On land, the emergency services in Germany arrive on average within eight to twelve minutes. At sea, the same time frame can be many times longer – depending on the area, weather conditions and location. Anyone who does nothing during this time loses valuable minutes, during which the brain is already sustaining damage due to a lack of oxygen.
As a general rule, whether on board or on land: make an emergency call, secure the boat, look after those affected – and do not leave them alone. Request assistance on Channel 16 via VHF radio, give your exact position, stop the boat or hand over to a second skipper.
The crucial first few minutes
According to the German Red Cross, around 200 people in Germany die every day from sudden cardiac death. However, members of the public only begin resuscitation in about half of all cases. At sea, far from any harbour or rescue station, it is solely the crew’s responsibility to do the right thing in those first few minutes and to administer first aid on board.
Just recently, exactly this situation occurred involving a couple in the Flensburg Fjord. The man suffered a heart attack. The woman reacted professionally, headed for the nearest harbour and was thus able to save her husband’s life.
Heart attack: Recognising the signs and staying calm
In a heart attack, a coronary artery is blocked, but the heart is still beating. Those affected are usually conscious. Typical symptoms include severe pain or a feeling of tightness behind the breastbone, radiating into the arm, shoulder, back or jaw, along with shortness of breath, cold sweats, paleness or nausea. In women, older people and those with diabetes, chest pain may be absent – shortness of breath or exhaustion are then the main symptoms.
In such a situation, the following measures are helpful: Lay the person down with their upper body slightly raised, loosen any tight clothing, and ensure they remain calm and warm. Avoid any kind of physical exertion. Check their vital signs regularly and do not leave them alone. If they lose consciousness but are still breathing, they should be placed in the recovery position.
Cardiac arrest: Start CPR immediately
In the event of cardiac arrest, the heart has stopped beating. The brain can only tolerate a lack of oxygen for around three minutes. Signs: sudden collapse, loss of consciousness, absence of normal breathing. Isolated gasping breaths – known as gasping for breath – are not considered normal breathing.
It is important to start chest compressions immediately: 30 compressions in the centre of the chest, about 5 to 6 centimetres deep, at a rate of 100 to 120 per minute, followed by 2 rescue breaths. If you are unable to give rescue breaths, perform continuous chest compressions. Several helpers should take turns approximately every two minutes.
If there is an automated external defibrillator (AED) on board, it should be used as soon as possible – whilst continuing chest compressions. Switch on the device and follow the voice instructions. The AED automatically analyses whether a shockable heart rhythm is present and only delivers a shock if this is the case. This virtually rules out the risk of incorrect use in the event of a non-shockable rhythm.
