DDRC’s onboard medical care course success
A new course at Plymouth UK based medical charity DDRC (Diving Diseases Research Centre), which trains people to handle medical care at sea, has awarded its first certificate.
Captain Richard Penhaligon, master of the Plymouth based Adept Class large harbour tug ‘The Careful’, is the first seafarer to pass the Proficiency in Medical Care on Board Ship course at DDRC headquarters at the Hyperbaric Medical Centre in Plymouth.
Trainer John Adamson said, “This course is recognised and approved by the Maritime & Coastal Agency (MCA) and is aimed at all seafarers whether they are sailing with a crew or as a lone yachtsman.
“It covers a wide spectrum of scenarios including scene management, resuscitation. shock, wounds and bleeding, burns, head injuries, fractures and dislocations, spinal injuries and other medical emergencies.
“The course also covers communications, equipment and information, and health and hygiene.”
The five day course is run by DDRC Professional Services Ltd through a subsidiary called ATECS, which provides training, equipment and consultancy services for the diving, engineering and healthcare sectors.
Captain Penhaligon, whose tug fulfils Devonport towage and barge movements for the Navy, including NATO vessels and nuclear submarines said, “I have no hesitation in endorsing the MCA course and the staff. The centre is modern, and being a working medical and research setting, is up to date in every way. The centre is run in a very professional way but also retains a welcoming and friendly approach.
“As an added bonus, we were allowed access to the hospital emergency department and an emergency dental centre to open our eyes to how the professionals deal with situations that we on ships may find ourselves in.”
