Recommendation on a First Aid Manual

S

Sarge

New member
Hello,

I boat with 2 little guys (3 and soon to be 7) and my wife. I've got plans to practice Man Overboard (MOB) drills on our next outing, but getting the person on board is only part of the issue. Once the person is back on the boat, what next? The water up here in the PNW is in the low 40's right now and hypothermia for someone who only weighs 35 lbs can come quickly.

Does someone have a first aid book s/he would recommend to keep on the boat?

Hypothermia is only one issue. What about a slip and fall on a wet deck? Accidental carbon monoxide poisoning? Allergic reactions? Heart attack or stroke?

Being on the water is fun, but it is also isolating and it takes longer to get assistance. Having a good first aid book might be a life saver. Any other advice or suggestions are gladly accepted.

Thanks in advance,
 
Go to a local collage book store and get a emergency medical tech. (EMT) book. Plain enough english even for fireman. A first responder book would be good to not as in depth.
 
Look up your local Red Cross and take their CPR/First Aid class. It is inexpensive, takes about 4 hours, and may save a life. All of the things you mentioned are covered, so you will have first hand knowledge in an emergency situation.

I had to take it the first time years ago as a requirement for my captain's license. I was so impressed, I signed Joan up for that class... it would be good for both of us to know what to do if something happens to the other.

They will also give you recommendations on a good handbook. Also, may first aid kits come with a handbook.

HTH

Best wishes,
Jim B.
 
A book by itself is not going to do that much good. If you have a genuine emergency, particularly involving your children, its going to be darned hard to sit down and find the answer in a book. Consider taking a "first responder" course which is a step up from basic first aid and will give you the information for about anything you can do on the boat. Regular EMT/Paramedic training is focused on situations where sophisticated equipment is fairly available. "Wilderness" medicine courses often taught for wilderness guides are better for us boaters as they teach you to do with what is at hand, like field expedient fixes in the military.
 
Hi,

I always carry the US Army Special Forces Medical Handbook (ring bound) when I'm on the boat or in the wilderness. The book is part of my first aid kit. The US Army Special Forces Medical Handbook: United States Army Institute for Military Assistance is available through Amazon and is inexpensive. This book will allow almost anyone to give medical assistance well-beyond initial A B C's.

P McC CAMAMITY
 
Colobear said:
"Consider taking a "first responder" course which is a step up from basic first aid and will give you the information for about anything you can do on the boat."
Click to expand...
Which is a really good idea. If an emergency happens, the time to deal with it to lessen or avoid increasing complications is of eminent importance, and probably not the best time to be looking it up in the book.

Make it a family fun thing and do a family first aid class. I have seen (I believe through US Power Squadron) a boating safety and first aid class offered occasionally. All good considerations.

From CAMAMITY: "I always carry the US Army Special Forces Medical Handbook (ring bound) when I'm on the boat or in the wilderness. The book is part of my first aid kit. The US Army Special Forces Medical Handbook: United States Army Institute for Military Assistance is available through Amazon and is inexpensive. This book will allow almost anyone to give medical assistance well-beyond initial A B C's."
Click to expand...

This one sounds good, though have not seen it.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon
 
Definately both adults take first aid and CPR certification courses.

American Medical Association and Red Cross both publish good basic first aid manual. There are several medicine at sea books. I have to get on the road currently, but I can put my power point slide show on the web site, if the administrator will direct me to a place which is appropiate.
 
Hey CBull, it is nice to know that even firemen can read. You had me laughing out loud w/ that one. :xnaughty :xnaughty :xnaughty :xnaughty

You are not a cop are you? :disgust

Hey I think that I have a new line of commercials for GEICO. "So easy a fireman could do it" Being one myself, I want to be the first one to sign up. What do you think, Dave S? :wink

But seriously, having been an EMT for many years now, I agree w/ those who recommend at least purchasing the EMT book. It is a great reference for anyone who deals w/ the human body. You will pick up some basic information w/ the book. You will become more practiced w/ and focus on details when you take any formalized training, be it a CPR class, First Aid, First Responder, or EMT. :thup

Incidently, for those who have not taken a CPR class lately, the counts and methods have been changed. The American Heart Association has completed some studies that have identified that the change in tactics should provide better profusion for the victims on whom CPR is being performed. :idea

Everyone take care out there and please do not do something that would cause a police officer, EMT, or Firefighter come to your house today.
:phone :film :embarrased :cry :smilep
 
Thanks everyone for responding.

I hope the TyBoo or Da Nag helps Dr. Bob get his slides on the site. I think they would benefit everyone.

I was a cop for 18 years, so I have certainly taken my share of first aid and CPR classes, but I've forgotten much...thus the manuals. Yes, I should go get re-certified.

I agree that when the emergency is happening is not the time to be reading the manual, but having it on board makes it easy to read and keep the information fresh in your mind. Plus, when one person is helping another can make sure nothing is missed.

Thanks again for the suggestions.
 
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