Q15- How to deal with a major injury in E/R? How to deal with death onboard?

Answer

A – Incase of major injury:
1.Ensure that casualty is given first-aid and shifted to hospital and being look after.

2.Inform company about the injury and ensure safety of ER to avoid any further injury.

3.Contact radio medical service with photos/video of casualty injury for advice for administering medication. 4.Depending on the advice of radio medical & severity of the injury the master will take decision whether to divert the ship to port of refuge or can make to the next port of call.

5.Port of refuge is informed about the casualty and assistance required and relevant authorities Flag, P&l, U/writers, Class, Charterers, next port of call are well informed.

6.Make an injury report with evidence collection and statement of facts from Master, CE, Witness, Casualty(if possible to give) concurrently check whether SMD, neilrobertson stretcher also should be prepared for,helicopter operation if reqd, prepare for it is breached or not and take action accordingly.

7.Major injuries means fractures, severe burns, severe bleeding, deep cut or amputation i.e loss of limb. 8.First aid given, witness report, C/E and master statement, record of medical advice received on ship and medical fitness certificate, communication record, sametyfamilirization checklist duly signed by him, record of rest hrs, proper ppe was worn ,photographs.

In case of death:The master of the ship would inform the company about the deceased person along with other necessary details that are required in the form of evidence.

Important details required as evidence are:















Date, time, and position of the vessel when the death occurred
Location of the death if it occurred because of an accident
Record of the working hours of the deceased
Details of the condition of the body
Complete eye witness statement that is taken immediately after the Incident Type of medical treatment given to the person before death
Details of the person who g ave medical treatment
Details on the indication of intoxication, if found
Details of tools, wires, equipment etc. which was the cause of death
Timed photographs of the place where the deceased was found
Details of telemedicine assistance, if available and provided
Any other information asked by the company
CIC Code to be complied with for casualty investigation.

Few IMP points:
1.The company is responsible to inform the next-of-kin of the deceased person.

2.If at the port, the master should inform the local agents, medical personnel, and concerned persons of the P & I club. The local agent would guide the master regarding the procedures to be followed as required by the authorities of that particular country.

3.If the accident has taken place at the sea, the procedures and guidelines as provided by the company are followed. The company might ask to preserve the body in an emptied refer compartment. Also, the agentof the next port of call must be informed beforehand so that the necessary information is provided to the local authorities, the consulate of the ship’s Flag state, and the correspondence of the P & I club. Belongings to send to agent who will send it to the company.