Cruise Ship Medical Facilities
We all have idyllic thoughts of being on a cruise ship, sailing into ports to explore places unknown or familiar locales. But being sick on a cruise is neither ideal nor fun. And it has happened to me - TWICE! But with insurance and some fantastic medical staff I was treated with the most amazing care (some with an ocean view) and felt like the care I received was better than I would get back home (no wait times!)
Cruise ship medical facilities are set to a high standard. Guidelines are set by the American College of Emergency Physicians. They are quite comprehensive and strict. Yes! I read it! The facilities are bigger and better than you might have imagined. Consider them less of a hospital and more of an urgent care. They treat everyone on board, including the crew, and they are equipped to treat nearly everything. They can set broken bones and even perform minor surgeries. However, if your illness is serious or requires emergency medical treatment you can be referred to facility on land. They will stabilize you and send you off! In all our cruises only once have we seen someone removed from the ship - by helicopter.
Variables such as ship size, itinerary, anticipated patient mix, anticipated number of patients' visits generally dictates the number of doctors and nurses on board with most sailing with two doctors and four nurses. While the medical centre will have posted hours of operation they are required to be on call 24 hours. Medical staff must have at least three years of postgraduate experience in emergency medicine or board certification in emergency medicine, family medicine or internal medicine. Doctors and nurses must be fluent in the official working language of the ship. Clinical staff must be certified in advanced life support, if the ship has passengers under the age of 12 they should have a physician certified in paediatric medicine, and at least one physician certified in advanced trauma support.
The onboard medical centre has a long list of requirements for medical equipment. This includes two defibrillators, two cardiac monitors, EKG capability, vital signs and airway equipment, oxygen tanks, wheelchairs, stretchers, back board and so much more! They also have laboratory capabilities and must be able to test for a variety of markers that will assist with their diagnosis. There must be one x-ray generator on board as well.
The onboard pharmacy is quite elaborate. They must have sufficient quantities of medications from 14 different drug classes. They can treat infections, nausea, cardiovascular events, obstetrics and more. They even have vaccines (mostly for staff).
I was pleasantly surprised during my two separate experiences at the medical centre. One was for a very painful lump on my finger which was growing in size. Turns out it was likely a spider bite that was causing very dark red lines up my forearm. The South African doctor was very concerned about this. He said he had a lot of experience with spider bites! I had five different appointments during my 10 day cruise for diagnosis and treatment. And the other was a mystery illness that had me on IV fluids for two days since I could not keep anything down. I had blood work, my finger excised for the spider bite, and many medications given. All with the most professional care. Being sick on a cruise was definitely not ideal, but I know that if I am sick and need quality care I am covered. Just ensure you purchase insurance! Cruise lines charge at the time of service, unless you purchase a policy from the cruise line (generally). Make sure you understand your policy!
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