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    Injury, illness, and getting help

    Fractures and moving someone in a seaway

    A fall in the cockpit can break a bone. Support it where it is, and do not move it more than you must.

    A broken bone and a fracture are the same thing. Pain, an unnatural position after a fall or a blow, and in severe cases a misshapen limb or an open wound, are reasons to suspect one. Being able to move the limb does not rule a break out. You cannot reliably tell a break from a sprain without an X-ray.

    Source: British Red Cross, First aid for a broken bone

    Support the limb above and below the injury with hands, cushions, or clothing. Do not move it more than you must. Soft padding can support it. Do not force it straight, and do not try to put a dislocation back. Keep supporting it until help takes over. Call for emergency help if they cannot move themselves or are in a lot of pain.

    Source: British Red Cross, First aid for a broken bone

    If something is sticking out of a wound, press beside it and build padding around it. Do not press on the object.

    Source: NHS inform, First aid

    Do not move the injured part more than you must. Clothing or other soft padding can support it until help arrives. If the person has to be shifted, keep that support in place.

    Source: British Red Cross, First aid for a broken bone

    Get certified

    A certificate used for commercial work or offshore racing comes from hands-on training with a recognised provider, for example an RYA First Aid course or STCW Elementary First Aid. This online course does not award that certificate, and it does not name or recommend a training centre.

    Check your understanding

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    1. 1. An ankle looks bent after a fall down the companionway, and the person can still wiggle the toes. What does that mean?

    2. 2. What should you not do to a limb that looks dislocated?

    3. 3. Bone is visible in a leg wound and bleeding is heavy. Where do you press?

    4. 4. How should you handle a limb that may be broken while you wait for help?

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    Amidships is an independent study tool and a trading name of The Maritime Consultancy Ltd (Company No. 13436865), registered in England and Wales. Registered office: 172 Easterly Road, Leeds, LS8 3AD, United Kingdom. ICO registration ZB348841. Content is based on publicly available syllabuses and the STCW Convention. Always verify with current official publications before examination. Amidships does not issue certificates or qualifications, including STCW certificates, which are issued only by approved training centres.