Marine Medical Care

Français

Help

Canada Site

Home	About us	Media room	Environment	Emergencies
Air	Marine	Rail	Road	Major issues

•	Table of Contents
•	Document Information
•	Scope and Application
•	General Criteria
•	Marine Basic First Aid
•	Marine Advanced First Aid
•	Marine Medical Care

•	Marine Safety Publications
•	Marine Safety Home Page

PREVIOUS | TABLE OF CONTENTS

General ^

This level of training may be presented supplementary to the Marine Advanced program, or as a combined program facilitating the training of any individual to the level of Marine Medical Care without prerequisite requirements. A combined program will include content of both courses for a total of 66 hours.

Number of Trainees in a Course ^

The number of trainees in a course must not exceed 12 when under the supervision of one accredited instructor.

Course Goal ^

Every seafarer who is designated to apply medical care in the event of an accident or illness on board to demonstrate competence to undertake the tasks, duties and responsibilities described in the subjects listed below.

Course Outline ^

Subjects / Lecture Time Including Exercises
3.1	CARE OF CASUALTY involving:	20 hours
	Head/spinal injuries Injuries to ear, nose, throat and eyes External and internal bleeding Fractures, dislocations and muscular injuries Pain relief Techniques of sewing and clamping Management of acute abdominal conditions Minor surgical treatment Dressings and bandaging	(3 hrs) (2 hrs) (1 hr) (3 hrs) (1 hr) (1 hr) (2 hrs) (1 hr) (2 hrs)
	ASPECTS OF NURSING General principles Nursing care	2 hours
	DISEASES including: Medical conditions and emergencies Sexually transmitted diseases	3 hours
	Tropical and infectious diseases
	ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE	2 hours
	DENTAL CARE	1 hour
	GYNAECOLOGY, PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH	2 hours
	MEDICAL CARE OF RESCUED PERSONS	5 hours
	DEATH AT SEA	1 hour
	HYGIENE	1 hour
	DISEASE PREVENTION including: Disinfection, disinfestation, deratting Vaccinations	1 hour
	KEEPING RECORDS AND COPIES OF APPLICABLE REGULATIONS Keeping medical records International and national maritime medical regulations	2 hours
	EXTERNAL ASSISTANCE, including: Radio medical advice Transportation of the ill and injured, including helicopter evacuation Medical care of sick seafarers involving co-operation with port health authorities or outpatient ward in port	2 hours
	EXAMINATION	8 hours
Total		50 Hours

Note: Program content for this level of training will be structured to facilitate flexibility in program delivery (e.g. the 50 hour program may be delivered in two separate but related teaching blocks).

