Basic shock management; burns and scalds, including electrical accidents
Governing: STCW Table A-VI/1-3; Resuscitation Council UK 2025 First Aid guidelines; NHS burns guidance. Builds on: L2.2.
Shock
In first aid, "shock" means circulatory failure: the body's tissues are not getting enough oxygenated blood. It follows blood loss, severe burns, fluid loss, allergic reactions, heart problems and infection. It can kill even when the original injury is controlled.
Recognising it
| Early | Later |
|---|---|
| Pale, cold, clammy skin | Grey-blue skin (inside the lips on darker skin) |
| Fast pulse | Fast, weak or absent wrist pulse |
| Fast, shallow breathing | Restlessness, confusion |
| Anxiety, thirst, nausea | Drowsiness, unresponsiveness |
Managing it
- Treat the cause: stop the bleeding, cool the burn.
- Call for help; on board, the bridge and the designated medical person.
- Lie the casualty down. If they are breathless, RCUK 2025 advises they may sit up with legs extended.
- Keep them warm: blanket underneath and over; do not overheat.
- Reassure and keep them still.
- Nothing by mouth; they may need surgery. Moisten lips if thirsty.
- Monitor breathing, response and pulse; be ready for CPR.
Burns and scalds
A burn is from dry heat, chemicals, electricity or friction; a scald from hot liquid or steam. On a yacht: galley, laundry irons and presses, engine exhausts, sun, and rope friction.
First aid
The NHS guidance:
- Stop the burning: remove from the source.
- Cool the burn under cool running water for 20 minutes, as soon as possible and within 3 hours. No running water? Use cool bottled water or a wet towel.
- Remove clothing and jewellery near the burn, but not anything stuck to it.
- Cover with cling film laid over the burn, not wrapped around, or a clean plastic bag for a hand.
- Keep the person warm while cooling the burn.
WARNING — What not to put on a burn No creams, oils or butter. No plasters or sticky dressings. Do not burst blisters.
When it is serious
The NHS advises emergency care for burns that are very large or deep, on the face, genitals or bottom, or caused by chemicals or electricity. On a yacht at sea, that means radio medical advice (L4.2) and possibly evacuation.
Chemical burns
Protect yourself, brush off dry chemical, then irrigate with plenty of water for a long time. Remove contaminated clothing. Check the safety data sheet for the product. For eyes, irrigate with the eyelid held open.
Electrical injuries
Yachts carry high-current systems: shore power, generators, switchboards, battery banks and charging stations.
- Do not touch the casualty until the supply is isolated. Switch off, pull the plug, or trip the breaker.
- If you cannot isolate a low-voltage supply, move the casualty with a dry, non-conducting object while standing on dry insulating material. Never approach high voltage; see High Voltage.
- Check responsiveness and breathing; electric shock can cause cardiac arrest. Start CPR and use the AED (L2.1).
- Look for entry and exit burns; cool them.
- Anyone who has had a significant electric shock needs medical assessment, even if they seem fine.
CAUTION — Lightning and water Lightning casualties are safe to touch. Casualties in water near live equipment are not.
TIP — Galley burn station Many galleys keep burn gel dressings. These are useful for pain and when running water is not available, but running water is still the first choice.