Illness & medical emergencies

Even better, many charter yachts belong to a round-the-clock “telemedical service”, which is a dedicated provider that links the yacht directly with an emergency room doctor via a satellite telephone. These services usually equip the yacht with a comprehensive medical kit that is refilled and updated regularly, so the doctor knows exactly what is available. In some cases, the yacht may even be equipped with monitoring devices so the doctor can read any vital signs thousands of miles from the yacht.

These telemed services link the yacht crew in real-time with the doctor, who can talk them through an emergency. Since they are often based in a hospital emergency room, specialists can also be called upon as needed.

The most common medical issues are gastrointestinal (too much of that gourmet cuisine), ENT (ear/nose/throat) caused by swimming, and sprains or trauma caused by falls. In more serious situations, the yacht can arrange a medical evacuation by helicopter and, depending on the patient’s desires, even arrange for private jet transportation to the hospital of choice.

In one instance, an owner suddenly clutched his chest and the captain quickly recognised a heart attack. Two of the crew had advanced medical training and the yacht was equipped with a comprehensive medical kit as well as subscribing to a medical support service.

In moments, the owner was getting both oxygen and intravenous fluids while an ER doctor talked the captain through the procedures. At the same time, the medical service calculated the closest port for a med-evac jet that was scheduled before the captain even put down the phone. Thanks to the knowledge and supplies available on board, the owner recovered fully.

To make the most of the medical services, a potential charterer must be clear with the charter broker about any known or suspected medical problems and any special medications required. Your doctor should be consulted before departure to make sure that none of your regular medications could be affected by excessive heat, sun, or insect bites.

Seasickness isn’t much fun, but modern superyachts have sophisticated stabilisers that even work when the yacht is at rest (zero-speed stabilizers) to steady any motion. You aren’t alone if you get motion sickness: Lord Nelson and Lawrence of Arabia were among many who are prone to seasickness.

A number of modern medications and treatments are available and, because seasickness affects many people, there are hundreds of remedies available, including pills, patches, acupressure wristbands, and more. Some of the medications cause drowsiness, but everyone reacts differently to these solutions, so be sure to try them before departure.

There are also some common sense ways to prevent seasickness as well. Minimise the alcohol consumption before departure and while underway, stay outside in fresh air, avoid reading, and keep your eyes on the horizon.

If you are planning to scuba dive, some yachts now have compact hyperbaric decompression chambers for use if they are far from shoreside facilities, and you can consult your charter broker about the need and availability.

The essence, however, is that superyachts are well-prepared with both the equipment and training to handle medical emergencies, and modern electronics such as satphones can bring both advice and aid quickly.