Competencies and Knowledge ^

Competence	Knowledge, Understanding And Proficiency	Methods Of Demonstrating Competence	Criteria For Evaluating Competence
Apply medical care to the sick and injured while they remain on board.	3.1 CARE OF CASUALTY, involving: 3.1.1 HEAD/SPINAL INJURIES Ability to: Assess the casualty’s level of responsiveness Describe the significance of casualty’s level of consciousness in assessing the seriousness of the casualty’s condition Assess seriousness of head or spinal injury based on mechanism of injury and signs and symptoms Select, size and position commercial cervical collar Determine the most appropriate means of transportation according to the situation, the casualty’s condition and resources available Package and prepare casualty for transport according to established protocols	Assessment of evidence obtained from practical instruction and demonstration. Where practicable, approved practical experience at a hospital or similar establishment	Identification of symptoms is based on the concept of clinical examination and medical history. Protection against infection and spread of diseases is complete and effective. Treatment of injury or condition is appropriate and conforms to accepted medical practice and relevant national and international medical guides. The dosage and application of drugs and medication complies with manufacturer’s recommendations and accepted medical practice. The significance of changes in patient’s condition is promptly recognized. Personal attitude is calm, confident and reassuring.
Competence	Knowledge, Understanding And Proficiency	Methods Of Demonstrating Competence	Criteria For Evaluating Competence
Apply medical care to the sick and injured while they remain on board	3.1.2 INJURIES TO EARS, NOSE, THROAT AND EYES Ability to: Assess injuries to ears, nose and throat and determine the seriousness of each according to signs and symptoms Determine care appropriate to common injuries to ear, nose and throat Assess types of eye injury and related dangers of same Assess situations where removal of foreign objects in the eye (or area around the eye) should not be attempted Provide appropriate care for removal of foreign objects from the eye Provide appropriate care for injury to the eye or the immediate area around the eye Provide appropriate care for burns to the eye(s)	Assessment of evidence obtained from practical instruction and demonstration. Where practicable, approved practical experience at a hospital or similar establishment	Identification of symptoms is based on the concept of clinical examination and medical history. Protection against infection and spread of diseases is complete and effective. Treatment of injury or condition is appropriate and conforms to accepted medical practice and relevant national and international medical guides. The dosage and application of drugs and medication complies with manufacturer’s recommendations and accepted medical practice. The significance of changes in patient’s condition is promptly recognized. Personal attitude is calm, confident and reassuring.
Competence	Knowledge, Understanding And Proficiency	Methods Of Demonstrating Competence	Criteria For Evaluating Competence
Apply medical care to the sick and injured while they remain on board	3.1.3 EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL BLEEDING Ability to: Recognize external bleeding and provide appropriate care Recognize internal bleeding and provide appropriate care 3.1.4 BURNS, SCALDS and FROSTBITE Ability to: Recognize burns according to type heat, electrical, chemical, radiation Classify burns by degree first, second or third Assess burned area and determine seriousness of injury based on degree and area involved Recognize special considerations and types of burns. Provide appropriate care for burns according to type. Recognize frostbite and determine seriousness of the casualty’s condition based on signs and symptoms Provide care appropriate to the nature of the frostbite	Assessment of evidence obtained from practical instruction and demonstration. Where practicable, approved practical experience at a hospital or similar establishment	Identification of symptoms is based on the concept of clinical examination and medical history. Protection against infection and spread of diseases is complete and effective. Treatment of injury or condition is appropriate and conforms to accepted medical practice and relevant national and international medical guides. The dosage and application of drugs and medication complies with manufacturer’s recommendations and accepted medical practice. The significance of changes in patient’s condition is promptly recognized. Personal attitude is calm, confident and reassuring.
Competence	Knowledge, Understanding And Proficiency	Methods Of Demonstrating Competence	Criteria For Evaluating Competence
