Medical packing list

[DeputyDan]

In searching I saw lots of gear/clothing "or lack thereof - some of you must go commando " packing lists.

Does anyone have a packing list for a "medical kit".

My wife asked about one for an upcoming dive trip I am taking with the kids.

Thanks

DD

 

[Jim Lapenta]

Depends on where you're going and how. My first aid bag has compress dressings, bandaids, tape, suture kit, bp cuff and stethoscope, DAN pocket medical guides, Alcohol,peroxide, vinegar, antibiotic creams, cortisone creams, 800mg ibuprofen, and whatever else I think I'll need for a particular situation. I also carry splint materials and a SAM splint.

 

[DeputyDan]

This particular trip is to Boanire but we have also booked a liveaboard for next year.

I think her question was for both!

 

[fisherdvm]

3 inch silk/cloth/duct tapes, 3x3 or 4 x 4 gauzes, dozen vinyl/latex gloves, oneway cpr mask. On hiking trips I like to take some moleskins in case someone has a foot blister. Heck, if you are going to bring hemostats, needles and sutures - throw in a bottle of lidocaine and some needles.

The tapes are great for making field expedient splints and support for twisted ankles, and even unstable knees. Don't forget a bandage scissor. A scissor plus some clean T shirts will make all the bandages, splints, and tourniquet one needs even in a mass casualty.

 

[freediver]

I carry a fanny pack first aid kit with the usual......resuscitation mask, items for pressure bandage, band-aids, elastic bandage, nitrile gloves, steri-strips, solar blanket, cold pack, red cloth, sugar packets, shears, plastic card, etc...

 

[kb2ehj]

I myself have several kits that I use based on what I'm doing or were I'm going.

Base kit might have 4x4's (I use to carry 2x2's also but a Paramedic friend said why? just cut a 4x4 down), various roller badages,band-aids. minor splinting devices (sam splints are awesome. You can cut them done and use them or finger/toe splints also). I also carry trauma dressings, asprin, alcohol wipes.

I would suggest you run through your mind were you will be diving, how far away the nearest local EMS/Hospital is and then run through your mind what kind of problems you might have and the equipment you would need to treat those injuries. Creating a kit based on that information.

No one kit is going to be good for all situations.

 

[DandyDon]

Wow, you dive & medical professionals go prepared. I wouldn't know much about how to use half that stuff. Medical aid on Bonaire and First Aid on the boat should offer much of that.

My overnight hypochondriac kit includes several OTC meds I like to keep on hand: aspirin, generic sudafed plus, laxative, etc. After you review suggestions at Travelers' Health | CDC with a travel savy physician, look in your home stash and see what looks like a good idea.

 

[Dr. Doug Ebersole]

I was asked to put together a Medical Save-A-Dive kit for the folks at Wetpixel (Wetpixel.com :: Underwater Photography and Videography) a couple of years ago. This is directed towards lay people and not doctors, nurses, paramedics, etc. so I didn't put in things like suture, lidocaine, and so forth. See below:
________________________________________________________________________________

As more divers travel to more remote destinations to experience the beauty of our underwater world, there are greater concerns regarding medical care. Eric has asked me to put together what I would consider a Medical Save-a-Dive Kit. I’ll preface this by saying I’m a cardiologist, not an infectious disease (ID) specialist. This list was put together based on my travel experiences and after discussions with one of my ID colleagues.

Legal CYA for me: The recommendations below assume the diver is not allergic to these medications. All final decisions should be made by the diver in conjunction with his or her primary physician.

Hope you find this helpful!

Douglas Ebersole, MD

Medical Save-A-Dive Kit
Tylenol and Ibuprofen (headaches, muscle strains, general aches and pains)
Bonine or Dramamine (seasickness)
Prescription Transderm Scop is an alternative
Phenergan (nausea – in case you get really seasick despite the above!)
Sudafed (decongestant for sinus and or ear congestion)
Prophylactic use for patients with difficulty clearing their ears is controversial
Afrin Nasal Spray (same as above)
Don’t use for more than three days in a row
Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
This broad spectrum antibiotic will cover a broad range of infections (urinary, gastrointestinal, lung, skin, ears, sinuses) at least for a few days until you can get medical attention
Monistat (women only) – Cipro (see above) can cause vaginal yeast infections
Swimmer’s Ear solution
n Purchase at pharmacy or make your own. It’s just water, vinegar, & isopropyl alcohol with a little bit of oil mixed in
n Recommendation is to use it twice per week during your dive trip to help prevent external ear infections (otitis externa)
Cipro HC Otic Solution – ear infections.
Don’t use if there is concern of eardrum perforation
Quixin Opthalmic Drops (conjunctivitis, “styes”, etc of the eye)
This is probably overkill unless you’re prone to these infections
Neosporin ointment (cuts, scrapes)
Benadryl (rashes)
1% Hydrocortisone cream (rashes)
Imodium (traveler’s diarrhea – though if it’s not severe, it’s better to let it clear on its
Own)
Insect repellant with DEET (Skin so Soft as an alternative)
Immunizations & Malaria prophylaxis
-- If needed, depending on your destination
-- Redirect: www.cdc.gov for recommendations

 

[fisherdvm]

How about an aspirin, just in case some one is having chestpain and angina??

 

[Doc]

Depends on where you're going and how.

Bingo.

Sometime I "take it all", otherwise I travel light. If you're going to Bonaire, I wouldn't get my undies in an uproar. Most liveaboards have more material and talent than you can bring- there are some, even one or two in the Caribbean, that are pretty dismal.

There have been trips in the last year I have taken suture packs and Epiject Pens, but most times just some Isopropyl, a roll of silver tape, paper towels and triple antibiotioc ointment. Throw in a Victorinox knife and a hemostat, I'm good.