August 25, 2008
I remember when I was a child and the fire alarm rang at school. We would line up and walk to the designated staging area. The teacher would make sure we were all safe and accounted for and then return us to the classroom when the all-clear signal was given.
When was the last time you had an emergency drill for your business, vessel or home? Do the people around you know what they are supposed to do in the event of a fire or tornado, or medical or other emergency? If you have not had an emergency drill, you should. The best way to prepare for an emergency is to plan, practice and get everyone involved. Let's start with simple emergency scenarios and how you could plan.
Scenario 1: You are at the dock and you see someone suddenly collapse. What do you do?
First, make sure the scene is safe. Why did this person collapse? Did it occur because of gas fumes or electrical shock, or was the cause medical? After you have determined that the scene is safe, approach the victim and shake/rouse him or her. If there is no response, immediately send someone to dial 911 or radio for help and send someone else to grab the Automated External Defibrillator (AED).
Next, check to see if the victim is breathing. If not, immediately begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). When the AED arrives, turn it on, apply the pads and follow the voice prompts. Continue care until help arrives.
Scenario 2: You are 45 minutes from shore and one of your crew has signs of a heart attack (chest pain, discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach, short of breath, breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness). What do you do?
First, have the victim sit and relax. Next, call for medical help and grab the AED. Do not connect it to the patient, but this will ensure it is handy in case you need it. Turn the vessel toward shore and contact someone so emergency medical help will be standing by. Heart attacks and strokes require immediate assistance. Often, victims who make it to the hospital within three hours can get clot-busting medication that greatly increases their chance of a positive outcome.
More scenarios to consider:
l You are three hours from shore and your boat is taking on water.
l You are five hours from shore and one of your crew is experiencing what appears to be heat stroke.
l You are about an hour offshore and one of the guests drops a fillet knife and it went through his foot.
l You are at dock and you hear a noise and suspect illegal boarding (robbers).
Hundreds of things could happen, and it is impossible to discuss them all. But it is important to plan for emergencies with crew, coworkers and families. Talk about different emergencies and conduct drills.
A friend of mine, the head of security for a large hotel and marina in Fort Lauderdale, does similar drills with his family. He pretends he is drowning and has his young twin daughters practice getting him to the edge of the pool, calling for help, performing CPR, etc.
My girlfriend and I do something similar at home. We often discuss what her role and my role would be if there were an intruder, a medical emergency or other a hurricane. Planning and practicing can be the difference between disaster and a minor setback.
If you have a plan that you and your crew practice and would like to share with me, I would like to hear about it and I may include it in a future article. Please e-mail your emergency plans to me at keith@thecprschool.com.
Keith Murray is a former Florida firefighter EMT and is now owner of The CPR School, a mobile training company that provides CPR, AED and First Aid training. He also sells and services automated external defibrillators. Contact him through www.TheCPRSchool.com . Comments on this column are welcome at editorial@the-triton.com .
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