TORPOINT MOSQUITO SAILING CLUB

FIRST AID

First Aid for the operators of Safety Boats is FIRST Aid.

FIRST Aid can be administered on board a Safety Boat, but it is a far from ideal platform.

It is ESSENTIAL that any casualty who requires medical attention is taken ashore as quickly as possible. In order to get a casualty ashore as quickly as possible it may be necessary to make a high speed dash, speed should be regulated bearing in mind the condition and comfort of the casualty.

FIRST Aid is usually administered by a relatively unskilled person, however it should be administered as quickly and as calmly as possible.

Safety Boats will carry a First Aid Kit. The contents may vary slightly but will include all the necessary basic items as set out in Appendix 3.

The most likely First Aid skills which may be needed are:

1.      Resuscitation.

2.      Treatment of Hypothermia.

3.      Control of Bleeding.

4.      Burns.

5.      Fractures and Dislocations.

6.      Blows to the Head; Concussion.

To all of the above, either individually or together, may be added:

7.      Shock.

Detailed First Aid Instruction will not be given as part of this manual; all Safety Boat Crews should regard it as their duty to attend a First Aid course which will cover the above topics in more detail. See also Appendix  1  for suitable reading.

Resuscitation.

The top priority with any casualty is ABC; Airway, Breathing, Circulation.

The correct technique for artificial resuscitation is taught on a First Aid course.

It is clearly preferable to give artificial  resuscitation on board the Safety Boat, however, if there is difficulty getting the casualty out of the water, do not delay, get into the water, hold onto the boat with one arm and support the casualty’s neck on that arm. The second member of the crew will be required to support the casualty’s body.

Treatment of Hypothermia.

Treatment of Hypothermia is probably going to be necessary for any casualty who has spent any time in the water.

The signs of Hypothermia are progressive:

                                    Complaining of cold.

                                    Pale skin.

                                    Skin abnormally cold to touch.

                                    Uncontrollable shivering replaced by

 lack of muscle co-ordination.

                                    Slurred speech.

                                    Comprehension dulled.

                                    Irrational behaviour.

                                    Pulse and respiration slow.

                                    Unconsciousness.

If the casualty is still shivering and only looking cold, time is on your side, but, if  shivering has stopped and muscles are in spasm, the casualty must be taken ashore immediately, abandoning any dinghy for collection later.

On the way ashore reduce heat loss by wrapping the casualty in a ‘space blanket’ or  a windproof body bag. Keep the casualty low in the boat, if possible in the recovery position.

NEVER administer alcohol in an attempt to ‘warm him up.’ In mild cases of hypothermia a warm, not hot, drink may be given.

Control of Bleeding.

There are two main methods of Control of Bleeding:

a.       Pressure: Apply pressure to the wound, preferably with a dressing

pad,  but if necessary with clean fingers. If the bleeding is such that

a dressing pad becomes soaked, tie another one on top. Dressings

may be retained with bandages.

b.      Elevation: If the bleeding is from a limb, elevate the bleeding part

to lessen the pressure, add dressings as above.

Treatment of Burns.

The incidence of burns amongst dinghy sailors is extremely rare, but the following rules may be useful and should be borne in mind:

a.       Do not pull away stuck clothing.

b.      Cool the burn immediately in cold, preferably fresh, water for several minutes.

c.       If you must cover a burn, use gauze swabs or clean non-fluffy material and cover it lightly. Never apply lotions, antiseptics or greases to any burns where the skin has been damaged. If possible, remove rings before swelling sets in.

Fractures and Dislocations.

If there is obvious damage to the casualty’s spine or back it is IMPERATIVE that the back is kept stiff and straight. The casualty should be recovered using a stretcher.

If fractures or dislocations to other parts of the body are apparent, the injured part should be immobilized by strapping it to an uninjured part using bandages, belts, or whatever is available.

Blows to the Head: Concussion.

Treat the casualty for shock, look for open wounds, cover them with a dressing held in place with a triangular bandage.

Shock.

Shock may accompany any or all of the above situations, or may exist on it’s own.

The casualty will look pale and breathing will be shallow. The best treatment is warmth and re-assurance.

If it is certain that a shocked casualty has no other injuries a warm drink may be given, but never alcohol.

From the above it can be seen that for any situation requiring First Aid, except perhaps in the case of a spinal injury, the very best FIRST Aid is to get the casualty ashore as quickly as practical.

In the case of a spinal injury consideration MUST be given to holding the casualty afloat, and therefore supported, alongside the Safety Boat until additional help, and a stretcher arrives.

Race Control should be advised of the situation at the earliest opportunity and medical assistance requested.