However it will do no harm to over-treat suspected shock. To treat shock at sea, elevate the victim s feet, returning the blood flow from the lower body to the heart. Cover the person, especially if there is a large wound, burn or open fracture. The sight of an injury may cause the victim s blood pressure to drop further. Loosen clothing at the neck and waist, reassure the person in a calming voice and, most importantly, administer electrolyte drinks such as one-half strength Gatorade or a similar solution.
Injuries often result in bleeding, which is best controlled by applying direct pressure.
Avoid using tourniquets unless you are short-handed, and then release the tourniquet for a few minutes every 15 minutes. After applying direct pressure, an ideal pressure dressing is a disposable diaper held firmly in place with an ace wrap. To treat burns, apply ice for 20 minutes, and treat for shock if the burn is severe. After 20 minutes of ice application, dress the burn with Silvadene cream, a non-stick dressing such as Adaptic of Telfa, and cover with large fluffed cotton gauze. Fractures are not uncommon on boats.