Post Accident - What Do We Do When at Sea

In this article Kostas Katsoulieris discusses the steps to take on board where there is a serious incident requiring medical assistance whilst at sea.

First Aid

When a medical emergency occurs the first priority will be to ensure that the ill or injured person gets medical attention.

First aid should be provided on board under the guidance of the Ship’s Medical Officer and with reference to the Ship’s Medical Guide.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Help from Ashore

A call should be made to the relevant International Red Cross or CIRM Radio Medico in Rome for advice who will assist with both diagnosis and treatment. If the Red Cross or CIRM cannot be contacted Members should immediately contact the Club. We will speak with Medical Consultants who may be able to assist with advice.

Telemedecine

Some ships have telemedicine kits installed and these can help with diagnoses allowing doctors ashore to advise on the treatment required. When using telemedicine kits members should ensure:

1) the equipment has been properly calibrated,

2) they have proper technical support in case of any malfunction,

3) manufacturers have suitable insurance and most importantly,

4) the operators have been properly trained and certified in the use of the equipment.

Correspondents

Once the immediate emergency is under control Club correspondents should also be informed to observe and report on medical care once the seafarer is ashore.

In cases of death we refer you to the Club’s Signals article on Supporting Crew Through the Loss of a Colleague

Securing and Retaining Evidence

If a serious injury occurs, the Master should ensure that the cause, nature and extent of injuries are recorded. Additionally any treatment provided on board should also be noted (including actions taken, first aid and any medicine provided).

Statements from eyewitnesses as to the circumstances surrounding the incident should be obtained and a sketch map drawn or photographs taken of the area of incident. Secure evidence by retaining any damaged equipment (including tools, safety clothing and machinery) that played a role in the cause or nature of the injury sustained.

The ship should also consider if the VDR on board may have captured any relevant evidence for example where ship action / ship interaction has contributed to any injury. Please also refer to our Loss Prevention Guide – The Mariner’s Role in Collecting Evidence for guidance, which can be accessed through our Members’ Area on www.nepia.com.

In serious cases the seafarer’s cabin should be checked to see if he has any medication that he has been taking and has not told the crew or owners about.

Treatment Ashore

Shore medical staff should be advised of the initial symptoms, diagnosis, any treatment provided and any medication that the seafarer was taking. In addition if the seafarer has any known allergies or is diabetic, the shore medical team should also be advised of this at the earliest convenience. The Club has experienced various cases over the years where an allergy to certain medication has led to a worsening of the situation and sadly in a few cases even death.

If bad things DO happen, be safe in the knowledge that the Club is here to help our Members and their crews through every step of the process.