How to Prevent and Treat Uncontrollable Bleeding
We were in the dinghy riding to shore. The water was gin clear, and the Bahamian sun was shining on our faces. I learned that our buddy boat's guest, Neill, is a recently retired emergency room doctor. There was an immediate calm that washed over me. I had a sense of relief knowing I was in knowledgeable hands if a medical emergency were to occur.
When sailing to remote destinations like the Bahamas, it’s pretty scary to think about medical emergencies. Help is often far away. In an emergency, where seconds count, we’re on our own to manage the situation until help arrives. Would you know what to do if an injury resulted in uncontrollable bleeding?
Dr. Neill introduced me to products and courses called Stop the Bleed. "The STOP THE BLEED® Interactive Course guides you through the three methods of bleeding control using video demonstrations, interactive learning, and spontaneous quizzes." (Stopthebleed.org)
I took the online course and completed it in a half hour. It was free, quick to the point, and informative. It took me from having no idea what to do if someone was bleeding out, to having a working understanding of what to do. The course broke down the three steps used to control bleeding.
1. Apply pressure with hands.
2. Pack the wound and press.
3. Apply tourniquet.
I didn't have to sign up for anything, I just watched the videos and learned. And there’s options for in-person courses if you’re a hands-on learner.
Items to Have on Hand to Stop Bleeding
In the movies, when someone is bleeding, the hero rips off their shirt and finds a stick to create a makeshift tourniquet. In real life, that’s not reliable. Homemade tourniquets can fail. Tourniquet kits come in various sizes, which is great for us boaters. Without taking up too much space, you can have the proper tools for the job.
Here is a list of items to stock your boat:
Tourniquet
Quick Clot Dressing
Gauze
Trauma Sheers
Gloves
Instructions
You can also buy a pre-made kit from Stop the Bleed:
Personal Kit - Great for carrying in your bag no matter where you’re going
Portable Kit - Keep this kit in the dinghy for quick access when traveling ashore
Station - This comprehensive kit is best kept on the boat and provides everything you need to treat bleeding
Amazon also sells a few kits if you’re looking for quick delivery and alternative options. Check out this basic kit or this intermediate kit, both of which get good reviews.
How to Prevent Cuts and Wounds
As soon as I learned about Stop the Bleed, I was compelled to spread the word. During a happy hour on the beach, I initiated a chat that evolved into cruising horror stories. It seemed like everyone that had been cruising for more than five years had a story about uncontrollable bleeding. I realized two things. First, excessive bleeding is a type of injury cruisers will encounter (if they cruise long enough). Secondly, there was a theme that ran through all the stories. All the injuries we talked about were in the lower legs and feet. The most common story was about boaters stepping on a sharp object like a stick or glass. The injuries resulted in a large gaping wound requiring stitches.
How to Prevent Cuts on Your Feet
1. Go slow. Sand can camouflage sharp objects like glass, coral, or rock.
2. Wear shoes. Boaters are often barefoot. Keep in mind, white sandy beaches may have danger just beneath the surface. If you’re in an area where there may be glass, rock, or coral, wear shoes to prevent injury.
3. Be aware of your surroundings. Look at it as being mindful, especially when hiking through the bush. Go slow, look where you are walking, and step carefully.
Stock many first aid kits for your boat, dinghy, and day pack.
Out of all the stories about injuries my cruising friends recalled, they all occurred while onshore. Having a first aid kit on your boat is worthless if you get injured onshore. Have a first aid kit in your dinghy and in your day pack.
Not sure what to stock in your first aid kit? Learn more...
Kitchen injuries can result in deep cuts with severe bleeding.
Dr. Neill also warned me about how dangerous the galley can be. He saw knife cuts in people's hands all the time in the ER from improper knife handling skills. He says, "in the kitchen the most dangerous are cutting bagels, avocados, and drinking wine at the same time."
How to Prevent Knife Injuries in the Kitchen
[ ] Don't cut into your hand. Use a cutting board instead.
[ ] Always cut away from your body.
[ ] Pick up knives by the handle, never the blade.
[ ] Sharpen your knives. A dull knife is more dangerous than a sharp one.
[ ] Use the appropriate sized knife for what you are cutting.
[ ] Wash knives immediately after use. Don't let knives get lost in the sink with other dishes and soap. This dulls your knives faster. It also creates a chance that you will accidentally grab the blade of a knife without seeing it first.
[ ] Never grab a falling knife. Get out of the way and let it fall.
[ ] Don't forget about your kitchen shears. Your scissors can be a safe alternative, especially when cutting crustaceans like crab and lobster.
[ ] Take your time and limit distractions. You're on island time, mon! Take it slow when doing food prep. Enjoy it, be mindful, and prevent injury at the same time.
Being prepared, being aware, and collecting as much knowledge as possible can save a life. I highly recommend you take the Stop the Bleed course, stock your first aid supplies, and discuss all of these scenarios with your crew. Be safe out there, cruisers!
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