Question 1

A crew member falls from the mast and lands on the deck. They are conscious but complaining of neck pain and tingling in their hands. What are the priorities?

Accepted Answer

Do not move them; manually stabilise the head and neck in line; monitor airway; transmit Mayday; keep warm; await rescue — do NOT place in recovery position unless the airway is compromised and there is no other option Suspected spinal injury: IMMOBILISE in the position found. Manual in-line stabilisation (MILS) — hold the head still with hands. Transmit Mayday — this requires helicopter evacuation with trained medics. If the casualty becomes unconscious and stops breathing, airway management takes priority over spinal precautions (a dead patient cannot recover). Never apply improvised collars that force movement.

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.