First Aid Afloat: Instructional Guide for Handling Emergencies the Correct Way

First Aid Afloat: Instructional Guide for Handling Emergencies the Correct Way

Fabian Steffen

Medical emergencies can happen anytime and anywhere, so first aid training can be very useful. It can be especially important if you are out at sea, where medical assistance can be hours or even days away. When onboard a seagoing vessel, even minor accidents, such as burns, sprains, and fractures, has the potential to become life-threatening. Being prepared and knowing essential first aid care can be the difference between life and death. This illustrated instructional guide offers a quick overview for the correct way to provide first aid. Chapters include standard medical examinations, different illnesses and related symptoms, effects of heat, cold, and water, and collecting relevant information about a sick or injured person. Such information is valuable not only for the person providing first aid, but also to give over the radio, because it may facilitate the decision-making about treatment strategy, thus saving lives under extreme circumstances.