For captains, ship owners and operators alike, ensuring the safety and well-being of crew members is one of the most the most important aspects of operations.
While the occurrence of cardiac events at sea is relatively rare, it is essential for ships to be prepared for any medical emergencies that may arise, including cardiac events.
In this blog, we take a look at three essential tools that every ship should carry to effectively respond to cardiac events:
- Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
Sudden cardiac arrest can happen to anyone - even individuals with no prior history of heart disease.
In these situations, having an AED onboard can be lifesaving. An AED is a portable device that delivers an electric shock to the heart, helping to restore its normal rhythm in cases of cardiac arrest.
The prompt use of an AED significantly increases the chances of survival for individuals experiencing cardiac arrest. According to research from the National Institute of Health, a good mix of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and early defibrillation can save lives and boost survival rates to 70%.
These devices are designed to be user-friendly, with clear instructions and voice prompts to guide rescuers through the steps of administering defibrillation. Ships that use AEDs should ensure that crew members are trained in their operation and maintenance and ensure that devices are readily, accessible in a key area, to enable swift response in the event of a cardiac emergency.
- Cardiac Troponin Rapid Test
A cardiac troponin rapid test is a diagnostic tool that measures the levels of troponin (a protein released into the bloodstream when the heart muscle is damaged).
Carrying this test onboard a ship allows medical responders to quickly evaluate whether a myocardial infarct, commonly known as heart attack, has occurred.
These tests are cost effective and can serve as a vital data point to confirm a crew member has suffered a heart attack, ensuring timely activation of emergency management protocols, in order to provide a better outcome for the affected seafarer.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) Machine:
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a non-invasive test that records the electrical activity of the heart. It provides valuable information about the heart's rhythm, rate, and overall electrical function.
Although not commonly found onboard commercial vessels, having an ECG machine onboard a ship allows medical professionals to evaluate the heart's condition during a cardiac event, aiding in accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment decisions.
An ECG can help identify various cardiac abnormalities, including arrhythmias, heart blocks, and ischemic changes, which are indicators of reduced blood supply to the heart. By capturing a snapshot of the heart's electrical activity, an ECG machine plays a crucial role in determining the most effective treatments, such as medication administration or arranging for urgent medical evacuation, if required.
The symptoms that occur with a heart attack, such as chest pain, or even abdominal pain, can have many different causes, some of which can be non-life threatening such as reflux or gastritis. Diagnostic tools such as troponin tests and ECGs are useful to differentiate a heart attack from these other causes and aid in deciding on an appropriate course of action, such as vessel deviation or emergency evacuation.
Access to The Best Possible Support
As years of experience has shown us, good preparation always leads to better patient outcomes and these 3 key tools can significantly enhance the ship's capacity to respond to cardiac events promptly, greatly increasing the chances of survival for those experiencing cardiac emergencies at sea.
In addition to this, having a telemedical support service available onboard, is not only required at a regulatory level, but is also vital in helping to guide the responder as to what tests and medication are needed in that moment.
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