Medical emergencies at the Sea

Introduction

Ensuring the mental well-being of seafarers is crucial, especially given the unique challenges they face at sea. Therefore, the International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) provides specialized Maritime Mental Health Awareness Training to effectively address these challenges. Moreover, this training equips participants with essential skills to support their colleagues’ mental health.

Study Overview

Between January 2017 and January 2020, the KNRM conducted 282 medical operations involving 361 individuals. Notably, these operations were categorized into three groups:

1. Ambulance Crew Aboard Lifeboat: 39 operations involving 42 individuals, primarily with serious trauma or injuries.
2. Ambulance Crew on Land: 153 operations involving 188 individuals, including cases of drowning risk, ongoing resuscitations, and suicide attempts.
3. Autonomous Operations: 90 operations involving 131 individuals with minor injuries.

Key Findings

Overall, the study revealed several important insights:

• Ambulance Crew Aboard Lifeboat: 76.2% of these individuals were transported to a hospital.
• Ambulance Crew on Land: 53.7% were transported to a hospital.
• Autonomous Operations: 29% required additional medical care, mainly for suspected fractures or stitches.
• Unawareness of Medical Issues: In 40.8% of all operations, lifeboat crews were unaware of the medical problem at the time of departure.
• Departure Times: Operations with ambulance crew aboard the lifeboat had a significantly longer departure time (13.7 minutes) compared to those with ambulance crew on land (7.7 minutes).

Implications for Future Operations

This study highlights the diverse nature of medical emergencies at sea and the varying involvement of lifeboat and ambulance crews. Consequently, the longer departure times when ambulance crews are aboard suggest a need for improved triage and communication protocols. Furthermore, the fact that lifeboat crews were unaware of medical issues in 40.8% of operations indicates a potential area for improvement in pre-departure information gathering.

Conclusion

Understanding the dynamics of medical emergencies at sea is crucial for enhancing the effectiveness of lifeboat crew operations. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the circumstances, medical problems encountered, and operational aspects of these emergencies, offering a foundation for future improvements in maritime medical response.