January 17, 2012
It’s that time of year again. Time to buy a new calendar, make new year’s resolutions and go through your first aid medical kit.
The first step in refreshing your medical kit is to gather all of your medical equipment, first aid kits, oxygen and your AED – Automated External Defibrillator. Don’t forget any small kits on the tender, in the galley and in the engine room.
I suggest gathering your fellow crew members around as it is a good learning experience. Here are five easy steps.
1. Check each kit for missing or expired items, opened packages or things that look out of place. If you are not sure what something is, ask. If nobody knows what it does, you may not need it.
Let’s start with the simple things such as medical exam gloves, eye protection (safety goggles) and a CPR mask. Gloves and masks have a shelf life and should be replaced annually. Gloves are inexpensive, about $6 for a box of 50, so when in doubt, throw them out.
Does the CPR mask look cracked, dirty, discolored or melted? If so, replace it. Again, this is an inexpensive item, about $20.
2. Next, look at each medication. Is it current? Is it organized? What is it used for? If anything is expired, order replacements and dispose of the old medication properly. Unsure what the medication is prescribed for, check the manual or USB drive that came with your medical kit. If you can’t find the them, call or e-mail me and I will try to assist.
This is where having an organized medical kit and quality CPR AED first aid training comes into play. It is very important that you understand what medications you have, how to use them, where they are located and when they expire.
3. If you have an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), inspect it. Most manufacturers recommend a monthly inspection. If you are not doing so, create a log book or use an AED inspection tag to track inspections. If you are not comfortable performing the inspection call or e-mail me for a walk-through inspection.
AEDs have two major parts that must be replaced periodically: the electrode pads and the battery. Most electrode pads have a two-year life and the expiration dates should be clearly marked. Verify that you have a spare set as well as pediatric electrodes, if you ever have children on board.
The battery, once installed in the unit, has a life span from 2-5 years. Write the installation date on the battery or on a sticker on the back of the AED as a reminder. Don’t wait until the AED is beeping. This is the low battery warning. Be proactive and order a new battery before this happens.
Check to see if your AED has been updated to the new American Heart Association guidelines. Also, check to see if your AED has been recalled or requires a software update. Several companies have issued recalls on their AEDs. Yours may have been affected.
If you are unsure, check with the manufacturer or e-mail me the make, model and serial number and I will check for you.
Having at least one AED onboard is essential. Without an AED, the chances of surviving sudden cardiac arrest outside of a hospital are small, less than 5 percent. However, if the AED is applied quickly, the victim’s odds increase to about 70-90 percent.
Many of the boats I work with have two AEDs, one on the main ship and the other on the tender. Often, the tender is where medical emergencies occur. Unfortunately, it is often the tender’s medical kit that gets overlooked.
4. Look at your medical oxygen. Is the tank full? When was the last time the oxygen tank itself was inspected?
Oxygen tanks generally require hydro testing every five years and should only be filled with “medical” oxygen, which is highly filtered. Turn it on to make sure the regulator and tank function properly.
What about the oxygen masks, nasal cannulas and tubing? Do you have both adult and pediatric masks? Are these in good condition? If they look old, worn or yellow, it’s time to replace these.
Practice and learn all about your oxygen equipment when you have time, not during an emergency. Ask one of the crew to apply the mask to another crew and see if they know how to properly work the equipment.
Please note: If you are using the oxygen for training purposes be certain to have it re-filled immediately.
Training for any and all emergencies is crucial. Being prepared for emergencies is the key to saving lives. Have a safe and happy new year.
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