The Best First Aid Kit’s Top Essentials

Whether planning a weekend getaway on the open water or a relaxing fishing trip, it’s best to be prepared and always have an emergency first aid kit onboard. Keeping a first aid kit on deck will come to your rescue and asset you in treating minor injuries, including burns, cuts, slivers, abrasions, and much more.

We suggest you purchase a premium, ready-made marine first aid kit with multi-purpose wound care essentials to ensure you are prepared for anything, but if you’d rather customize your own first aid kit, that’s fine too! Whether you decide on a pre-packaged first aid kit or a personalized one, be sure that it contains at least the following necessities to be ready for just about any scenario.

Bandages

Your first aid kit must have a variety of bandages in all sizes and shapes, as well as both adhesive and non-adhesive. Also, ensure that your emergency kit is stocked with non-adhesive bandages large enough to dress open wounds to be prepared for any situation.

Antiseptic Wipes

Antiseptic wipes are used to disinfect and clean minor cuts, burns, and wounds and to sterilize medical equipment to help decrease germs and infections.

Adhesive Tape

Adhesive tape is used to fasten non-stick bandages, gauze, and other dressings around wounds. The idea is to keep the application in place by exerting pressure.

Pain Relievers/Fever Reducers

Always keep Ibuprofen and Extra-Strength Non-Aspirin Tablets stocked to temporarily relieve minor aches and injuries and help reduce fevers and inflammation without needing a prescription.

Aloe Vera gel

Aloe vera is a plant with medicinal properties and is frequently sold in gel form. Owning a bottle of Aloe vera is an excellent way to help soothe sunburns and heal minor wounds naturally.

Tweezers

Confused as to why you’ll be needing tweezers? The safest way to remove a tick or a splinter is with a pair of tweezers. Just be sure to disinfect them with an antiseptic before and after each use.

Scissors

Scissors are required to cut bandages and remove dressings efficiently and safely. Various designs are available for medical use to suit an array of emergencies.

Thermometer

A thermometer is essential to any first aid kit to monitor fevers and determine the severity of an emergency situation.

Instant Cold Packs

Cold compress ice packs are a great way to instantly help reduce swelling and discomfort from new injuries or recurring pain.

Safety Pins

Safety pins are a great and valuable resource that will help you secure gauze or cloth bandages together when using surgical tape isn’t a top option. Safety pins also tend to be sterile and prevent bacterial infections within the affected area.

Eyewashes

When you’re out in the wild, your eyes are constantly at risk of contamination and injuries that can cause serious dehabilitation. Emergency eyewash kits assist you in gently flushing away any debris or hazardous substances from your eyes and soothe irritation.

Disposable Sterile Gloves

Using disposable sterile gloves is the best way to keep you and your loved ones safe. Sterile gloves will help reduce the risk of infection from spreading to open wounds and prevent transmitting diseases.

Final Words

The items we’ve listed above are just some essential items to keep in your first aid kit — just be sure to have enough first aid supplies for everyone onboard. Lastly, ensuring that your radio communication and emergency location devices are properly working before departure should also be an important part of your safety plan and to always sail prepared.