Contenido:

ASSISTANCE TO SHIPWRECK AND RESCUED VICTIMS

HYPOTHERMIA

Body heat loss is one of the major threats for survival of a person at sea, and this happens to all persons immersed in water with a temperature below 20 ºC. Except in the tropics, most people submerged in the sea (non tropical) and not rescued die within a six hour period, depending on the latitude and season of the year. This severe body heat loss is called HYPOTHERMIA.

Treatment

This varies according to the situation of the survivor and the available resources.

The FIRST AID is designed to prevent further cooling of the victim.

Unconscious or semi unconscious victim

Check pulse and breathing (see Chapter 1.2). If necessary, cardiopulmonary resuscitation manoeuvres. These measures should continue for at least 30 minutes

If the patient is conscious

1. Move the victim away from cold places. Place in horizontal position. Check breathing, pulse and rectal temperature.
2. Bring to a warm place. Remove clothing with the smallest movement, cutting with scissors if necessary. Do not massage. Give sweet warm drinks.
3. Warm with blankets. Add heat gradually and slowly (not in an aggressive way), especially in head, neck, chest and groins. Use mild heating techniques:
   
   
   
   1. Place warm pillows or hot water bottles (DRAWER 15, first aid kits A) under the blanket.
   2. Give body heat by direct body - body contact with the victim.
   
   
   
   

   Picture 7-115: Body-body warming up.

4. Do not give intravenous fluids or anything cold by mouth.

5. Avoid using tight clothes.
6. Never give alcoholic beverages.
7. Ask for MEDICAL ADVICE VIA RADIO and prepare evacuation for hospital assistance.

RESCUED DROWNING VICTIMS

If semi unconscious or breathing with difficulty, place in safety position (see Chapter 1.5). Artificial breathing and heart massage must always be done, even if the victim appears to be dead.

In any patient who survives a drowning episode, it must be remembered that there is a possibility of further severe complications. Complications after water inhalation may appear suddenly (15 to 20 minutes) or be delayed 48 to 72 hours. For example, a patient who swallows water from a port may recover from the acute episode but later die due to pulmonary impairment secondary to aspiration (oil derivatives on water, germs, inorganic particles, etc.). Proceed to arrange transport to hospital for assessment and treatment.

In the meantime, ask for MEDICAL ADVICE VIA RADIO .