Question 1

Diesel or petrol splashes on a crew member's forearm, causing a painful burn. What is the correct immediate treatment?

Accepted Answer

Cool under cool (not cold) running fresh water for at least 20 minutes; remove clothing and jewellery from the area; cover loosely with cling film or a clean non-fluffy dressing; do NOT use ice, butter, or toothpaste Burns first aid: COOL, COVER, CALL. Cool with running fresh water for 20 minutes (or as long as possible). Remove jewellery/watches/tight clothing near the burn. Cover with cling film (laid on loosely, not wrapped) or a clean non-fluffy dressing. Do NOT use ice (causes further tissue damage), butter, cream, or toothpaste. Assess for depth and extent. Seek medical advice for any burn larger than the casualty's palm.

Question 2

A crew member recovered from cold water is shivering violently, confused, and pale. What stage of hypothermia is this and what is the correct treatment?

Accepted Answer

Mild to moderate hypothermia (core temp ~32–35°C) — remove wet clothing, insulate from wind and cold, warm with blankets and foil, give warm sweet drinks if conscious and no injury suspected, handle gently and do NOT rub limbs Shivering with confusion = mild-moderate hypothermia. Treatment: protect from environment; remove wet clothing (avoid vigorous movement — cold blood from extremities flushing to core can cause cardiac arrest); insulate; warm externally; do NOT rub limbs; give warm fluids only if conscious and uninjured. Severe hypothermia (rigid, no shivering) — treat as cardiac arrest, CPR may be needed.

Question 3

A near-drowning casualty has been recovered from the water. They are unconscious and not breathing. What is the immediate priority?

Accepted Answer

Start rescue breaths (5 initial breaths) immediately, then begin standard CPR (30 compressions : 2 breaths) — airway and breathing take priority as drowning is a hypoxic event Drowning is a hypoxic (oxygen deprivation) emergency. Unlike cardiac arrest in adults, rescue breaths are critical — give 5 initial rescue breaths, then 30:2 CPR. Continue until breathing resumes or help arrives. If on a vessel with no AED, focus on quality CPR with rescue breaths. Do NOT attempt to drain water from the lungs — it delays oxygenation and is ineffective.