First Aid Afloat: Instant Advice on Dealing with Medical Emergencies at Sea

by Sandra Roberts

Overview

Aimed at the novice first-aider, this book is intended to be used at the time of the accident or illness. Each topic is designed to be read at a glance: the language kept short and simple and, where appropriate, photo sequences show exactly what to do. As long as you can read, you can help. Straightforward advice allows you to take control of the situation, stabalise the casualty and provide the appropriate treatment at sea. This is an essential guide for all who go afloat.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781912177554
Publisher:	Fernhurst Books Limited
Publication date:	10/22/2010
Sold by:	Bookwire
Format:	eBook
Pages:	128
File size:	20 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Sandra Roberts is a senior lecturer at Warsash Maritime Academy, teaching medical and first aid subjects to seafarers. She has hands-on experience of first aid within the maritime and yachting world as well as the voluntary first aid services and the military. Sandra is a registered nurse with 40 years' experience.

Read an Excerpt

CHEST PAIN

CAUSE

Disease of the cardiovascular system may be slow and progressive, often with no external signs or symptoms until illness suddenly presents. It is a major cause of death in the Western world.

When the blood vessels supplying blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked, the supply of oxygen to the heart muscle is affected. This results in pain.

If oxygen supplies are restricted because of a partial blockage, the resulting pain is known as angina (angina pectoris). The pain is triggered by anything that requires the heart to beat faster, such as physical activity or emotion.

When the oxygen supply to the heart is completely cut off, heart muscle dies, resulting in pain. This is known as a heart attack (myocardial infarction).

RECOGNITION

Pain may be felt in the centre of the chest or radiate out to the left arm, jaw, back and upper abdomen.

In angina, the pain generally goes when the casualty is at rest, but it does recur. The casualty may be breathless, pale and sweaty, and feels weak.

Heart attack pain is sudden and is not triggered by anything. It persists, and does not go when the casualty is at rest. The casualty may have difficulty breathing and be pale in colour or blue tinged (cyanosis). They may have nausea and vomiting, they may be sweating and their pulse may be irregular, weak, and fast. Heart attack casualties sometimes describe experiencing a sense of doom.

RESPONSE

It may sometimes be difficult to tell if a casualty is having angina or a heart attack. It is therefore important that any casualty experiencing chest pain is managed with urgency and the first aider should always be prepared to resuscitate.

QUICK GUIDE TO MANAGING CHEST PAIN

Position the casualty on the deck, sitting up well supported, and loosen their clothing. This will aid breathing.

Be prepared to resuscitate. The casualty may have a cardiac arrest at any time. From the sitting position on the deck, it is easier to lay them flat to commence resuscitation.

Get help. It is vital that radio emergency help is sought immediately.

Assist the casualty to take their own angina medication if they have it This medication dilates blood vessels, improving the flow of oxygen to the heart. It is absorbed from the mouth straight into the bloodstream, so works quickly.

If pain persists, give the casualty one aspirin tablet to chew and keep in the mouth. The aspirin tablet must be broken up and kept in the mouth, under the tongue. It is quickly absorbed and reduces blood clotting. Do not give aspirin to an asthmatic or someone who has a known aspirin allergy.

Closely monitor the casualty. Count their pulse rate and note if it is irregular. Note the casualty’s breathing rate and skin colour.

Table of Contents

Preface; First Aid; Resuscitation; Wounds; Injuries; Environmental injuries; Illness & medical emergencies; Children & infants; Help; Index

Editorial Reviews

Even if you've done a first-aid course, knowledge fades quickly. Sandra Roberts has 40 years nursing experience and lectures at Warsash Maritime Academy. Her book is better than most: concisely written and well-illustrated, with photos, flowcharts and diagrams.” (Yachting Monthly)

From the Publisher

"Better than most: concisely written and well illustrated, with photos, flowcharts and diagrams."

Yachting Monthly