ately and be prepared to administer Ipecac if necessary. There are small containers of this important medi- cine available in most stores that will fit nicely into a first aid kit. Assemble the necessary tools you may need in an emergency on the boat. You should include a knife sharp enough to cut through rope. Coating the knife with petroleum jelly will protect the blade from salt water. Heavy-duty wire cutters should be included if you use wire loop tie- downs. Both a Phillip's head and flat head screw driver should be added to your kit. Always remember to update your first aid kit. Check to make sure it is well stocked, the medicines have not expired and you have the most recent prescriptions and contact informa- tion. An expired drug or health tool can be more dangerous than the injury itself. The first aid kit may seem like an old-fashioned concept, but the truth is that a properly assembled, compre- hensive first aid kit can save the most amount of time when treating inju- ries. In the event of an emergency, a well-placed first aid kit can admin- ister front line care until emergency services can arrive. Taking these precautions and being prepared for any emergency that might occur on your houseboat is essential because you never know when a friend or a family member will need it. health 27 June 2009