Question:

I am 73 and solo sail. I have sailed from Oakland, CA to Mexico, to Hawaii, and am now heading out into the south pacific.I am not sure what medical kit to order.
Thanks, Susan M.

Dr. Jacob’s Answer:

I commend you for solo sailing at your young and vigorous age of 73- Probably the most important element in maintaining your health at sea is a good physical exam, female exam, blood work, possibly an exercise stress test, and a review with your physician of any possible medical problems that might arise during your trip. You need to review your medical history in detail.

Question:

I just need to make sure the moleskins do not have latex. It doesn’t say it anywhere on the package. Can you confirm that they don’t?

Answer:

Hi Lois- Thanks for your interest in our Blister Care products. Our Moleskin is made from cotton fabric coated with a latex-free zinc oxide adhesive.

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Question:

I noticed your comment on this service and you referenced an article in Sail magazine. Could you give me that info. to find this coverage for an upcoming long distance sailing trip. Thanks

Answer:

Here are the resources:

Telemedicine Organizations World Clinic 276 Newport Road New London, NH 03257 (1-800-636-9186) www.worldclinic.com

Maritime Medical Access George Washington University Medical Center Department of Emergency Medicine 2150 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Washington, DC 20037 Phone: (202)-741-2919/2918 Fax: (202)-741-2921 www.gwemed.edu/maritime.htm

MedAire/MedLink 80 East Rio Salado Pkwy. Suite 610 Tempe, AZ 85281 480-333-3700 Fax 480-333-3592 www.medaire.com

Question:

1) I am a field member on our county Search & Rescue team. 2) I will be finishing with my Wilderness First responder certification in a few weeks. 3) I spend tons of time in the back country of colorado year round. From ice climbing to mountain biking. I have always carried a small field first aid kit, have have added more and more items over the years.

Can you recommend a kit (for personal use) that I could use while hiking, biking, climbing, etc… in very reomte areas that can deal with everything from allergies to major trauma.

Q:
Hi there, My husband and I are preparing for cruising in our sailboat – expecting to leaven in April 2008. We have been planning our medical kit / supplies for the last 3 years, and both have some basic medical training. (We also have your Marine Medical 3000 as a good base) What we are looking for now is a good 24/7 medical contact service – are you aware of any? If an emgency situation does arise that we feel we can’t manage/ don’t understand – it would be most reassuring to know (in advance) we can contact an expert and always expect an answer (we have a Satallite phone, and email) Many thanks Maryanne Webb

Q:
I am a river guide during the summer, I usually do class 3-5 rapids, and do multi day trips with up to 12 people. I have my WFR and EMT certifications. I also do a lot of backpacking, I do back country skiing in the winter. And I enjoy mountain biking on days off during the summer and was wondering which would be the best kit for me.

Q:
Is there a kit that you would recommend (or a custom list of items) that would be appropriate for carrying on a motorcycle in case one of the riders in our group is injured in a remote area? Obviously a lot of possible degrees of injury, but sprains, broken bones, abrasion bleeding, etc. would be possible.

A:
Curt, If you have the room I would carry the Fundamentals Kit or if space is tight – go with the Ultralight Pro. They both have the SAM Splint, CPR mask, wound cleaning items and trauma materials. There is a compare kit feature button on the right side of the product window. USe this to see the differences. Good Riding.

Q:
Are the Oral Rehydration Salts good indefinitely? I have had some for several years now. Thanks.

A:
Lamar, There are no expiration dates on the oral rehydration salts. AS long as the package is still sealed you should be good to go.

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Q:
Dr. Jacobs, I would like to have the medical kit in my vehicle, so that it will never be forgotten. I live in Calgary Alberta Canada. Is the kit freeze safe? Sincerely, Craig

A:
Craig, kits are used by Ratheon Services which provides logistical support for research team in Antarctica. They have been thoroughly tested! Some items in the kit will freeze – like povidone iodine solution or the tincture of benzoin swabs, but will be fine upon thawing. Thanks for the question. Have Fun and Be Safe. Frank Meyer, Marketing Director, Co-founder.

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Q:
I didn’t see an ice packs included in this medical kit?? Why wouldn’t it be? Too heavy? thanks Michele

A:
Michele, We try to include multi-functional items in our medical kits and keep the weight down. The chemical ice packs that are small enough to put in the kits last about 15 – 20 minutes max. If you are going to ice an injury the standard recommendation is to ice on for 20 minutes and off for 20 minutes, 3-4 times a day. Applying the instant ice pack for one 20 minute period is not going to do a whole lot of good. Use cold water from a nearby stream, snow if available or wrap the sprain with the elastic bandage in the kit to provide compression. Ibuprofen (Motrin) also helps to reduce inflammation. Thanks for the question, Frank Meyer Marketing Director/Co-Founder.