First Aid On Board

This richly illustrated first aid handbook full of practical guidance teaches you how to cope with medical emergencies, confidently deliver first aid and minimise risks when at sea.

When cruising on a boat, there are many situations you can find yourself in, from being struck by the mast or rigging to slipping on the wet deck, sometimes weeks away from land and, of course, any medical help. This can be very challenging and requires preparation and self-sufficiency. This is the first aid handbook that you need to have onboard. Written by medical professionals and experienced sailors, it provides expert and uniquely visual guidance on what can be managed on your boat, and when it's time to seek advice or even to arrange an emergency evacuation. The illustrations make the instructions and descriptions easy to follow, which means no confusion and valuable time lost trying to figure out the directions.

Packed with vital information for all skippers, this first aid handbook covers a range of different medical conditions, illnesses and accidents, symptoms to look out for and appropriate treatment at sea, as well as the proper safety precautions to put in place on board. Suitable for both sail and power, a day trip or longer voyage, there are invaluable suggestions on medical and communication equipment all cruisers should take on their travels.

About the Author

Nina Olofsson is a retired senior physician, specialising in general and vascular surgery, anaesthesia, intensive care, and pain management, with over 35 years of experience in emergency care. She is associate professor at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm and has served as a lifeboat skipper since 2010. She has sailed with Pär Olofsson for more than 40 years and they undertook a six-year voyage to the Caribbean, the Mediterranean and the canals of Europe.

Pär Olofsson is a retired senior physician, specialising in general and vascular surgery, anaesthesia, intensive care, and pain management, with over 35 years of experience in emergency care. He is associate professor at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm and has served as a lifeboat skipper since 2010. He has sailed with Nina Olofsson for more than 40 years and they undertook a six-year voyage to the Caribbean, the Mediterranean and the canals of Europe.

Olle Landsell is an experienced sailor and illustrator. He cruised the Baltic and North Sea areas for several years, mostly single-handed, and has made a solo voyage to the Caribbean. He now sails, paints and illustrates, drawing inspiration from the beautiful Swedish archipelagos.

Table of Contents

• Preface
• Introduction
• 1 Seasickness
• 2 First aid
• 3 Wound injuries
• 4 Burn injuries
• 5 Drowning
• 6 Hypothermia
• 7 Hyperthermia
• 8 Allergy
• 9 Ear-Nose-Throat (ENT)
• 10 Eyes
• 11 Cardiovascular
• 12 Acute abdomen
• 13 Gynaecology
• 14 Pregnancy
• 15 Urology
• 16 Head injuries
• 17 Face injuries
• 18 Chest and abdominal trauma
• 19 Orthopaedics general
• 20 Spinal injuries
• 21 Upper extremity injuries
• 22 Lower extremity injuries
• 23 Bites and stings
• 24 Tropical diseases
• 25 Death
• 26 Preparations
• 27 Medical equipment
• 28 Ships dispensary
• 29 Index