water ambulance

[boatradioman]

is there such a thing as an water ambulance?
like an an ambulance service for habors or the ocean?

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: water ambulance

Yes, it's called the U.S. Coast Guard.

 

[eli_lilly]

Re: water ambulance

is there such a thing as an water ambulance?
like an an ambulance service for habors or the ocean?

Here in South Florida several fire departments have boats that they use for EMS during on-water emergencies.

-E

 

[Scaaty]

Re: water ambulance

Best to ALWAYS prepare yourself. S/H
That said...if you ever think you will need help..(and ya never know)..a radio for the CG, a Cell phone, GPS, flares, white sheet on an oar ready to wave at boaters...et al. My God...you are out there by yourself...YOU have to prepare...not depend on others...been that way in me boating 50 years...(or ya can spend more tax bucks for yer state riding around in boats, waiting...fend for yerself the best ya can ..first)...again ..right channel..CG..there damn good at it too, and quick. If it was easy out there, we would have "gills"...but we don't, and stuff happens...and fast...be prepared..ALWAYS...best I can say

 

[sportsnut87]

Re: water ambulance

you big boy boats will like this,

I live in northern illinois, I own a small business and am a volunteer fire fighter, We have a state park in our district, small lake small motor ect, we also have a small river, I joined the FD 2 years and the stupid new guy aske why we dont practice water rescue. I am trained in water rescue, but that was years ago, it amazes me that most little communities dont have the means or training to help in any case. However, I did some research and their our tons of grants available for small fire disctrict to get training and equipment to help in this area. yes nothing has happen in years, but you never know, the 20 year old girl that died in my hands, Litterally 2 weeks ago due to a car accident didnt expect anything to happen either.

Help yourselves 1st, be prepared, rely on other only when you have to.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: water ambulance

if that a safe boating course, or just read the rules of the water. you would know your boat can be the water ambulance. you are required by law, to assist any other boat that is in distress.

 

[cbavier]

Re: water ambulance

Best to ALWAYS prepare yourself. S/H
That said...if you ever think you will need help..(and ya never know)..a radio for the CG, a Cell phone, GPS, flares, white sheet on an oar ready to wave at boaters...et al. My God...you are out there by yourself...YOU have to prepare...not depend on others...If it was easy out there, we would have "gills"...but we don't, and stuff happens...and fast...be prepared..ALWAYS...best I can say

A White or Red T- shirt will also garner attention. USCG requires a red flag. in fat if your boat is USCG or Power Squadron inspected they usually give you a flag. It can also be hung over the stern light or a flag pole on the stern.

As TD said you are required to provide assistance by law to anyone in distress, medical or mechanical.

 

[Scaaty]

Re: water ambulance

This is probably your best defense to carry onboard. Probably Cat II. Its an instant link to a satellite, then the CG. Now you are in touch, and they know where you are. QUICKLY!
Read all about it here.

http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/marcomms/gmdss/epirb.htm

 

[phwrd]

Re: water ambulance

As I am also a paranoid sob, former Corpsman and considering the types of injuries you most often see on boats.

Study up on
1. Shock ! (lay flat, keep warm, elevate feet)
2. Hyperthermia - I live in Florida, it takes longer but it does happen.
3. broken limbs (splinting, imobilizing). See number 1.
4. Lacerations, deep (prop, tie it off) or shallow (hooks, super glue), See number 1.

and don't give a pregnant woman a ride on a bumpy day...

and then contact the Coast Guard. They are the only way to go if you are on the water.

Pat

 

[salty87]

Re: water ambulance

alot, tons, depends on where you are. you might be fortunate and be close to shore, near a large city, etc. most of the time though, you'll be offshore or on a secluded lake or river. or, at least, lakes and rivers are often hard to get to from dry land and no coasties.

you'll do yourself a huge favor to have the phone numbers of local police dept's or whatever agencies have jurisdiction, and seatow or any other commercial on-water support...proper radio's if offshore.

calling 911 in a situation like that could easily leave you with an operator that's never been to the lake and isn't exactly sure where you are and who can reach you first. every little bit you can do to help might make the difference.

 

[External Combustion]

Re: water ambulance

Good link Scaaty. It has just changed a soon to be purchase for me. This has helped me sift through the sales bunk. Thanks.