Medical Treatment
The tour permit requires that each crew (bring multiple first-aid kits if you have multiple crews attending) bring its own first-aid kit. A first-aid kit, well-stocked with the basic essentials, is indispensable. Choose one sturdy and lightweight, yet large enough to hold the contents so that they are readily visible and so that any one item may be taken out without unpacking the whole kit. Keep a list of contents available for easy refilling. Keep the kit in a convenient location. Quantities of suggested items for your first-aid kit depend on the size of your group and local conditions. Your first-aid kit should be in a waterproof box or bag. It will get wet.
This first-aid kit is for the treatment of minor injuries. All Sea Base vessels carry an additional first-aid kit as well. The treatment of minor injuries is up to the crew leader or the crew’s trained first-aid provider. The decision for treatment of more serious injuries will be referred to the appropriate Sea Base staff leader or medical person.
Suggested Supplies For Your Crew First-aid Kit
Review and include recommended supplies as found in the Guide to Safe Scouting (#34416). Each crew needs its own first-aid kit. If you are bringing more than one crew, you need more than one first-aid kit.
The following items are recommended additions for your first-aid kit (* items available in the Ship’s Store at Sea Base):
- Aloe Vera cream*
- Seasickness medicine (we recommend non-drowsy Bonine®)*
- Sunscreen* (30 SPF minimum)
- Chapstick* (30 SPF minimum)
- Insect repellent*
- Hydrocortisone cream
- Medicated powder*
- Swimmer’s eardrops
- Benadryl (anti-itch, anti-inflammatory)
- Vinegar (for sea-creature stings)
Campers Insurance
All campers and leaders are covered by a limited accident and sickness plan. Your leader has been provided a Campers Accident and Sickness Insurance pamphlet. Be sure to read and understand the policies, coverage, and limitations that are described in your pamphlet.
Campers Insurance Non-Duplication Provision
When physician or hospital care is involved, benefits in excess of $300.00 will be paid only if they are unrecoverable from any other insurance policy or service contract. Because of this, it is imperative that the adult crew leader come prepared with the pertinent insurance policy information for every member of the crew. (There is a complete section for this on the Sea Base Health and Medical Record.) If no other collectable insurance is available, then this non-duplication provision will not apply.
Motion Sickness
Crews will spend a great deal of time aboard boats, especially those in the sailing programs. Inevitably, motion sickness will occur with some members. We recommend all crews carry Bonine® or Sea Bands®. Further, we suggest that your crew members check with their personal physicians regarding motion sickness medication. NOTE: Bonine® is the ONLY medication that is permitted in the Scuba programs. Bonine® and Sea Bands® can be purchased in the Sea Base Ship’s Store. Boats do not return because of sea sickness.
Sunburn
Sunburn can be quite dangerous as well as uncomfortable, and can ruin your entire trip. Don’t be stuck on the idea that you must return from Florida with an outstanding tan as a sign that you had a good time. Use a good non-oily sunscreen (30+ SPF), and cover those parts of your body that are burned or burn easily. DO NOT bring suntan oil; it makes boat decks very slick, and can be dangerous. A severe sunburn may cause a participant to be removed from the program.
Medical Forms VERY IMPORTANT, please take note.
ALL MEMBERS OF YOUR CREW must furnish the Sea Base with a current Sea Base Health and Medical Record. (Not the standard BSA form, but a Sea Base form.) The Sea Base Health and Medical Record is the ONLY medical we will accept; no school medicals, military medicals, other BSA high-adventure base medicals, or other medicals will be accepted. This form must be completed and signed by a physician within one calendar year of the date that you will arrive back home from Sea Base. All participants must also provide a front-and-back photocopy of a current insurance card.
During your crew check-in on arrival day, a key staff member will review all medical forms to record individual medical information of concern and to insure that all medical forms are in order.
Failure to come prepared with COMPLETE CREW MEMBER MEDICAL FORMS will delay your crew’s Sea Base experience. EMERGENCY ROOM FEES for physicals in the Florida Keys are generally $150. Sea Base DOES NOT have an on-site physician. Individuals without a complete and current Sea Base Health and Medical Record will not be allowed to participate in any program until one is received.
NOTE: Medical issues that raise questions will be referred to the Sea Base physician. The decision by this physician as to a person’s medical qualification to participate is final.