We were wondering if there might be a demand for a weekend medical seminar specifically for cruisers far from shore let alone home? I would be happy to facilitate this being a UK GP, an active cruiser and with 25 years of experience in remote mountain medical matters. I wouldn 't propose a rigid course but rather shape it to fit the experience and concerns of those attending. The aim would be to share experiences and skills in an informal environment.

What are your thoughts? Is there a need? What subjects should be tackled? Formal or informal?

Simon

Hi Caroline & Robert,
When I researched medical courses my memory (it was 15 years ago and this was in the US) was that the Ship’s Medical Officer courses were not well designed for the kinds of issues that cruisers might face: as you put it “a week or so from land”. I do not remember the details however, but I believe they had to do with the Ship’s far better availability of communications/medical consult expertise and the amount of available supplies/equipment. Things may have changed and/or be different in the UK. The expense was also an issue as individuals did not pay, the companies did, and prices reflected this commercial aspect.
I believe wilderness emergency medical training comes closest to the emergency medical needs of the offshore sailor, but I am not sure what the UK has to offer in this realm. If interested in remote, you might try the book I mentioned in an earlier email.
Please let us know what you find that seems to work in getting educated/trained in this area.
My best, Dick Stevenson, s/v Alchemy