Lesson routeAfloat First-Aid Priorities0/4 read
Lesson 1 of 4
Afloat First-Aid Priorities
First aid afloat starts before treatment. The boat still has to be controlled, the rescuer must stay safe, and help may be further away than it would be ashore.
Use this module as revision for decision-making and communication. It does not replace practical first-aid training, current first-aid protocols, or medical advice from the Coastguard, ambulance service, or a clinician.
- Make the scene safe before becoming a second casualty.
- Allocate helm, lookout, radio, and casualty-care roles early.
- Call for help early when the casualty is seriously unwell, deteriorating, or beyond onboard care.
- Record times, symptoms, treatment, and changes.
| Priority | Afloat question | Typical action |
|---|---|---|
| Danger | Is the boat, crew, or rescuer still at risk? | Stabilise the boat, stop machinery if needed, control lines and moving gear |
| Response | Can the casualty respond normally? | Speak, tap if safe, check airway and breathing according to training |
| Help | Do we need outside help now? | Use VHF/phone/DSC, give position, and request advice or assistance |
| Monitor | Is the casualty changing? | Keep observations and update the Coastguard or medical adviser |
Lesson 2 of 4
Scene Safety on a Moving Boat
The first-aider must think like a skipper. A wet deck, moving boom, running engine, hot galley, loose tender painter, or casualty in the water can injure more people if the scene is not controlled.
A casualty-care plan should include boat handling. Slow down, heave-to, anchor, return to harbour, or ask another crew member to take the helm if that creates a safer treatment platform.
- Stop or isolate immediate hazards when it is safe to do so.
- Keep one person responsible for the boat and traffic situation.
- Use gloves and barriers from the first aid kit when body fluids are involved.
- Move the casualty only when staying put is more dangerous or airway care requires it.
Lesson 3 of 4
First Aid Kit Readiness
A first aid kit is only useful if the crew can find it quickly, open it in rough conditions, and use contents that are in date and appropriate for the trip.
Check the kit before departure. Include personal medication, seasickness plans, spare glasses if needed, emergency contact details, and any trip-specific items recommended by training or medical advice.
- Store the kit where it can be reached when lockers shift or the cabin is wet.
- Separate everyday plasters from emergency dressings so critical items are not used casually.
- Check expiry dates, sterile packaging, gloves, dressings, burn dressings, and shears.
- Brief the crew on location without turning the safety brief into a lecture.
| Kit area | Why it matters | Revision check |
|---|---|---|
| Gloves and barriers | Protect rescuer and casualty | Can you reach them first? |
| Dressings | Control bleeding and protect wounds | Are sizes varied and packaging intact? |
| Burn care | Cooling and covering burns | Is clean water available and are dressings in date? |
| Records | Supports handover | Do you have pencil, waterproof notes, and casualty details? |
Lesson 4 of 4
Crew Roles and Escalation
One person cannot helm, navigate, call for help, fetch kit, record times, reassure the casualty, and perform CPR at the same time. Divide the work.
Escalate early if you are uncertain. A Pan-Pan, Mayday, 999 call, harbour authority call, or direct medical advice route depends on urgency and where you are, but delay is often the bigger mistake.
- Nominate a lead first-aider and keep instructions short.
- Keep the radio operator close enough to relay updates accurately.
- Prepare position, nature of problem, number of casualties, treatment given, and assistance required.
- Update help if the casualty improves, worsens, or the boat changes plan.