The sea is an unpredictable force of nature that could sweep away many things, including your spirits if you are stranded in one. People from older civilisation will build ships and navigate through the sea in order to travel from one continent to the other.
International Medical Guide For Ships (IMGS)
As centuries go by, people would still navigate through the seas and thanks to the development of technology, the navigation process becomes easier. However, one thing that has not changed is the casualties that may occur in the ship.
For example, the passenger or even the workers on a ship would eventually encounter a situation that involves their health or wellbeing. That’s where IMGS comes in handy. Thus, lets find out 4 reasons why you need International Medical Guide for Ships.
1. It’s Part Of The Regulation
As seaman needs to pass standard medical examination before they can go on-board, all ship needs to ensure that a copy of International Medical Guide for Ships is made available as part of publications that are compulsory to be on board.
But why does a copy of IMGS is important even though that all of the sailors have a medical certificate? The medical certificate only validates that they are medically fit to carry out their duties at the sea, but when a health issue occurs, it serves as a guide for them.
2. Guidance for Life-Threatening Condition
International Medical Guide for Ships serves as a guidance for seamen in case of medical emergency especially when it’s happened in the middle of the vast sea.
It will take some time for the MEDEVAC team to reach the ship and therefore guidance from IMGS will help to prevent things from getting worse before the victim can be transferred to shore and receive proper medical assistance.
IMGS have all the measure needed to be taken in life threatening condition. Knowing how to use the IMGS properly will help to reduce risk in life threatening events.
If it is not a life-threatening incident, first aid kits are always available in the ship to treat minor injuries. Know more about first aid kit.
3. Quick Reference for Medical Usage And Dosage
There are at least 52 medications that are compulsory to be present onboard. It is compulsory that all medicine being labelled with their usage and dosing. However, sometimes they are not properly labelled by the seller.
It is very important that all medicine being labelled as in a case of emergency such as heart attack and stroke, time is of the essence. Without proper labelling, it might take longer time for the person in charge to retrieve the right medicine and give it to the victim and may cause irreversible damage to the victim.
IMGS have a comprehensive list of medicine usage, dosage, and when is it contradict to use it. This will serve as a quick reference for the crew when they need to do the labelling of the medicine and might help to save life in case of emergency.
4. Comprehensive Source For Medical Procedures
Do you think that all people know what to do in all types of health emergencies? Sometimes, different people have different training in handling hazard. To avoid confusion and to give assurance for those who respond to the injuries and medical situation, IMGS provide comprehensive guideline on how to do some procedures such as stitching, set up an IV line or managing a fracture case.
By having this guideline, all seamen can at least provide a first aid and not only relying on the person in charge, as we cannot predict who will get injured and need help. IMGS will help to hasten the treatment process and prevent things from getting worse.
Those are the 4 reasons why you need an International Medical Guide for Ships (IMGS). For things related to medical equipments or supplies, you can contact us.
