⚠️ MedDeck is an educational and reference tool for seafarers. It does not replace professional medical advice, TMAS, a company doctor, or emergency services. In an emergency, seek appropriate medical assistance and follow your vessel's procedures.
EM-005
Shock / circulatory collapse
Sudden deterioration or collapse may indicate a serious circulatory emergency.
What should I do first?
- Treat sudden deterioration as potentially serious
- Obtain help and seek medical assistance promptly
- Identify and address obvious life-threatening causes within your competence
- Monitor responsiveness and breathing continuously
- Keep the person warm and protect from unnecessary heat loss
- Do not give food or drink when the person's condition makes this unsafe
What this may look like
- Sudden collapse or marked deterioration
- Pale, clammy, or unusually cold skin
- Weakness, confusion, or reduced responsiveness
- May follow injury, bleeding, illness, or unknown cause
What should I check?
- Responsiveness and breathing
- Obvious bleeding or injury
- Change in condition over time
- Need for immediate resuscitation support
What should I avoid?
- Attempting to define a cause onboard
- Delaying medical assistance
- Giving food or drink to a person who may need urgent care
When should I get medical assistance?
- Promptly for collapse, marked deterioration, or concerning symptoms
- Contact your vessel's designated medical assistance/TMAS service according to vessel procedures
- Follow your vessel's emergency procedures
What information should I prepare for TMAS / medical assistance?
- When deterioration started and how it has progressed
- Associated symptoms, injuries, or bleeding
- Actions taken and current condition
- Vessel position and communications details required by procedure
Related symptoms
Important safety note
- This pathway describes concerning signs, not a confirmed medical condition
- Escalate early when the person appears seriously unwell
⚠️ MedDeck is an educational and reference tool for seafarers. It does not replace professional medical advice, TMAS, a company doctor, or emergency services. In an emergency, seek appropriate medical assistance and follow your vessel's procedures.
MEDDECK
Before you continue
⚠️ MedDeck is an educational and reference tool for seafarers. It does not replace professional medical advice, TMAS, a company doctor, or emergency services. In an emergency, seek appropriate medical assistance and follow your vessel's procedures.