Cruising Medical Emergencies - Free Range Sailing Ep 30

***Correction after publishing***
17:35 – Written on screen is 10% saline irrigation solution; should be 1.0%.
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This is an unusual episode in that it does skip forward from our usual timeline to the Torres Straits in Northern Queensland, but we wanted to present this information sooner rather than later for yachties who may be departing soon. Future episodes will resume from the start of the crossing of the Gulf of Carpenteria.

Here we’ve had the good fortune to meet one of the excellent medical officers practising in this remote and challenging region. For doctors and nurses in the Torres Straits, arrival to an emergency by helicopter and dealing with severe marine related injuries are a common occurrence.

We take the opportunity to talk with Dr. Scott about what we can do as long range sailors to address a number of injuries that may occur on board- as well as get a demonstration on stitching a wound and two methods of removing embedded fish hooks.

We wish to thank Dr. Scott for the time he granted us for this discussion as well as some great, inventive, practical instruction! We are also grateful for his selfless hospitality and the chance to meet his lovely family.

All topics discussed are the opinion of Dr. Scott in an informal setting and in no way represent the official policy of the Queensland Health Department. None of this information can, or is intended to substitute for professional medical advice, with your specific circumstances being considered. Again, we encourage everyone venturing offshore to seek First Aid Training from an accredited training provider and to seek further advice from your Doctor.

Topics covered:
3:09 – Using super-glue to close lacerations
8:13 – Demonstrating stitching a wound
13:30 – Pain relief advice
17:05 – Wound cleaning and care
19:30 – Signs of infection
20:00 – Open wound management
23:11 – Stingray sting and other venomous puncture wound treatment
26:39 – Demonstrating two techniques for the removal of embedded fish hooks.