Prior to leaving for France, Peter and I attended an excellent training program to refresh our first aid knowledge and skills. Whilst there are a number of training providers who offer a range of first aid programs, from basic to advanced, we were particularly interested in this one since the program focused on first aid emergencies and the management of such emergencies while at sea and within a marine environment. The program is run by Offshore Maritime Training Australia and complies with a number of regulatory authorities including but not limited to racing sailors, commercial mariners, workplace safety, general purpose hand, coxswain and Master IV and V. For more information about this course click here https://www.marinetraining.com.au/
The program was well facilitated by Jane Williams a clinical nurse with significant knowledge and experience. Program content included that related to a general first aid course:
- Principles of first aid
- Primary and secondary assessment
- DRSABCD (CPR + Defibrillation)
- Trauma emergencies
- Medical emergencies
- Poisons and envenomation
- Hypo and hyperthermia
- Record keeping and the like.
However, there was consideration and discussion about how these emergencies would be best managed at sea. What additional considerations the first aider would have to consider in a marine environment and responding as a solo first aider with limited equipment and resources.
Additional content included:
- Sea sickness
- Injections
- Suturing
- Maritime medivac, and
- Suggested contents of a maritime medical/first aid kit (terrific resource).
We completed course assessment requirements, both theory and practical, in a progressive way throughout the day which was great. On satisfactory course completion we received a Statement of Attainment for HLTAID003 Provide first aid, certification which is nationally recognised in Australia.
The course is jam packed, so breaks were limited throughout the day, but we didn’t mind as the content was interesting and time just flew by. Overall, the course was well structured and delivered, we learnt new tips and techniques for applying first aid principles and management at sea and took away some useful resources.
PS If you are not based in Australia, we would recommend that you hunt around for a course which specifically focuses on first aid application in a sailing/marine environment, it really set this course apart from the general first aid courses that are on offer.
