Get out there. But be prepared. Photo: Tim Marshall//Unsplash
From sunburns and ear infections to puncture wounds and broken bones, the ocean doesn’t always give the goods for free. Sometimes you have to pay the rent. Whether you’re halfway around the world or two blocks from home, preparing yourself with the essentials could make the difference between paddling to the lineup or lining up at the ER.
Aside from the occasional sudden injury, most surf-related ailments are avoidable with basic maintenance that prevents infection, manages exposure, and maintains hydration. The trick to a functional first-aid kit is to obviously keep it stocked, organized, and compact enough to toss in a board bag and bring to the beach. If you’re traveling in a group, a listed inventory can be a good way to keep stock of what’s on hand. The following supplies are versatile, packable, and more-or-less available at drugstores worldwide. They could save your life.
The Basics
● Bright colored dry bag or zippered pouch: Keep your kit clean, dry, and accessible.
● Tweezers: Avoid infection and reduce pain with early removal of foreign objects like urchin spines, splinters, and ticks.
● Nitrile gloves: Protect yourself (and your patient).
● 0.5-1-ounce Nalgene bottles: For packing liquids in small quantities. Durable enough to take a beating without leaks.
● Eyedropper: For administering ear drops and measuring water purification solutions.
● CPR mask: If prompt, CPR can be incredibly effective. A compact face shield like those by Laerdal is essential. Remember, 30 chest compressions to two rescue breaths.
● Mineral oil: A drop in your ears before a surf keeps seawater out. Also great for lubing up high-chafe areas (armpits, inner thighs, lower ribs) before abrasion turns serious.
● Isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol: A few drops in your ears after a session, 60 seconds each ear, dries trapped water to prevent infections. Can be used to clean cuts and sterilize equipment.
● Adhesive bandages/medical tape/duct tape: Might not hold up in the water, but tough Band-Aids and tape are good to have on hand.
● Wilderness first aid pocket guide: Even doctors use cheat sheets.
Better prepared than sorry. Photo: Mat Napo//Unsplash
WOUNDS
● Povidone-iodine (PI): Clean a wound and soak bandages to prevent infection, or add a few drops to purify water. Douse gauze in PI and pack under waterproof dressing if you can’t stop surfing.
● Irrigation syringe: For flushing a wound with clean water (not seawater!). A corner snipped off a ziplock bag works as a pressurized alternative.
● Triple antibiotic ointment: Sound treatment for minor scrapes, rashes, burns.
● Hemostatic gauze: Hastens the clotting process for severe bleeds. Pack the gauze into the wound and apply well-aimed, direct pressure.
● Liquid bandage: Kills bacteria and makes a waterproof, flexible seal over a wound. Perfect for closing a cut to keep you surfing. Superglue works in a pinch (pun intended).
● Tegaderm dressing: Flexible, waterproof second skin over abrasions, cuts, and rashes. Find it at tattoo parlors.
● Vet wrap: If it holds up on sled dogs and racehorses, it’ll last your session. Stronger, clingier, and more durable/water resistant than other medical wraps. Find it at farm supplies.
DRUGS
● Acetaminophen (Tylenol): Fever reducer and pain reliever with no impact on inflammation. Safer than NSAIDs if bleeding is an issue.
● NSAID (aspirin/ibuprofen): Fever reducer, pain reliever, reduces inflammation from sprained joints and sore muscles.
● Diphenhydramine (Benadryl): Controls funky rashes from bites, stings, sun, and plants. Also relieves cold symptoms and allergic reactions.
● Hydrocortisone anti-itch cream: Relieves itch and heals rashy skin.
● Loperamide (Imodium): Diarrhea relief to help prevent dehydration.
● Pedialyte packets: Rehydrate after sun exposure, stomach trouble, extended sessions, or extended festivities.
● Bactrim antibiotic: Cures stomach ailments common in foreign places. By prescription only
