⚠️ 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.
🚨 Need urgent help?
What should I do first?SYM-001
Chest pain
Significant chest discomfort may need prompt assessment — orientation and escalation guidance.
What should I do now?
- Stop exertion and keep the person safe and at rest
- Stay with the person and monitor how symptoms change
- Obtain help if symptoms are significant or concerning
- Do not attempt to determine the exact cause onboard
What is this symptom?
- Chest pain can describe discomfort, pressure, tightness, or pain in the chest area
- It may occur at rest or with activity and may or may not spread to other areas
What might be associated with it?
- Many different conditions can cause chest pain
- Possible associations include exertion, stress, muscle strain, digestive upset, or more serious cardiovascular or respiratory problems
- One symptom alone does not identify a single cause
What should I check?
- Severity, duration, and whether pain is new or recurrent
- Breathing effort and overall responsiveness
- Associated symptoms such as breathlessness, sweating, nausea, or feeling unwell
- Whether symptoms started suddenly or gradually
What can make it urgent?
- Severe, persistent, or recurrent chest pain
- Pain with significant breathlessness or feeling very unwell
- Sudden onset with marked distress
- If an emergency may be present, use 🚨 WHAT SHOULD I DO FIRST? — Chest pain (EM-006)
When should I seek medical assistance?
- Seek appropriate medical assistance if symptoms are severe, worsening, persistent, associated with concerning signs, or if you are unsure about the person's condition
- Contact your vessel's designated medical assistance/TMAS service according to vessel procedures
- Seek prompt assistance for significant, unexplained, persistent, or worsening chest pain
What information should I prepare for medical assistance?
- When symptoms started and whether they came suddenly or gradually
- Whether symptoms are improving or worsening
- Other symptoms present at the same time
- Relevant injury, exposure, heat, cold, or motion if applicable
- Fluid intake, rest, and any medicines already taken if known
- Relevant medical history volunteered by the person
Related emergency pathways
Related medical knowledge
Important safety note
- This page orients you to a symptom — it does not confirm a specific medical condition
- Many different conditions can cause the same symptom; professional assessment may be needed
⚠️ 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.