Apply medical care to the sick and injured while they remain on board	3.1.5 FRACTURES, DISLOCATIONS AND MUSCULAR INJURIES Ability to: Identify types of fractures (open/closed, simple/ compound) Control bleeding from an open fracture Provide appropriate care for suspected sprains and fractures by preventing movement and providing support to the injured area during transportation Provide appropriate care for suspected dislocations by preventing movement and providing support to the injured area during transportation Identify muscle strain Provide appropriate care for muscle strain 3.1.6 WOUNDS, WOUND HEALING AND INFECTION Ability to: Use commercial and improvised materials as effective dressings and bandages Provide care for wounds and bleeding including eyes, ears, nose, mouth, knocked out teeth, and crush injury.	Assessment of evidence obtained from practical instruction and demonstration. Where practicable, approved practical experience at a hospital or similar establishment	Identification of symptoms is based on the concept of clinical examination and medical history. Protection against infection and spread of diseases is complete and effective. Treatment of injury or condition is appropriate and conforms to accepted medical practice and relevant national and international medical guides. The dosage and application of drugs and medication complies with manufacturer’s recommendations and accepted medical practice. The significance of changes in patient’s condition is promptly recognized. Personal attitude is calm, confident and reassuring.
Competence	Knowledge, Understanding And Proficiency	Methods Of Demonstrating Competence	Criteria For Evaluating Competence
Apply medical care to the sick and injured while they remain on board	Describe the physiological state of shock and its importance in giving care to any casualty who is suffering illness or injury Identify signs and symptoms of shock Provide appropriate care for shock considering the nature of associate illness or injuries 3.1.7 PAIN RELIEF Knowledge of: Medications available on board and qualifications required for administration of each in the case of on board emergencies Appropriate symptom relief available on board (e.g. administration of ASA, glucose, nitroglycerin) including pain relief Appropriate medications and procedures for administration of same by subcutaneous injection Appropriate medications and procedures for administration of same by intramuscular injection Appropriate medications and procedures for administration of same by intravenous injection Appropriate medications and procedures for administration of vaccinations	Assessment of evidence obtained from practical instruction and demonstration. Where practicable, approved practical experience at a hospital or similar establishment	Identification of symptoms is based on the concept of clinical examination and medical history. Protection against infection and spread of diseases is complete and effective. Treatment of injury or condition is appropriate and conforms to accepted medical practice and relevant national and international medical guides. The dosage and application of drugs and medication complies with manufacturer’s recommendations and accepted medical practice. The significance of changes in patient’s condition is promptly recognized. Personal attitude is calm, confident and reassuring.
Competence	Knowledge, Understanding And Proficiency	Methods Of Demonstrating Competence	Criteria For Evaluating Competence
Apply medical care to the sick and injured while they remain on board	3.1.8 TECHNIQUES OF SEWING AND CLAMPING Knowledge of: Basic sewing and clamping techniques 3.1.9 MANAGEMENT OF ACUTE ABDOMINAL CONDITIONS Ability to: Recognize acute abdominal distress Possible causes of acute abdominal distress including signs and symptoms Appropriate care for acute abdominal distress 3.1.10 MINOR SURGICAL TREATMENT Knowledge of: Importance of cleanliness and sterilization Procedures for ensuring cleanliness and sterilization of equipment and materials Surgical equipment available on board and proper use of same 3.1.11 DRESSINGS AND BANDAGING Ability to: Use specialized dressings and bandages in appropriate situations	Assessment of evidence obtained from practical instruction and demonstration. Where practicable, approved practical experience at a hospital or similar establishment	Identification of symptoms is based on the concept of clinical examination and medical history. Protection against infection and spread of diseases is complete and effective. Treatment of injury or condition is appropriate and conforms to accepted medical practice and relevant national and international medical guides. The dosage and application of drugs and medication complies with manufacturer’s recommendations and accepted medical practice. The significance of changes in patient’s condition is promptly recognized. Personal attitude is calm, confident and reassuring.
Competence	Knowledge, Understanding And Proficiency	Methods Of Demonstrating Competence	Criteria For Evaluating Competence
Apply medical care to the sick and injured while they remain on board	3.2 ASPECTS OF NURSING Knowledge of procedures and protocols relating to: 3.2.1 GENERAL PRINCIPLES Maintain a nursing station 3.2.2 NURSING CARE Recognize feigning illness. Traumatic incident stress Responsibilities regarding care for existing medical conditions Ongoing care for injury/illness 3.3 DISEASES, including: 3.3.1 MEDICAL CONDITIONS AND EMERGENCIES Knowledge of conditions and appropriate care for emergencies involving: Diabetes Epilepsy Respiratory conditions (e.g. asthma, emphysema) Motion sickness (seasickness) Contagious diseases (e.g. German measles, chicken pox, scarlet fever, TB, yellow fever) Hepatitis Resources outlining appropriate care for various other conditions	Assessment of evidence obtained from practical instruction and demonstration. Where practicable, approvedpractical experience at ahospital or similar establishment	Identification of symptoms is based on the concept of clinical examination and medical history. Protection against infection and spread of diseases is complete and effective. Treatment of injury or condition is appropriate and conforms to accepted medical practice and relevant national and international medical guides. The dosage and application of drugs and medication complies with manufacturer’s recommendations and accepted medical practice. The significance of changes in patient’s condition is promptly recognized. Personal attitude is calm, confident and reassuring.
