Medical Emergencies Afloat

Offshore, you are the first responder — help may be hours away, so priorities matter. Work the ABC order: Airway (is it clear?), Breathing (are they breathing?), Circulation (control serious bleeding, check pulse). A common cause of casualties is a blow to the head from the boom, so also think spinal care — if you suspect a neck injury, avoid twisting them. And always protect yourself first: clip on a lifejacket and harness before rushing to help, or you risk becoming a second casualty.

The most frequent "emergency" is far less dramatic: seasickness. It's caused by conflicting signals between your inner ear and eyes. Beyond misery, it causes dehydration (from vomiting) and dangerous apathy — a sick crew member stops watching, stops clipping on, and may not care about falling overboard. The best cures are prevention: take medication before departure (not after symptoms start), stay on deck watching the horizon, keep warm, nibble dry food, and take the helm — steering gives your brain a task and a stable visual reference.

When you need outside help, use the radio you learned earlier. A PAN-PAN call signals urgency without grave danger; a MAYDAY is for imminent threat to life. For medical advice at sea, many coastguards can patch you through to a doctor via radio (in the UK this is radio medical advice through the Coastguard). Give your position, the patient's condition, and vital signs — a doctor can guide treatment or arrange a helicopter evacuation if the casualty is critical.