Abandoning Ship Mid Ocean

[Whaubner]

A couple weeks ago we completed the Wilderness First Aid class In Freeport, ME.

One of the key takeaways from the class was to determine when you have a medical emergency that requires/demands medical evacuation. As opposed to a medical problem that can be managed on board. Understanding that an evac in itself is a high risk operation.

On a separate note some friends this winter required life raft and rescue at sea on a delivery to the Caribbean. In this situation they clearly stepped up into the life raft. All souls and the owner's dog were safely delivered to shore via container ship.

[jackdale]

Originally Posted by Whaubner

A couple weeks ago we completed the Wilderness First Aid class In Freeport, ME.

One of the key takeaways from the class was to determine when you have a medical emergency that requires/demands medical evacuation. As opposed to a medical problem that can be managed on board. Understanding that an evac in itself is a high risk operation.

We had a medevac that summer 1040 miles north of Hawaii. We contacted CG Honolulu and our crew member who was having problems discussed the issue with the CG Flight surgeon who recommended the evacuation.

It went very smoothly. We had great conditions and the container ship provided additional protection. The remaining crew brought the boat to Vancouver.

It is much easier to bring a 44 foot sailboat along side an 1100 foot container ship than vice versa.