Competence	Knowledge, Understanding And Proficiency	Methods Of Demonstrating Competence	Criteria For Evaluating Competence
Apply medical care to the sick and injured while they remain on board	3.3.2 SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES Knowledge of conditions and appropriate care for emergencies involving: Sexually transmitted diseases 3.3.3 TROPICAL AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES Knowledge of conditions and appropriate care for emergencies involving: Tropical diseases including: Identify types of poisons based routes of entry Identify potentially serious sources of insect and animal bites/stings Provide appropriate care for suspected exposure to insect and animal bites and stings 3.4 ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE Ability to: Recognize drug abuse Understand responsibility and liability with respect to suspected drug abuse Identify and access appropriate resources to assist with cases of suspected drug abuse	Assessment of evidence obtained from practical instruction and demonstration. Where practicable, approved practical experience at a hospital or similar establishment	Identification of symptoms is based on the concept of clinical examination and medical history. Protection against infection and spread of diseases is complete and effective. Treatment of injury or condition is appropriate and conforms to accepted medical practice and relevant national and international medicalguides. The dosage and application of drugs and medication complies with manufacturer’s recommendations and accepted medical practice. The significance of changes in patient’s condition is promptly recognized. Personal attitude is calm, confident and reassuring.
Competence	Knowledge, Understanding And Proficiency	Methods Of Demonstrating Competence	Criteria For Evaluating Competence
Apply medical care to the sick and injured while they remain on board	3.5 DENTAL CARE Ability to: Recognize dental emergencies 3.6 GYNAECOLOGY, PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH Ability to: Recognize labour and imminent delivery Assist the mother in the delivery of the new-born Provide care for the new-born child Provide care for the mother Provide care for the placenta Recognize signs of miscarriage Provide first aid and care for the mother in cases of miscarriage	Assessment of evidence obtained from practical instruction and demonstration. Where practicable, approved practical experience at a hospital or similar establishment	Identification of symptoms is based on the concept of clinical examination and medical history. Protection against infection and spread of disease is complete and effective. Treatment of injury or condition is appropriate and conforms to accepted medical practice and relevant national and international medical guides. The dosage and application of drugs and medication complies with manufacturer’s recommendations and accepted medical practice. The significance of changes in patient’s condition is promptly recognized. Personal attitude is calm, confident and reassuring.
Competence	Knowledge, Understanding And Proficiency	Methods Of Demonstrating Competence	Criteria For Evaluating Competence
Apply medical care to the sick and injured while they remain on board	3.7 MEDICAL CARE OF RESCUED PERSONS Ability to: Recognize signs and symptoms of heat related illnesses cramps heat stroke heat exhaustion Provide care for heat related illness Recognize signs and symptoms various stages of hypothermia Provide care for hypothermia Recognize signs and symptoms of frostbite Provide care for frostbite Knowledge of: Near drowning Care for the casualty involved in a near drowning incident Decompression illness Resources available and access to same when dealing with decompression illness	Assessment of evidence obtained from practical instruction and demonstration. Where practicable, approved practical experience at a hospital or similar establishment	Identification of symptoms is based on the concept of clinical examination and medical history. Protection against infection and spread of diseases is complete and effective. Treatment of injury or condition is appropriate and conforms to accepted medical practice and relevant national and international medical guides. The dosage and application of drugs and medication complies with manufacturer’s recommendations and accepted medical practice. The significance of changes in patient’s condition is promptly recognized. Personal attitude is calm, confident and reassuring.
Competence	Knowledge, Understanding And Proficiency	Methods Of Demonstrating Competence	Criteria For Evaluating Competence
