Guidance

MGN 297 (M) Amendment 1 the carriage of defibrillators on ships

Published 6 July 2022

Summary

The purpose of this notice is to provide updated guidance on the carriage of defibrillators. It provides advice on risk assessment, for operators of UK passenger ferries and high speed passenger craft to determine whether to carry defibrillators as part of their emergency medical equipment.

Amendment 1 includes updated references and editorial changes in section 4.

1. Background

1.1 Defibrillators use electric shocks to restore the rhythm of the heart in the event of certain types of cardiac arrest. Technological advances now mean that they are straightforward to use, relatively low cost and their use requires only basic training. In particular, automated external defibrillators (AEDs) assess the patient’s condition and indicate when the shock should be administered. Since they are now widely available in public places on shore there may be an expectation that they are similarly available on board ships.

2. Recommendation

2.1 In view of the advances in technology since the last guidance note was issued, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency now recommends that operators of passenger vessels undertake a risk assessment, with external advice if necessary, to determine if AEDs should be carried. If risk assessment indicates that there is a likelihood of using an AED more than once in five years, operators should consider carrying one as part of their medical equipment. As a general guide, vessels in regular operation carrying in excess of 100 persons, will be those which can be expected to fall within this range, especially if the average age of those carried is high. Operators of other types of ship may also wish to consider carrying defibrillators, based on risk assessment.

2.2 Defibrillators and consumables, where carried, should be tested in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. In addition, first aiders on board ship should receive suitable familiarisation training in the use of AEDs, as well as their training in cardio pulmonary resuscitation. Regular refresher training is also required to ensure that competence is maintained.

3. Limitations and aftercare

3.1 All those who may use defibrillators should be aware that their success rate in terms of lives saved is relatively low.

3.2 Even where a patient’s heart rhythm is restored, the patient will remain very ill and may require continuous assistance and support with breathing and other essential functions until arrival at hospital. The patient will therefore need to be transported to hospital as urgently as possible and the master or vessel operator should wherever possible make suitable arrangements for transport to be available on arrival, as soon as the incident has occurred.

4. Telemedical advice service

4.1 Masters and operators are also reminded that, in the event of a medical emergency or incident at sea, telemedical advice is always available. To obtain telemedical advice, contact should first be made with the Coastguard on either MF DSC, VHF DSC, NHF 16 or INMARSAT, who will arrange for immediate connection to a doctor at one of the designated radio medical advice centres ashore. GMDSS compliant satellite voice communications systems, or mobile phones, can be used for medical advice or assistance, but should not be relied upon as the only means of communication. The telephone numbers to contact HM Coastguard are +44 344 3820026 and +44 208 3127386.

5. Other information

Further information about the contents of this Note may be obtained from:

The Resuscitation Council (UK): www.resus.org.uk

or from the MCA at the address below:

More information

Seafarer Safety and Health Branch
Maritime and Coastguard Agency
Bay 2/19
Spring Place
105 Commercial Road
Southampton
SO15 1EG

Telephone: +44 (0)203 81 72835

Email: medical@mcga.gov.uk

Website: www.gov.uk/mca

General enquiries: infoline@mcga.gov.uk

Please note that all addresses and telephone numbers are correct at time of publishing.

Published: May 2022

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