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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT – finding hands-on, practical based, advanced level, short courses for professional development can be challenging. The training in “Medical Care on Board Ship” at St. Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney has proven to be very successful and not just for Seafarers. This course is based on the training of ambulance paramedics on shore that combines medical knowledge, practical skills and simulation training.

Participants complete a pre-course assignment by distance learning, with the face to face component being approximately 75 hours full time over two weeks. Much of the training consists of simulator exercises, at the Don Harrison Simulation Centre, St. Vincent’s Hospital, where participants are drilled in medical first aid emergency procedures for those that are hours away from help or days! In addition to the 75 hours participants are also placed on a 12 hour (day) shift with the NSW Ambulance Paramedics Service.

Therefore the focus is on critical cases. Learn topics such as Suturing techniques / Cannulation / Catheterisation / Administrating schedule drugs including schedule 8 / IV, IM, SC injection techniques / Care of dying or dead on board ship / Aspects of nursing – taking BP, BSL etc. / Role of Ships Medical Officer / ALS / Infection control and Aseptic techniques, just to name a few of the topics. The Simulation Centre at St Vincent’s Hospital is state of the art (see image).

Enjoy presentations by Industry leaders including St Vincent’s Hospital Trauma Director & Vascular Surgeon, Dr Tony Grabs.

The “Medical Care on Board Ship” qualification awarded is valid for 5 years and is approved by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). The RTO is Maritime Studies of OTEN (Open Training and Education Network), part of TAFE NSW. The course is open to anyone requiring an AMSA approved Medical Care on Board Ship Certificate or persons interested in acquiring the knowledge and skills to manage a medical emergency in a remote location. The only prerequisite requirement is a current First Aid certificate as the course offers full training.

The course is naturally tailored for people who wish to be the master of a foreign going vessel to provide competency based training in emergency first aid and medical response in the shipboard environment. However whether you are a seafarer or not, it is beneficial if you are looking for something unique for your Professional Development. As a current Instructor on the course I undertook the full course myself and can highly recommended the diversity and practical aspects of the training – a great refresher.

Delivered full time in Sydney, offered triannually with the next date set for; 20th July – 30th July 2015 or choose; 6th October – 16th October 2015. The cost is $2,500.

Attached is the 'Medical Care on Board Ship Course' featured in the International Maritime Health Association newsletter. If you would like to find out further information, contact me and I will forward you the course coordinators details.