Are kayak safety gear and first-aid kits important?
Yes, these things are crucial to make a kayaking adventure as safe as possible!
But don’t be mistaken, there is no such thing as a perfect first-aid kit!
Kayak safety gear and first-aid kits: Introduction
One day, you’ll need something that won’t be there, and you’ll definitely have something in there you won’t ever use.
And during an emergency, you’ll always wish you knew a bit more about first aid.
Here’s an important tip: Put the contents in a water-resistant container or bag in your top kayak for big guys and heavyweights.
List of essentials
Planning a kayak trip will require some investments in the most important tools to ensure proper first aid in case of emergencies.
Here is a comprehensive (but non- exhaustive) list of essentials:
- Water-resistant adhesive tape. It will hold a compression pad, protect inflamed skin, and other uses.
- ???? Three or 4 diaper pins. Much better than regular safety pins, they don’t open when you least expect it. You can use them to secure an elastic or a triangular bandage.
- ???? Wound closure tapes. Does exactly what the name says, and the better ones can be removed and reapplied. Butterfly plasters do not work as well but are an option.
- Elastic bandage. The 3-inch-wide size is pretty flexible.
- Ingredients for replacement fluid. Fill small containers with a powdered, sweetened drink (Gatorade, Tang, or similar); salt and baking soda, a blend of 1⁄3 teaspoon salt and 1⁄3 teaspoon baking soda with water is an excellent replacement fluid for dehydration caused by shock or burns.
- Triangular bandage- offers support and can be used as a sling or wrap.
- Sterilized gauze. Use to clean or cover an injury or use as a protective pad.
- Sunblock, lip balm, and strong hand cream. Protect your skin. It’s what keeps your body together.
- Second Skin. Use it to cover an irritated area before it blisters or as protection for an existing blister. Moleskin also helps to prevent blistering and the blister itself. Duct tape can also be used for this purpose at a pinch.
- ???? Meat tenderizer. All of us hate mosquito bites and other insect bites, and meat tenderizer works to minimize the discomfort of some insect bites.
- Eyewash or irrigating service.
- ???? Basic pain relievers like ibuprofen or aspirin for sore muscles, headaches, fevers, or any sort of pain or discomfort. There’s no need to have a bottle of every brand name under the sun, just a couple of tablets.
- Remedies for insect bites/stings or food-allergy responses. See your physician for these, and make sure everybody in the group knows of allergies and the proper treatment.
- A mild antihistamine, such as Benadryl – combats allergic reactions, insect bites, and some cold symptoms.
- Anti-diarrhea tablets, such as Imodium.
- A little tube of antibacterial ointment for treating cuts.
- Condoms can hold clean water filtered through a sock.
- A couple of adhesive tapes. The 3-inch size is best, and the water resistant ones will stay in location a little bit longer.
- ✂ Tweezers and scissors. If they’re part of your pocket knife, that’s enough. If you don’t have them, make sure you buy them. A magnifying glass is a valuable addition too.
- Vinyl gloves. They’ll last longer in a set than latex ones.
What about CPR?
CPR, aka cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is a life-saving technique that you can use to help someone who experiences a serious cardiac arrest or a sudden cardiac event.
Interesting fact: CPR should be performed immediately if someone is unresponsive, not breathing, or gasping for air (don’t hesitate!).
You should be ready to perform CPR if one of the following situations occurs… If someone:
- Suddenly collapses and becomes unresponsive,
- Is not breathing anymore or is gasping for air,
- Is choking and becomes unresponsive,
- Experiences a sudden heart attack (due to artery blockage and atherosclerosis for example) and stops breathing or becomes unresponsive,
- Experiences an unexpected electric shock or a near-drowning experience and becomes unresponsive.
Remark: CPR should only be performed by someone who has been properly trained and certified in the technique. Interesting to know: Nowadays, anyone is encouraged to start hands-only CPR and call 911, as explained in the below video by the American Heart Association:
Kayak safety gear and first-aid kits: Final tip
You can have the best first-aid kit in the world, but if you don’t know how to use it, it’s a waste.
A basic kit will work wonders in the hands of a trained person.
Consider taking first-aid classes before trying to understand how to use your package!
Related: Read our other article if you also wish to be well prepared for material damage to your kayak, in addition to the above tips on how to deal with physical kayak injuries.