The Importance of First Aid on a Boat

Although first-aid kits aren’t considered mandatory gear according to U.S. Coast Guard regulations, experienced boaters know that having a properly stocked kit aboard should be considered an absolute must.

Injuries, whether minor or severe, can happen anywhere, but those that happen aboard a boat come with an additional challenge – help is not always convenient or readily available. That’s why it’s essential to have not only basic first aid equipment aboard your boat, but also multiple ways to communicate should you need emergency assistance.

You should be prepared for any onboard emergencies with a first aid kit that’s stocked for the typical number of passengers you have aboard and the remoteness of the area in which you’ll be boating.

USCG Approved First Aid Kits

Having a proper First-Aid Kit on board can help you render immediate emergency care, and sometimes even save a life.  We recommend that you carry a USCG-Approved first aid kit as defined under 46 CFR 160.041 (Kits, First-Aid, for Merchant Vessels). 

Training for Your Boating Club or Group

Please consider enrolling in a first-aid training course provided by Medic Response Health and Safety. Quick action may be required for such life-threatening emergencies as heart attack, stroke, or seizures, as well as for more serious sprains, burns, puncture wounds, cuts and internal injuries. It pays to know how to proceed.

Call Medic Response today at 703-449-5438 to set up training classes.