While serious medical emergencies on the Great Loop are rare—and help is usually not far away—being on a boat does mean handling situations a little differently than you would at home. In this important episode, Dr. Robert Leviton of Maritime Medicine joins us to share practical guidance on responding to common onboard medical issues, from minor concerns to more serious situations. Learn what every cruiser should know about caring for a crewmate, stabilizing a situation, and safely getting to help if needed. Whether you’re planning your Loop or already underway, this episode offers valuable knowledge that can help you cruise with greater confidence.
For most people, living aboard and moving the boat regularly is a new endeavor, even if you’ve been a weekend boater for years. There are a lot of moving parts (figuratively and literally) that will need attention at the right points in time.
As someone who spends a lot of time on the road, and works with families who do the same, I ask this often:
What would you do if you or a loved one experienced a medical emergency, at home or while traveling?
Imagine sailing through a busy shipping lane at night: a cargo vessel bearing down from starboard, a fishing boat crossing ahead, fog rolling in. What do you do? Who gives way? What signals should you sound? What safety equipment must you have on board?
