The Ultimate Freediving First Aid Kit: What to Pack For Your Freediving Trip

If you’ve ever been on a dive boat in tropical waters, you know the drill: it’s paradise... until someone gets a nasty sting from fire coral or a jelly fish, slips on the deck of the boat, gets seasick whilst line diving, or is feeling weathered during their surface interval..

At Deep Sensations Freediving, we spend a lot of time exploring remote coastlines of New South Wales, Indonesia and Western Australia, hopping across islands from Lady Elliott to Fuvahmula, and diving wild, reefy locations. Which is epic—but it also means you can’t just duck off to the pharmacy when things go sideways.

That’s why having a solid first aid kit is non-negotiable for every freediver, instructor, trip leader, or ocean frother planning a salty adventure.

Here’s our go-to guide of what to pack for everything from everyday dive dramas to emergency backups—because prepared divers are happy divers.

First Aid Kit Essentials for Freediving Trips

Whether you're island-hopping, diving coral walls, or running a retreat—these are the everyday must-haves that have saved us and our crew more than once:

Equalisation + Sinus Support

Sudafed (Pseudoephedrine) – For when your sinuses are blocked, especially after flying or cold symptoms.
Nasal Spray (Fess, Flo, or Otrivin) – Daily saline spray or medicated relief before dives.
Aqua Ear / Swim Ear Drops – Prevents and treats ear infections after long dive days. A must if you’re training daily or in humid climates.

Sick Days & Surface Intervals

Seasick Tablets (Kwells, Travacalm) – Go for non-drowsy formulas so you can still dive.
Ginger Chews or Ginger Tablets – Natural alternative for motion sickness. Also works well if you are still sea sick after the boat ride.
Antihistamines (Non-drowsy) – Great for stings, bites, and allergic flare-ups.
Electrolyte Sachets / Hydralyte – Rehydration after long sessions, sun, or salt exposure.
Basic Antibiotics (e.g. Amoxicillin or a broad-spectrum) – Only if you're trained, prescribed, or in super remote areas where medical help is days away.

Cuts, Bites, and Bruises

Antiseptic Wipes / Solution – Clean out cuts, scrapes, and boat deck wounds.
Betadine / Iodine Solution – For reef cuts. Coral infections are not something to mess with.
Ointment for Bites and Stings (Stingose, Hydrocortisone) – For jellyfish, mozzies, and mystery reef itches.
Blister Patches & Bandaids – Especially if you're diving barefoot or using new fins.
Tweezers + Splinter Needle – Coral and sea urchin spikes? Say no more.
Gauze, Bandages, Medical Tape – Cover larger cuts or secure dressings in place.
Scissors – Always come in handy. Don’t forget them.

Advanced / Remote Location Gear

If you’re heading off the grid or leading a trip—step your game up with these life-saving backups:

EpiPen – For severe allergic reactions to stings or unknown triggers. Essential if you’re guiding or remote.
Oxygen Kit – Ideal for freediving-related issues (like hypoxia or LMC), and critical in serious marine stings or barotrauma cases.
Portable Defibrillator (AED) – If you're leading groups in remote areas or liveaboards, having an AED could save a life.
Thermal Blanket / Shock Blanket – Lightweight and helps manage cold exposure or shock.
CPR Mask / Pocket Mask – In case of emergency resuscitation.
Burn Gel / Dressing – For boat motor burns, jellyfish stings, or sun-related burns.
Personal Medications – Always bring extras of anything you take regularly, especially if it's prescription.

Packing Tips

Store everything in a waterproof first aid box or dry bag.
Make sure your first aid kit is clearly labelled, and someone else on the boat knows where it is.
For group trips or instructors—consider having two kits: a small personal one for daily use and a larger emergency one stashed on the boat or at base.
Always check expiry dates before heading out, and restock after each big trip.

Real Talk: Why It Matters

We’ve seen reef cuts get infected fast, students twist ankles during shore entries, and even crew members experience allergic reactions mid-trip. Freediving is generally low-risk when done right, but nature doesn't hand out warnings—especially not in salty, sandy, remote places where we love to play.

You might never need the serious stuff (and

we hope you don’t!)—but when you do, you'll be really glad you packed it.

Planning a trip?

We’ve got a full checklist and group first aid guides available for our students. Check out our upcoming freediving retreats, or join one of our surf survival, spearfishing, or beginner courses to get adventure-ready the right way. The Ultimate Freediving First Aid Kit: What to Pack Before You Hit the Reef