by Kathleen Sailer –
It is not uncommon for rowers to incur hand blisters, cuts, abrasions, and occasionally puncture wounds. Carrying the boats, moving around riggers, walking on slippery, rocky beach to the water can leave us vulnerable, even as we wear protective foot wear. Since we all handle the boats, oars, and related equipment, we need to know location of basic first aid supplies and be mindful of good health practices.
The following supplies are located in the large left drawers of the desk in the boathouse: hydrogen peroxide and cotton balls for application; first aid kits; topical Bacitracin antibiotic ointment; heat packs and blankets; and hand sanitizer. If you incur any oozing or bleeding wound or blister, in addition to your own first aid, use a disinfectant wipe on the surface of any equipment you were in contact with, such as oar handles, shells, etc. This can prevent spread of infection as we all share everything in the boat house.
If you incur a puncture wound or deep cut, it’s good to check with your physician as to need for a Tetanus shot. Tetanus should be current within 7 – 10 years, depending on cause and extent of wound.
In an effort to minimize spreading infection, catching contagious colds, flu, and so forth, it’s good health practice to do the one most effective and easy intervention – wash your hands when you finish in the boathouse. A large bottle of hand sanitizer is on the desk top, or the restrooms are right across from the boathouse.