First Aid Afloat

An essential guide for all who go afloat. At sea you cannot ring for an ambulance and just wait for help: you need to act immediately as you may go hours, or even days, away from assistance. First Aid Afloat could save someone's life, and no boat should be without it.

Aimed at the novice first-aider, this book is intended to be used at the time of the accident or illness. Each topic is designed to be read at a glance: the language is kept short and simple and, where appropriate, photo sequences show exactly what to do. Straight forward advice allows you to take control of the situation, stabilise the casualty and provide the appropriate treatment at sea.

Topics covered include bleeding; burns; fractures; hypothermia; resuscitation; bites, stings and poisoning; evacuation of a casualty; radio medical advice; and more.

Praise for First Aid Afloat

"Even if you've done a first-aid course, knowledge fades quickly. Sandra Roberts has 40 years nursing experience and lectures at Warsash Maritime Academy. Her book is better than most: concisely written and well-illustrated, with photos, flowcharts and diagrams."
— Yachting Monthly

About the Author

Sandra Roberts worked as a senior lecturer at Warsash Maritime and Superyacht Academy, Southampton Solent University, teaching medical and first aid subjects to seafarers. She is a registered nurse with over 40 years' experience gained in a wide variety of settings including 18 within the maritime and yachting world.

About Fernhurst Books

Fernhurst Books was founded in 1979, initially publishing books related to dinghy racing. The list soon expanded to include cruising and other watersports. In 2006 the business was sold to John Wiley, but in 2013 a group of sailing enthusiasts (including the original founder) bought the list and name back, once again creating an independent nautical publisher owned and run by sailors. Fernhurst continues to publish books that instruct, inform and inspire those with a passion on, in or under the water. Their 140+ titles range from how-to guides to narrative to coffee-table books, covering sailing, surfing, canoeing, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, swimming, diving and fishing.