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CREW HEALTH ADVICE
When the temperature rises, it’simportant to be vigilant about thedangers of heat exhaustion and heatstroke by maintaining safe workingpractices onboard in hot countries andhot temperatures.
Heat stroke, also called sun stroke, is atype of severe heat illness that results ina body temperature greater than 40°C(104°F). Heat stroke regularly occurs asa development from milder heat-relatedillnesses such as heat cramps, heatsyncope (fainting) and heat exhaustion.Worryingly, heat stroke can also strikewith no previous signs of heat injury.
Symptoms can include confusion anddisorientation as well as red, dry ordamp skin, headache and dizziness.Additionally, increased thirst, shallow
breathing and a body temperature over40°C (104°F) can be a cause for concern.Onset can be sudden or gradual, andcomplications may include respiratoryproblems, seizures and kidney failure.
Perspiration is the body’s best heat-control mechanism but the salt andwater that is lost must be replaced.Thesalt is best taken with food andsupplemented by drinks containing saltto prevent heat cramp.
Seafarers must take care when workingin hot temperatures, on deck in the sun,or in engine rooms and other confinedspaces. In very hot conditions, as well asdrinking plenty of water, seafarersought to wear protective clothing thatensures the free circulation of air toallow evaporation of sweat.
What to do when heatstroke strikes
• Move to a cool, shady or air-conditioned place and remove anyunnecessary clothing.
• Lie down and raise their feet slightly.
• Wrap the patient in a cold wet sheetuntil their temperature falls to at least38°C (100.4°F).Measure this with athermometer under their tongue orunder their armpit.
• If no sheet is available, use a fan orsponge with cold water to keep thepatient cool.
• Use ice packs and apply to thepatient’s armpits, neck and back.Because these areas are rich withblood vessels close to the skin,cooling them may reduce bodytemperature.
• Once their temperature seems tohave gone back to normal, replacethe wet sheet with a dry sheet.
• While waiting for help to arrive, keepchecking the patient’s temperature, aswell as breathing, pulse and level ofresponse.
• Repeat the cooling process to lowertheir temperature to normal levels.
• If loss of responsiveness occurs, openairway, check breathing and prepareto treat someone who has becomeunresponsive.
A UK P&I Club Member recently reported the death of two crew members. The crewwere found unresponsive onboard, apparently suffering from heat stroke. Sadly,particularly at this time of year, this is not an isolated incident.
Summertime safety:Know the signs of heat stroke
Stuart LastCrew Health Member Administrator
Direct: +44 20 7204 2413Email: [email protected]
Stuart joined Thomas Miller in 1998 as aclaims trainee for UK P&I Club’s GreekMembers. In April 2005 Stuart joinedCrew Health as the Team Administrator.Stuart is responsible for co-ordination ofMember entries and administration for theclinic approval process.
Sophia BullardCrew Health Programme Director
Direct: +44 20 7204 2417Email: [email protected]
Sophia joined Thomas Miller in 1992 andfrom 1994 worked as a claims handlerdealing mainly with French and SpanishMembers. In 2004, Sophia became theCrew Health Programme Director. Sophiahas undertaken a large number of clinicaudits, implemented the standard medical
form and clinic guidelines. She has also lead the schemethrough the largest period of growth and development with adoubling of approved clinic facilities and a four fold memberincrease. Sophia is a Director of Thomas Miller & Co. Ltd.
Saidul AlomCrew Health Fees Administrator
Direct: +44 20 7204 2968Email: [email protected]
Saidul Alom joined Crew Health from theEuropean Region Service Team in 2004.Saidul provides administrative support tothe Crew Health programme and isresponsible for liaison with the approvedclinics on financial billing matters andensuring prompt payment of all clinic fees
The Club was the first to launch a crew health scheme in 1996 due to increasingcrew illness claims and a lack of accountability of clinics. Since 1996, the CrewHealth programme has become one of the Club’s leading loss prevention initiatives.The aim of the programme is to reduce the volume and value of crew illness claimswhich are caused by a pre-existing illnesses or disease. These underlying conditionsoften impact on the crew member’s fitness for service and can endanger not onlythe health of the seafarer but also the onboard safety of other crew.
CREW HEALTH PROGRAMME
