Handling Medical Situations at Sea
I’m not sure there’s ever been a more relatable quote about venturing offshore than the one made by Captain Ron in the namesake 1992 movie. That is, “If anything is going to happen, it’s going to happen out there.” While it was a humorous line in the movie and still gets a few laughs in certain situations, it also reminds us that the only thing that we can control is to be as best prepared for any given offshore first aid circumstance. While no level of offshore medical emergency preparedness can guarantee total safety, understanding the nuances of first aid training for sportfishing captains is crucial. In the unpredictable realm of deep sea fishing, being able to swiftly and effectively respond to health crises, from minor injuries to critical conditions, is essential. Equipping your vessel with comprehensive medical kits for offshore fishing, coupled with robust training in emergency response for remote fishing locations, can be a lifesaver.
Table of Contents
Emergency Equipment for Offshore Fishing
The advanced first aid kits provided by specialists include essentials tailored for the high seas, covering a wide range of scenarios from minor mishaps to severe medical emergencies. Our experiences with close calls – ranging from strokes and allergic reactions to acute cardiac events – underscore the importance of being equipped for every possibility. This includes tools and knowledge for effectively managing common occurrences like hook removals and lacerations, vital skills for anyone involved in offshore fishing safety and first aid.
Safety Protocols for Long-Distance Fishing Trips
Below is a simple checklist we use when traveling offshore in the gulf or traveling to a distant geographic fishing destination.
*Pre-Trip Preparation and Planning
Long-distance fishing trips require meticulous planning. This includes checking weather forecasts, plotting the safest route, and ensuring communication systems are fully functional. It’s crucial to inform a responsible party on land about your trip itinerary and expected return time in addition to any gps marine tracking.
*Regular Safety Drills
Conducting regular safety drills is essential for crew readiness. These drills should cover man-overboard procedures, fire safety, abandon ship protocols, and first aid response. Familiarity with the location and use of life rafts, flares, and other emergency equipment is vital.
*First Aid and Medical Training
All crew members should have basic first aid training, with at least one individual trained in advanced medical response. Knowledge of CPR, wound care, and emergency response to common ailments like seasickness and dehydration is necessary.
*Equipment Check
Ensure all safety equipment, including life jackets, EPIRBs, fire extinguishers, and first aid kits, are in good condition and easily accessible. Regular maintenance checks are critical for equipment reliability.
*Communication Protocols
Maintain open lines of communication with the shore and other vessels. Have a reliable method of emergency communication, like a satellite phone or a VHF radio, in case of loss of regular communication channels.
*Emergency Procedures
Have clear, written emergency procedures available to all crew members. This includes steps to follow in case of medical emergencies, severe weather, equipment failure, or other unforeseen circumstances.
Making The Cut
Every captain should be equipped with a reliable tool to swiftly and cleanly sever all types and sizes of hooks stored on their vessel. The benchmark for selecting this tool should be its ability to cut through the largest hook available onboard. These bolt cutters, or a similar cutting device, should be stored in a secure yet readily accessible location. Such preparedness is crucial, as there may be instances requiring the quick removal of an embedded hook in an individual.
In Conclusion
In reflecting on our past experiences, I realize how fortunate we have been. It’s clear that our current state of preparedness far exceeds what it was in the past. We’ve all heard harrowing tales of serious injuries and even tragic losses at sea. These stories serve as poignant reminders of the unpredictable nature of offshore activities. However, today, we stand in a much stronger position. With the advanced equipment and comprehensive training available, we can offer our boat owners and guests not just an assurance of safety but also peace of mind. It’s a testament to our dedication to making every voyage as safe as possible. Our journey doesn’t end here, though; the sea is an ever-changing environment, and our commitment to staying abreast of the latest safety protocols and training methods is unwavering. In this way, we honor both the sea’s majesty and its challenges, ensuring that every offshore adventure is not only enjoyable but also underlined by the highest standards of safety.
Training Resources for Offshore First Aid
For those involved in offshore activities, such as sportfishing, it’s crucial to have specialized first aid training that addresses the unique challenges of oceanic settings. Below is a list of recommended courses and resources focusing on CPR, AED use, and other essential first aid skills needed at sea:
- American Red Cross: Water Safety and Lifeguarding
- Offers courses in water safety, lifeguarding, and first aid tailored for aquatic environments.
- Website: American Red Cross
- D-Dey Response Group Offshore Medical Training
- Offers training specifically designed for offshore emergencies, including Basic Life Support, CPR, AED, and bleed control.
- Website: D-Dey Response Group
- Wilderness Medical Associates International: Wilderness Advanced First Aid
- Tailored for remote settings, these courses are valuable for understanding medical care where immediate emergency services are not available.
- Website: Wilderness Medical Associates
- Nautical First Aid by Ocean Training Online
- Focuses on first aid training for nautical environments, including the use of onboard medical equipment.
- Website: Ocean Training Online
- Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) Rescue Diver Course
- While focused on diving, this course offers valuable skills in rescue and emergency response in aquatic settings.
- Website: PADI
- Maritime Medical Guides
- Provides training for maritime professionals, covering all aspects of marine first aid and emergency response.
- Website: Maritime Medical Guides
These courses emphasize the importance of specialized training to tackle the challenges of providing first aid and medical response in the unique and often isolated conditions of the sea. Regular updates and refresher courses are also recommended to keep skills current.
Capt. Kevin Deerman is at the helm of the Draggin’ Up, a 72′ Viking based in Houston, Texas. With an impressive career spanning 30+ years, Capt. Deerman is a seasoned captain with a passion for tournament fishing and exploration of the world’s most renowned billfish hotspots.
When he’s not at sea, Capt. Deerman can often be found sharing his knowledge and insights with fellow anglers, fostering a sense of camaraderie within the fishing community. As a valuable contributor to our publication, Captain Kevin Deerman continues to inspire and inform, making every issue a journey into the exciting world of sportfishing under his expert guidance. Be sure to subscribe to our publication below and click here to send Captain Deerman a message [email protected]
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