Medical training

[Spacewaist]

We are now planning to sail round the world. Its about 10 years since we last set out on a serious ocean passage and we thought it best to update our FirstAid/medical knowledge and recent obtained new RYA First Aid Certificate.

I was struck how useless the course is to the long distance cruiser. The syllabus' approach is to teach you to stabilise the casualty and wait for a Helicopter or an ambulance (It is FIRST aid after all!). This may be useful in and around the Solent but not much use 500 + miles W of Panama.

Last time we found a (I recall 2 day) course for cruisers which explained basic medications and how to apply them - we left armed with a list of 'approved drugs' took it to our GP and negotiated a (private) prescription for all the recommended medications. We decided then against the Ships Captains Medical Course since it was 5-7 days and focused on a number of ailments neither my wife nor I had much intent on contracting (Gonnorrea etc). The only issue with the course we did was that we did not learn how to stitch a wound - we had to rely on a elastoplast type butterfly suture.

We dont really want to do the Ships Captains Course this time (for similar reasons) but this time can find no intermediate course.

We plan to cruise extensively and do need an element of self sufficiency. We can always raido/phone for advice but need to have the medication avaiable and the skill to administer it.

Can anyone recommend some intermediate training - UK based - for a cruising couple of retirement age?

 

[alanporter]

With regard to learning how to stitch wounds, and administer local anesthetics first, why not approach the emergency room at your local hospital ? You may find a helpful doctor who would be willing to train you. I have worked as an emergency room doctor and
in the past I have taught offshore sailors and wilderness explorers to do just that. When you have seen a few cases you should be able to do it yourself. For legal reasons you wouldn't be able to practice on a real victim, but I used to cut into an orange and watch the student sew it up. It works !

Good luck with this, and with your forthcoming voyage.

 

[Sea Devil]

without wanting to push my web site - have a look at the medical page under the sailing page.

 

[pragmatist]

Stitching up is also something vets and vet nurses do a lot and my daughter has offered to show us the method on an orange - so perhaps if you can't find a human medic you might know someone in the veterinary side !

 

[davidbains]

See http://www.onpassage.com/Emergency_Medical/Medical.htm
you can get similar info from the CCA
And the cruising association should be able to help.
Also try the noonsite web page.

 

[djs]

you might consider having a look at wilderness medical training. www.wildernessmedicaltraining.co.uk. they originally developed training for leaders of expeditions to remote areas of the world so go well beyond the basic patch 'em up and wait for help. I notice from their website that they have BT Global Challenge listed as a client. No connection other than I have in the past renewed my basic training with Dr John Dallimore who founded the company and I was very impressed.
all the best for your trip

 

[Spacewaist]

Many thanks for this practical help.