Whether the result of a jellyfish sting or a dropped tank, any injury in or on the water can be dangerous - even life-threatening - without a first-aid kit. Have one with you every time you dive. Just as your dive gear needs care and maintenance to function properly, be vigilant about ensuring your first-aid kit is complete and up-to-date.
Contenuti essenziali del kit subacqueo
A basic first-aid kit for diving is comparable to a standard one you can pick up at your local pharmacy, which should contain most of the items in the checklist in the sidebar. While trying to stick an adhesive bandage to wet skin is always entertaining, there are options that can make it much easier to cover that cut, scratch or blister. Liquid or waterproof bandages are a good addition to divers’ first-aid kits. Other additions can be useful, depending on the details of your dive.
“I highly recommend insect repellent,” said Peter Buzzacott, DAN director of injury prevention. “Prevention is always better than treatment.” That is true for sun protection as well, so pack some extra reef-safe sunscreen to avoid a painful burn. A flashlight is useful in dim conditions or when examining small wounds such as those caused by splinters, tiny spines or remnants of jellyfish tentacles. “Include several extra pairs of nonlatex gloves,” said Patty Seery, DAN director of training. One of the most indispensable tools is not inherently medical at all: a writing implement. Standard wound dressings are useful even when you aren’t diving, as cuts, scrapes, bruises, sprains and strains are among the most common boating injuries.
Organizzazione e gestione del kit
For most DAN staff, diving is not just a job, it’s a passion. “Always have some tongue depressors. And finally, it’s hard to say it any better than this: “Always, always, always carry a first-aid kit. Whether you are new to the sport or you’ve been instructing divers for years, a first aid kit is something every diver should have on their packing list for each dive. A store with medical supplies is hardly ever within close proximity of a dive site, so packing a useful diving first aid kit is always a good idea.
Even when diving with a resort or a liveaboard operation, it’s still wise to bring a first aid kit. The contents of your first aid kit can differ based on the type of diving you do, your training, and any personal medical needs you may have. A diver who prefers to do most of their diving with groups in a resort setting could pack much less than the buddy group going spearfishing from their personal boat. Many diving first aid items require special training to administer such as Oxygen and AEDs. You should seek the proper training before deciding to add these items to your kit. You should also take any personal medical needs into consideration when building a first aid kit.
Come scegliere la confezione e come organizzare gli elementi
When creating your diving first aid kit, a commercial kit may be a good place to start. Many manufacturers of these kits have sought the expertise of active and experienced divers when building them. If you’ve decided to build your own diving first aid kit, then it is important to know what you should pack so that you are prepared for the unexpected. Storage Container: A waterproof box is recommended due to the increased chance of exposure to water, but not necessary. Choose a container that will best suit your needs. One that is separated into compartments will help you organize the items in your kit, making them easier to find in a first-aid situation. After you’ve assembled your first aid kit, you will continue to add to it over time as your diving experience increases and you start to learn what you need to include for every dive trip. You should know where each item in your kit is located and you should be able to easily access any part in an emergency. It is also extremely important to open up and check your kit before each trip to ensure everything is there and in working order.
Verifiche e addestramento
Do you have a first aid kit at home? Off the shelf first aid kits usually contain basic staples that should be included in all first aid kits, however, it’s important to recognise that different circumstances require different first aid kit items. By far the most common injuries/illnesses which occur when hiking are blisters, cuts and abrasions, sprains, stings, exposure, and dehydration. Large absorbent dressings to use as pressure pads: To be used in the case of serious cuts and bleedingTongue depressors: These are also useful for splinting fingers and toes.Adhesive bandages: These can be used to hold dressings in place, or to secure a make-shift splint if you do not have a medical one.Safety pins: To be used to secure bandages in place in the event of sprainsMedical splint: For immobilising sprains.Squeeze bottle of water: To be used for hydration or to wash foreign matter out of woundsRehydration/electrolyte drink sachetsHot packs: For denaturing venomous bites or stingsPenlight: To be used as an examination tool and light if stranded overnightPlastic bags: For disposing of used items and medical waste.
Antibacterial soap: For washing woundsAntiseptic solution: To clean wounds after washingHydrocortisone ointment: Can be used for stings or skin irritationsAntihistamines: For hay fever if hiking when there is a high pollen count and for other allergic reactionsSugar packets or candy: Used for low blood sugar, especially important if strandedTinfoil exposure blanket: Can be used for warmth and shelter if unexpectedly stranded and need to wait for help to reach you. If hiking with a group also include a list of participants on the trip with their phone numbers and details of any allergies and prescription medications they may be taking.
As always, when tailoring your first aid for your car, start with the basic essentials as well as the additional items from the hiking kit. The most extreme scenario which can occur on the roads is a serious road traffic accident involving multiple vehicles. Always ensure you have your phone with you when driving. Diving and being out on the ocean present very different hazards to those encountered on a hiking trip or on the road so once again, start with your essential first aid kit items and then include your “tailored items” to cover eventualities such as seasickness, stings, cuts, and abrasions from coral or otherwise, sunburn, dehydration, drowning, shock and cases of DCI.
Pratica, formazione e manutenzione
When making any dive trip, make sure that the dive boat has communications systems onboard (either a phone or marine radio) and is able to call for emergency help should an accident occur. Make sure you have a list of all participants, together with details of any pre-existing conditions and medication they are taking. The first aid kit which you keep at home should be your “master first aid kit”. It should really contain all items from the basic essentials list, hiking, car, and dive boat lists (with the exception of emergency oxygen). The primary use of this first aid kit will be for treating your family so it can be personalised to your needs. Take into account any individual needs which need to be catered for differently, for example if you have young children you may want to include sun lotions or Paracetamol suitable for kids. Storage: Keep your first aid kit in an easy-to-access place and ensure everyone in your home or on your trip knows where to locate it. Ensure it is stored in a dry area (if on a boat) and out of direct sunlight. Medication: When stocking your first aid kit with medication always check that all medication is clearly marked and is within the use-by date stated on the packaging. Keep any directions for use/dosage recommendations with the medication. Re-Stocking: Keep a “shopping list” of all items contained in the kit and mark off whenever you use items. Regular Practice: Take time to regularly practice first aid kit use with your family. Get Trained or Refresh Your Skills: Take an Emergency First Response Course with your family and friends (or refresher if you are already certified).
