BD Deck Officer Class 3 (OOW): Medical First Aid at Sea

First aid essentials

You must understand the primary survey: airway, breathing, circulation, and the recovery position. Know how to perform CPR and the ratio of compressions to breaths. Understand the treatment of shock, bleeding, burns, fractures and hypothermia. Know the contents of the ship's medical stores and the role of the medical guide and radio medical advice. Understand the importance of recording observations and of isolating infectious cases.

Traps

A common trap is giving fluids to an unconscious casualty; never do so. Another is applying direct pressure to a suspected fracture before immobilising it. Watch for questions on the difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest, and on the correct treatment of a burn, which is cooling with clean water rather than applying ointments. Also be careful with hypothermia: rewarm gradually and avoid rough handling.

Worked rule of thumb

For CPR, use the ratio of 30 compressions to 2 breaths and a compression rate of about 100 to 120 per minute. For severe bleeding, apply direct pressure with a clean dressing and elevate the limb if possible. For a burn, cool with clean running water for at least 10 minutes and cover with a sterile non-adherent dressing. Always seek radio medical advice for serious cases and record the time, casualty condition and treatment given.