If you are working offshore you’ll probably have had some contact with the medic based on the installation, but have you ever wondered exactly where they come from, what their full role is and what training they require?
For a start, did you know that if a medic leaves the installation where they are placed, then production and/or drilling has to stop? That’s how important the medic is.
Medics are generally ex-nurses or have had military training. Medics provide medical care for emergency and routine matters in accordance with procedures and protocols and they operate under the guidance of “topside” doctor onshore.
A medic must be able to calmly describe symptoms when they contact a ‘topside doctor’ regarding a patient’s medical condition and will need to organise a medevac when it becomes necessary for a patient to be sent onshore for treatment.
The medic is based in a sickbay and they are responsible for its management. The sickbay must always be fully stocked, with fully functioning equipment and ready for action should there be an emergency. It’s good to know that if you have to visit the sickbay, the facilities are clean and functioning and in readiness for you.
Some medics carry out other duties like providing health promotion information and carrying out health surveillance screening. They also provide regular training for core first aiders.
An offshore medic needs specific personal qualities. On any installation/vessel, that person should be a friendly face that their patients can trust and they need to have an aura of calmness and authority about them.
Medics need to make quick decisions in certain circumstances and they should have sound judgement backed up by their training and experience.
He or she must be a good communicator so that he/she can clearly explain medical issues to patients offshore as well as consult effectively with an onshore ‘topside’ doctor when necessary.
A medic can never ‘stand still’ professionally, they must be open to new developments and willing to adjust to the ever changing requirements of the oil and gas industry. If you are working offshore and feel unwell or have an accident, then you want someone to look after you who is easy to talk to and will put you at your ease.
However, you want that person to take their professional standards seriously and be armed with the very latest knowledge and training.
A medic has to undergo specialist training which is designed to build on the medical or nursing skills that they already possess. A medic must complete an HSE offshore medic course which includes:
Advanced life support
Advanced trauma life support
Pre-hospital emergency care
Medical emergencies such as heart attacks and stroke
Practical scenarios using actors and make up to simulate real injuries
Minor illnesses and common chronic conditions
An HSE Approved Offshore Medic certificate enables a medic to work offshore in the UK and is a recognised qualification across the world.
The fully trained medic needs to constantly update his/her training to keep abreast of medical innovations as well as health and safety legislation and so they renew their training every three years.
What makes someone decide to become a medic in the first place? Every day is different and they never know who is going to come through their door needing help or what medical situations may arise. For anyone who relishes a challenge and has the confidence to work solo but supported by physicians, then being a medic offers a satisfying career full of variety.
Some medics enjoy the freedom of being able to take on short-term or longer postings and working two weeks on and three weeks off can also appeal.
If you are working offshore then it’s reassuring to know that there is someone there who has the aptitude, training and experience to look after your medical interests. The medic is there for you in an emergency medical situation or if you simply need some advice about a minor medical problem. Prevention is better than cure so don’t forget that your medic can also offer you useful health promotion advice.
When you stop and consider the responsibilities and tasks carried out by an offshore medic, you can appreciate what a vital role they play and why an installation just can’t function without them.
Dr Louise Smith is clinical head – remote medical services – at occupational health specialist Abermed
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