Instruction manual

PROFICIENCY IN SURVIVAL CRAFT AND RESCUE BOATS OTHER THAN
FAST RESCUE BOATS
15 27
Solvents, scouring compounds, kerosene, and other cleaners not
designed for skin cleaning must not be used.
It is, however, all right to use jellied cleansing agents that are designed
for skin cleaning.
15.2.10 Dehydration and malnutrition
Survivors who have been adrift for several days may be suffering from
dehydration. If they have been adrift for several weeks malnutrition may also
be a problem.
Caution should be exercised in trying to reverse either dehydration or
malnutrition rapidly.
Give sweetened fluids in quantities which will produce a urinary output of
one litre per day initially. In temperate climatic conditions (or air-conditioned
accommodation) this will usually mean an input of about 2 litres a day. If the
weather is warm and the skin is moist or sweaty, higher intakes may be
permitted.
Initially, a diet of nourishing liquids (sugar and water or milk or soup) will
satisfy nutritional requirements and should be given for the first two days.
Then small amounts of normal food can be given additionally. RADIO
MEDICAL ADVICE should be sought.
This diet should continue until either the survivor can be transferred to
care ashore or medical assistance is given on board.
15.2.11 Problems in the lifeboat
Vomiting
This may be due to the unusual motion of the small craft (sea-sickness is
inevitable in a life raft), or to swallowing fuel oil or sea water. It is unlikely to
continue very long.
After severe vomiting the patient should lie down and be kept warm with coats
or blankets. Seasickness tablets may give relief if taken well before the onset
of vomiting. They should be issued at the earliest opportunity after entering a
life raft.
Constipation
Action of the bowels is not expected when taking little or no food. No
treatment is needed for this condition – in fact laxatives will do harm.
Difficulty in urination
There may be some difficulty in passing urine and the bladder may feel
uncomfortably full. In any case, not much water will be passed when the
drinking ration is small. The urine may appear dark in colour and thick. This is
to be expected and need not cause alarm.
Swollen legs
Swelling of the legs is a common occurrence in the boat and continues
for a few days after rescue. The condition subsides without treatment and, by
itself, is a matter of no importance but can be partially relieved by the
exercises recommended for immersion foot.