Dark urine is too concentrated, reflecting an overall lack of water flowing through the body. Keeping the body flushed with adequate amounts of water also reduces the risk of other medical problems that can occur at sea, including appendicitis, gall bladder attacks, kidney stones, and even heart attacks. The latter is not only essential for dislodging objects upon which people choke but also for the treatment of drowning victims. Often, this can be performed while the victim is still in the water. Emergency medicine must also be considered.
Heart attack is one of the most common critical medical emergencies to occur at sea.
Any vessel with crew who are at risk for heart disease may have to deal with a possible heart attack afloat. The ship s medical kit should include beta-blockers, drugs that significantly reduce the risk of heart attack, along with another type of drug known as an ACE inhibitor. These drugs save lives, and administering them poses little risk to someone having chest pains at sea. However, a beta-blocker should not be given until blood pressure and pulse are taken. The combined effects of aspirin, nitroglycerin, beta-blockers and an ACE inhibitor give a tremendous amount of protection to the heart muscle with few side effects.