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Chapter 39 — 3
GENERAL MEDICATIONS
• Anti-diarrhoea
tablets such as diphenoxylate ("Lomotil") or loperamide ("Imodium").
• Analgesics
(pain killers) such as paracetamol (acetaminophen). Aspirin, or drugs containing
this substance, may be unpredictable and hazardous and are best avoided.
• Ultra-violet
blocking sunscreen (SP15+ or greater). A
1% hydrocortisone cream
is useful
to treat sunburn, allergic dermatitis or itching.
• Anti-Seasickness
tablets (see Chapter 32).
• Decongestants —
pseudoephedrine tablets, and topical nasal sprays.
•
Topical antibacterial and antifungal
preparations, such as Cicatrin or Neosporin.
TRAINING
A diving team venturing to a remote locality should have at least one member (preferably two
in case that one becomes the victim of an accident) trained in first aid relevant to divers.
Resuscitation and oxygen administration requires expert training and supervision. Training in
the use of injections is an advantage, both for the administration of local anaesthetics,
antivenoms and other drugs under the direction and advice of a distant medical specialist.
MEDICAL INFORMATION
Perhaps the most valuable addition to any first aid box is a source of information. This should
include diving
medical texts
(see appendix A) and general
contact numbers
(see appendix B
& D) for both medical assistance and recompression
chamber
availability. This should be
supplemented by local contacts and phone numbers of knowledgeable divers and diving
physicians.
A copy of
this book
should remain with the First-aid kit.
Also in the kit should be a list of its
contents
, including purchase and
expiry dates of the drugs.