Race 2 - Day 23
Crew Diary - Race 2 Day 23
18 October
I asked one of the skippers- “what’s your biggest fear about the race?”, expecting the answer to be ‘beginner crew on the helm’, ‘dismasting’ and so on but not the answer “medical stuff”.
The skippers are ultimately in charge of everyone’s medical well-being. I think they are all quite happy that the numbers work out such that there is usually some sort of a medical professional on board; nurse, midwife, paramedic, doctor, vet- to get allocated as the ‘crew medic’.
Something happens- “get Steve”- the cry goes out, and so, someone comes to nudge me from my bunk.
Injuries wise- what you would expect from an extreme sport- bumps, bruises, knee and shoulder sprains, tennis elbow- as everyone bounces and bashes around the deck with the physicality of an ocean race.
More painful injuries occur below deck, than up top; slips and slides result in bruised sides. I am roused from bed to check over an unintended dismount from the top bunk.
GMC note- you can’t fault the speed of response; I don’t usually consult in Merino pant-shorts on land.
One very sore crew member is written up for ‘no helming, winching, grinding’ for a few days, and I get to crack open the ‘big gun’ painkillers from the controlled drug safe. Another slip results in a sprained ankle, shoulder, ribs, and a cut face; they get my attempt to make them look beautiful again.
Other than that; a couple of viral infections have travelled around the crew- one nasty cough (RSV I suspect) and an annoying head cold.
Anyone answering ‘the call’ on an airplane and being disappointed by the pathetic medical kit/ supplies available, would find the range and comprehensiveness of the medical gear carried on a Clipper Racing Yacht astonishing. There are four large cases of equipment and medicines; including catheters, NG tubes, IV fluids, oxygen, and a range of medicines that rivals the selection in any Pharmacy or Dispensary.
I do not doubt that the MSOS telemedicine service is as excellent as their supplied kit, but happily haven't had to use it yet.
Say safe; one hand for you, one hand for the boat; don’t forget to do that lee-cloth upright and tight.
Steven