One of our colleagues was asking for some medical scenarios for Superyacht Crew training.

I thought I’d share some of my favourites!

Get out there and train.

Remember the 5 P’s

Prior Preparation Prevents….

1. Falling from Height

Scenario: A crew member falls from a height, such as from the mast or upper deck, and sustains injuries.

Steps to Practice:

1. Assess the Scene: Ensure it's safe to approach the injured person.

2. Initial Assessment: DRABC Check for danger, responsiveness, airway, breathing, circulation and severe bleeding.

3. Stabilize the Spine: Assume a spinal injury and stabilize the head and neck.

4. Administer First Aid: Stop any bleeding, treat for shock, and keep the person still.

5. Prepare for Evacuation: Plan how to safely move the injured person to medical facilities , if necessary. It’s good to discuss where the medical facilities will be set up, most of you do not have a hospital! So you’ll need to improvise, until the patient can be evacuated.

Equipment Needed: First aid kit, spinal board, neck collar if recommended by your telemedicine team.

2. Engine Room Trouble

Scenario: A crew member is injured in the engine room due to burns, smoke inhalation, or machinery malfunction.

Steps to Practice:

1. Assess the Scene: Ensure the area is safe from fire, smoke, or electrical hazards.

2. Initial Assessment: DRABC Check for responsiveness and breathing.

3. Treat Burns: Treat burns and cover with a sterile dressing.

4. Administer Oxygen: If smoke inhalation is suspected, provide oxygen if available.

5. Plan Evacuation: Safely move the injured person to fresh air and medical facilities.

Equipment Needed: First aid kit, burn dressings, oxygen supply.

3. Caught in a Winch , Crane or Machinery

Scenario: A crew member’s limb is caught in a winch or other machinery, causing crush injuries or amputation.

Steps to Practice:

1. Stop the Machinery: Immediately stop the machinery to prevent further injury. DRABC.

2. Free the Limb: Carefully free the trapped limb while avoiding further damage.

3. Control Bleeding: Apply pressure to control bleeding and use a tourniquet if necessary.

4. Stabilize the Injury: Splint the injured limb and treat for SHOCK

5. Plan for Evacuation: Prepare for rapid transport to medical facilities.

Equipment Needed: First aid kit, tourniquet, splints.

4. Jet Ski Accident

Scenario: A guest or crew member is injured in a jet ski accident, potentially causing fractures, lacerations, or head injuries.

Steps to Practice:

1. Assess the Scene: Ensure the area is safe from further watercraft collisions.

2. Initial Assessment: Check for responsiveness, breathing, and severe bleeding.

3. Stabilize the Injuries: Immobilize any fractures and cover lacerations with sterile dressings.

4. Stabilize the Spine: Assume a spinal injury if a head injury is suspected.

5. Plan for Evacuation: Safely transport the injured person to medical facilities.

Equipment Needed: First aid kit, spinal board, neck collar, splints.

5. Anaphylaxis

Scenario: A guest or crew member experiences a severe allergic reaction, leading to anaphylaxis.

Steps to Practice:

1. Identify Symptoms: Recognize signs of anaphylaxis, such as swelling, difficulty breathing, and hives.

2. DRABC & Administer Epinephrine: Use an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) immediately.

3. Call for Help: Alert medical facilities and prepare for emergency evacuation.

4. Monitor and Support: Keep the person calm and monitor their breathing and heart rate.

5. Provide Additional Treatment: Administer a second dose of epinephrine if symptoms persist after 5-10 minutes.

Equipment Needed: Epinephrine auto-injectors, antihistamines, oxygen supply.

Practice Tips:

- Regular Drills: Conduct these practice scenarios regularly to ensure all crew members are familiar with procedures.

- Role Play: Assign roles during drills to simulate real-life conditions and improve coordination.

- Review and Improve: After each drill, review performance and identify areas for improvement.

By practicing these scenarios, your crew will be better prepared to handle medical emergencies, ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone onboard.