Characteristics of radio medical advice to fishing vessels in Scottish coastal waters.
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Date
2008-04-23
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Abstract
We examined the emergencies arising on fishing vessels in Scottish Coastal Waters which required ship to shore radio medical advice All calls to the service were identified for the 12 month period from August 2005 A total of 186 calls were received 38 of calls were from fishing vessels During the study period 53 of the calls were trauma related while 47 were medical emergencies Our data suggest that there are many fishermen working offshore with chronic medical conditions Overall 85 of calls from fishing vessels resulted in evacuation as the outcome Improved occupational health screening compliance with health and safety legislation and an evidence based approach to remote medical care may improve seafarer self care and reduce emergency evacuations