First Aid Procedures on Ro-Pax Vessel

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to develop a first aid guideline for RoPax ships. The guideline consists of first aid principles for the most common medical emergencies on RoPax ships, considering the nature of passengers and crewmembers and possibilities of providing medical help on board.

There were conducted a literature review and interviews with crew members responsible for medical care on RoPax ships operating on the Baltic Sea. It was decided that the manual will cover the common severe conditions as well as the most frequent milder conditions for passengers and crewmembers: chest pain and cardiovascular disorders, stroke, gastrointestinal disorders, phycological distress, fractures, sprains and stains, life-threatening bleeding and wounds, seasickness, common cold /upper respiratory disease and fever. The first aid guideline includes suggestions for telemedicine consultation and patient evacuation.

There was developed a training program for additional first aid training for crewmembers of RoPax vessels. The training program has basic and advanced levels. The training program is for additional training, which could be offered to crewmember during the five year interval of their regular first aid trainings.