Medical Director's Desk 

As usual over the busy summer season we had a number of calls for medical advice. Some were of the “what should we do” type, either in terms of knowing what the problem was but needing advice on how to proceed, or asking for assistance as to whether the problem was serious enough to divert to the nearest port for medical assistance. Analysis of the type of problems shows a wide variety, ranging from significant trauma (finger tip amputation) to potentially serious medical illness (stroke).

In general, a face-to-face consultation with a doctor should be sought whenever possible. When this is not possible we are available 24/7 for telephone medical advice. Other emergency radio and telephone advise services are also listed in your Medical Instruction Manual and on the CDRom.

Of course, we hope you never have to call us or use your medical kit, but we are here if you need us.

Dr Ian Marshall

Medical Director

• Monaco Yacht Show 2005

We are proud to announce that we will be exhibiting at the Monaco Yacht Show this year for the first time.  We will be located at Superyacht UK Pavilon as members of the British Marine Federation.

If attending the Show, please feel welcome to visit our Stand and relax at the Superyacht UK pavillion and enjoy a refreshment.

• New Emergency Contact Info

We have revised our Emergency Contact Info.  We have now included new information with regard to helicopter emergency evacuation and support.

Click here to receive the latest information.

• Medicine at Sea 

Microlife Fully Automatic Blood Pressure Machine

At Ocean Medical International we are always trying to improve our products and the recent introduction of the Microlife Automatic Blood Pressure Machine to our medical kits is in line with this policy.

Automatic blood pressure machines have been around for several years and models are available for use on the upper arm, the wrist or finger. The main problem with all models in the past has been reliability and reproducibility. These problems remain for all wrist and finger models. However, recent improvements in technology have satisfied us that some upper arm models have overcome these problems.

The Microlife model for the upper arm that we have chosen for our medical kits meets both European and British Hypertension Association standards and is very easy to use. It gives a fast and reliable measurement of systolic and diastolic blood pressure as well as the pulse. The device is battery operated, and once the cuff is positioned is activated by pressing a clearly marked large button. The large LCD display is clear and easy to read. Full written instructions on use come with the Microlife Automatic Blood Pressure Machine in your medical kit, and we will also be demonstrating and training in its use on our MCA Medical Courses. 

• Medical Kit Inventories

Do you have the most recent inventory for your Medical Kit?  The latest revision was conducted in January 2005.  If you wish to receive an updated inventory, click here to request and state which inventory you require.