What if merchant seamen become ill at sea?

What happens if a merchant seaman becomes seriously ill in the middle of the ocean?

[QUOTE=jazzinator214;56887]What happens if a merchant seaman becomes seriously ill in the middle of the ocean?[/QUOTE]

I get to practice my medical care provider skill sets…be afraid…be very afraid!!

on a more serious note the vessel’s SMS should provide the guidance and procedures regarding how to handle a medical emergency…their are options even “mid ocean”…worse case scenario you will need to make room in the walk in or chest freezer…been there…done that…unfortunately.

You take 2 asprin and check in in the morning!

Ill? Tough it out.

Life Threatening injury/sickness? The US Navy will come get you.

Some guy with a medical PIC gets to play doctor on you!!! Just hope it never happens to you!!!

Thanks for your responses

Depending on the situation, I could put all of this flashing light morse code to work with the international code of signals to alert a near by vessel of the patients condition and then interpret flashing light to provide the proper treatment. Or wait a sec its the 21st century I could use a cell phone or a sat phone. Oh the joys of learning flashing light morse code.