At a glance:

• Cost | Per person cost w/ kit included: $275; without kit: $175.
• Website | medicalchests.com
• Email | kelrid.hansen@gmail.com
• Phone |

Students learn how to deal with wounds aboard in this hands-on class.

The makers of Expedition Medical Chests (medicalchests.com) are offering a hands-on class in wound care, specifically targeted to cruisers. Even though most medical kits come with how-to information, and there are a few good books on the market, most folks ignore this essential learning curve until someone is bleeding like crazy. This is not the time to start Googling for answers, or thumbing through your on-board medical text with one hand while stanching blood flow with the other.

Kirsten Hansen is a nurse with 20 years in the field, and she has been blogging about how to use the modern supplies in the kits that she designed. “I’ve included the materials I’d expect to reach for in an emergency room,” she says. “I know from experience that this stuff works.”

But when you get beyond basic bandaging, there are a lot of tricks and techniques that can make a huge difference in the outcome of wound care away from medical support services. In this hands-on class (5-6 hours), Kirsten will guide you through a succession of emergency scenarios, including some made up on the spot by students. Volunteers (or Kirsten’s partner, in some cases) will be marked with simulated wounds, then students will treat them using the same high-quality supplies that are included in the medical chests. Everyone will have a chance to repeat procedures until they are comfortable; lots of materials will be on-hand.

There will also be plenty of opportunity to ask questions, discuss previous injuries at sea and how they were (or should have been) handled, and get very familiar with the state-of-the-art in medical supplies.

As a bonus, you will have the option to take home an Expedition Medical Chest (the full-size version, which sells for $109 in the store). This is a gasketed polycarbonate case packed with ER-grade supplies and a combination guidebook and starter medical log for your boat.

Per person cost w/ kit included: $275; without kit: $175.

To encourage couples to learn together (and get used to bandaging each other!), you may bring your partner for only an additional $50 over the per-person rate.

The class will be held in a spacious meeting facility at Fishermen’s Terminal in Seattle. Snacks and drinks will be provided throughout the day, with a break halfway through.

To reserve your spot (class size is limited) or ask questions, please email Kirsten (kelrid.hansen@gmail.com). Visa/MC, check, or PayPal are accepted.