Fractures and the unconscious casualty
- Immobilise a suspected fracture — support the injured part and do not move it unnecessarily.
- For an unconscious but breathing casualty, use the recovery position and monitor them continuously.
- Recognise the danger of a head or spinal injury and avoid moving the casualty unless there is immediate danger.
- Manage choking by encouraging coughing, then back blows and abdominal thrusts if it becomes severe.
Sudden illness
Broken bones are supported and immobilised, and the casualty kept still, because movement worsens the injury and the pain. An unconscious casualty who is breathing is placed in the recovery position and watched. Beyond injuries, the seafarer meets sudden illness — chest pain that may be a heart attack, a stroke, a diabetic emergency, a seizure, or an allergic reaction — and the key skill is to recognise a serious illness, put the casualty in a safe position, and get radio-medical advice early rather than waiting to see if it passes.
WARNING — Recognise the serious illness and get advice Chest pain, a stroke, a severe allergic reaction, or a casualty who is deteriorating are beyond simple first aid. Recognise them, keep the casualty safe and comfortable, and obtain radio-medical advice early.
TIP — Support a fracture, do not straighten it A suspected broken bone is supported in the position found and immobilised; it is not straightened or forced. Keeping it still reduces further injury, bleeding and pain until it can be properly treated.