⚠️ 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-006
Chest pain
Significant or unexplained chest pain can be serious — stop exertion and escalate promptly.
What should I do first?
- Treat significant or unexplained chest pain as potentially serious
- Stop exertion and keep the person safe and at rest
- Assess overall condition and obtain help
- Seek appropriate medical assistance promptly when pain is serious, persistent, recurrent, or accompanied by concerning symptoms
- Monitor for deterioration
- Do not attempt to determine the exact cause onboard
What this may look like
- Pain, pressure, tightness, or discomfort in the chest area
- Pain that may spread to the arm, jaw, back, or upper abdomen in some cases
- Associated breathlessness, sweating, nausea, or feeling unwell
What should I check?
- Severity, duration, and change over time
- Breathing effort and responsiveness
- Other associated symptoms
- Known medical history if available
What should I avoid?
- Continuing physical exertion
- Assuming the pain is minor without assessment
- Prescribing or suggesting medicines independently
When should I get medical assistance?
- When chest pain is significant, persistent, recurrent, or accompanied by 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 pain started and how it feels
- Associated symptoms and actions taken
- Known medical history if available
- Vessel position and communications details required by procedure
Related symptoms
Important safety note
- This pathway does not confirm a specific cardiac or other cause
- Seek appropriate medical assistance early
⚠️ 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.