The ship does not carry a medical doctor, but all crew members aboard the vessel are trained in advanced or basic first aid and CPR. The ship maintains a medical chest under control of the Master, which contains emergency supplies and some common use medications. If a member of the scientific party has a known medical problem, they should bring an adequate supply of prescription medication, and note the particulars on their Scientific Information Form. Individuals, together with the P.I., should judge health and medical problems and the liability they pose to the scientific mission. In case of serious injury or medical emergency all scientific work will be terminated and the ship moved as necessary to simplify evacuation of the patient to the nearest competent medical facility. UNOLS has contracted with Medical Advisory Systems, Inc. (MAS) for a complete medical support program for WECOMA while at sea. MAS is organized and equipped to provide direct medical advice to subscriber ships at sea by radio. A physician is on duty round-the-clock in a medical telecommunications response center (MTRC). By using a medical protocols manual, a medical situation can be diagnosed, treatment prescribed and a rational decision reached on when, where and how to evacuate a patient. MTRC personnel clearly understand the need to allow a ship to complete its mission without jeopardizing the health of a patient. The MTRC will continually monitor a case with a ship and its operator until final resolution, including hospitalization in any port and repatriation.
Frequent users of any UNOLS vessel, particularly those participating in long, distant-water voyages are encouraged to place a medical/health history on file with MAS. A seafarer's medical history file could help save your life. Forms and procedures may be obtained from the Ship Operations office. One form submittal is good for all UNOLS vessels.
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