Did you pack the AED?

“Hey, honey, did you pack the AED?”

Now that I’m retired from my high school teaching career, I have more time on my hands. One of the things I look forward to, like most retiring professionals, is doing some traveling and enjoying the out of doors. To my delight, my son-in law and a friend just went in together and purchased a large jet-boat, sea-worthy for ocean fishing expeditions (there’s only one thing better than having a nice boat of your own—having a friend or relative with one!)

As the oldster of the group that would be taking at least day-long trips with the guys, I spent some time talking with son-in-law about certain necessities that are especially important to the more mature, if you catch my drift. In addition to the most obvious unmentionable stuff, I also talked with him about what first aid equipment they had on board and offered to contribute to the boating adventure by shopping for and purchasing needed items.

To start my effort I joined a boating forum and posted a query, namely “What in the way of emergency equipment, medical kits, etc. do you recommend for longer sea trips?” In addition to some basic suggestions regarding kits to buy and/or assemble, two excellent suggestions were made: --Be sure to anticipate your personal medical needs, especially extra prescription drugs that you should take along for longer voyages and in case you are away from home port longer than expected. --Consider purchasing an AED for the safety of everyone, young and old, since sudden cardiac arrest can happen to anyone unexpectedly, and out on the boat is a place where even the coast guard helicopter will not be able to reach you in time if SCA does occur. One mature sailor recommended the Phillips Heartstart .

I confess the experienced boater’s suggestion of carrying an AED when “underway” jogged my awareness of AEDs and the wisdom of owning one to bring along. I think this is especially true for group excursions. Since I retired and am no longer responsible for the health and safety of groups of young people, I tend to be less precautionary. This was a good wake-up call, and I hope this inspires you as it did me to stay up to date on First Aid, CPR, and AED use; especially if you are “mature” , or “at risk” I believe it is a wise investment.

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