+x+xThierry,I copied the text below from one of the other threads below. There are others too including a very professional outfit that support the Clipper race. I’ll try and remember their name.Simon‘There are a number of organisations that will supply such drugs; initially mine came from a pharmacist in Jersey. He had retired by the time I needed replacements and so I contacted Medical Support Offshore (
https://www.msos.org.uk/home.html) who replaced them for me - at a price. Once they have supplied the drugs they will support you at sea - (call a their doctor 24/7 via sat phone) - he knows exactly what kit you have and can advise you what to do. Theirs is a comprehensive service which you can pick and choose from but it is aimed at SuperYachts so they are not shy about billings!OthersI am aware that Vortec Marine (
https://www.vortecmarine.com/medicalkits) will arrange the supply of non-controlled drugs. As to ongoing advice, they refreshingly point out that FREE emergency medical advice is available 365 days a year 24/7 by contacting a UK Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre (MRCC) (HF radio or Sat Phone) and being linked to the duty doctor with whom you can agree a care plan for a casualty on board. ‘
Thanks Simon, I have now been in touch with Roderick J Macdonald
Chief Executive
TheFirstCall
International Centre for Emergency Medicine
Aberdeen
T +44 (0)1224 435901
M +44(0)7876 545723
W www.thefirstcall.com
Do you know them?
Cheers
Thierry
Hi Thierry,
In addition to Simon's good thoughts:
My research is a number of years old, but at the time, there was no reasonably priced “on-call” services for our size recreational vessels.
Two thoughts:
We have a friend who is a physician who we asked to be our “Ship’s Surgeon”. He was tickled to be “included” in our wanderings (he is also our phone contact person for EPIRB distress signal). He has our medical histories and knows our medical kit and was willing to take our “emergency” calls (which have “knock-on-wood” in 70,000nm has not occurred). Until recent years when we have had a satphone, he would not have been available (or easily available) when off-shore.
The other go-to item (untested) was:
1. Falmouth Coast Guard, +44 132-631-7575.
a. Using their Medical Advice Link Calls they will connect you to Portsmouth Hospital where there are doctors experienced in medical emergencies at sea.
This should be checked out as this data may be dated.
It may not be smooth or seamless, but SSB calls to US CG vessels can travel a long distance at certain times and conditions.
Let us know what other possibilities you find.
My best, Dick Stevenson, s/v Alchemy