Apply medical care to the sick and injured while they remain on board	3.8 DEATH AT SEA Knowledge of procedures and protocols relating to: Death on board or at sea 3.9 HYGIENE Knowledge of procedures and protocols relating to: Maintain a nursing station Water and food storage 3.10 DISEASE PREVENTION, including: 3.10.1 DISINFECTION, DISINFESTATION, DERATTING Knowledge of procedures and protocols relating to: Disinfection, disinfestation and de-ratting 3.10.2 VACCINATIONS Knowledge of procedures and protocols relating to: Vaccinations	Assessment of evidence obtained from practical instruction and demonstration. Where practicable, approved practical experience at a hospital or similar establishment	Identification of symptoms is based on the concept of clinical examination and medical history. Protection against infection and spread of diseases is complete and effective. Treatment of injury or condition is appropriate and conforms to accepted medical practice and relevant national and international medical guides. The dosage and application of drugs and medication complies with manufacturer’s recommendations and accepted medical practice. The significance of changes in patient’s condition is promptly recognized. Personal attitude is calm, confident and reassuring.
Column 1	Column 2	Column 3	Column
Competence	Knowledge, Understanding And Proficiency	Methods Of Demonstrating Competence	Criteria For Evaluating Competence
Apply medical care to the sick and injured while they remain on board	3.11 KEEPING RECORDS AND COPIES OF APPLICABLE REGULATIONS 3.11.1 KEEPING MEDICAL RECORDS Knowledge of: Applicable record keeping procedures Responsibilities for completion of medical records and appropriate filing of same Ability to: Complete appropriate written record keeping 3.11.2 INTERNATIONAL AND NATIONAL MARITIME MEDICAL REGULATIONS Knowledge of: Applicable national and international maritime medical regulations Location of relevant documents on board	Assessment of evidence obtained from practical instruction and demonstration. Where practicable, approved practical experience at a hospital or similar establishment	Identification of symptoms is based on the concept of clinical examination and medical history. Protection against infection and spread of diseases is complete and effective. Treatment of injury or condition is appropriate and conforms to accepted medical practice and relevant national and international medical guides. The dosage and application of drugs and medication complies with manufacturer’s recommendations and accepted medical practice. The significance of changes in patient’s condition is promptly recognized. Personal attitude is calm, confident and reassuring.
Column 1	Column 2	Column 3	Column
Competence	Knowledge, Understanding And Proficiency	Methods Of Demonstrating Competence	Criteria For Evaluating Competence
Apply medical care to the sick and injured while they remain on board	3.12 EXTERNAL ASSISTANCE, including: Ability to: 3.12.1 RADIO MEDICAL ADVICE Establish effective radio communication Complete appropriate verbal reports at hand-over 3.12.2 TRANSPORTATION OF THE ILL AND INJURED,including helicopter evacuation Ability to demonstrate urgent removal of the casualty: From the area of the incident From confined spaces From vehicles Ability to perform effective carries involving: One rescuer Two rescuers Multiple rescuers Stretcher carries Other equipment (e.g. stokes basket)	Assessment of evidence obtained from practical instruction and demonstration. Where practicable, approved practical experience at a hospital or similar establishment	Identification of symptoms is based on the concept of clinical examination and medical history. Protection against infection and spread of diseases is complete and effective. Treatment of injury or condition is appropriate and conforms to accepted medical practice and relevant national and international medical guides. The dosage and application of drugs and medication complies with manufacturer’s recommendations and accepted medical practice. The significance of changes in patient’s condition is promptly recognized. Personal attitude is calm, confident and reassuring.
Competence	Knowledge, Understanding And Proficiency	Methods Of Demonstrating Competence	Criteria For Evaluating Competence
Apply medical care to the sick and injured while they remain on board	Knowledge of: Equipment available on board Other resources (e.g. Coast Guard, International assistance) and the requirements and procedures for gaining assistance from same 3.12.3 MEDICAL CARE OF SICK SEAFARERS involving co-operation with port health authorities or outpatient ward in port Ability to: Establish an effective incident command system Establish a systematic allocation and prioritization of resources Deal effectively with rescuers injured or otherwise affected in the line of duty Communicate effectively with identified resources Responsibilities for castaways and rescued persons Legal and ethical responsibilities Appropriate cultural and behavioural considerations 3.13 EXAMINATION	Assessment of evidence obtained from practical instruction and demonstration. Where practicable, approved practical experience at a hospital or similar establishment	Identification of symptoms is based on the concept of clinical examination and medical history. Protection against infection and spread of diseases is complete and effective. Treatment of injury or condition is appropriate and conforms to accepted medical practice and relevant national and international medical guides. The dosage and application of drugs and medication complies with manufacturer’s recommendations and accepted medical practice. The significance of changes in patient’s condition is promptly recognized. Personal attitude is calm, confident and reassuring.