And finishing on a positive note: A CPR success story – “we saved a life that day”
- Safety Flash
- Published on 13 July 2020
- Generated on 9 December 2025
- IMCA SF 21/20
- 2 minute read
What happened?
An IMCA Member reports that a crew member suffered several cardiac arrests in front of his crew mates. Immediately CPR was started, and the medic was alerted. The patient was resuscitated, but experienced subsequent cardiac events while awaiting medical air transport. On arrival of air-lift crew, the patient was reassessed by the flight medic and further cardiac treatment administered prior to transport. At time of transport, the patient was conscious, alert, and oriented.
The patient was sent to hospital, and after an operational procedure he was able to return home to his family after three days.
The positive outcome of this story, saving a life, is the result of leadership, commitment, and preparedness for the unexpected.
What went right?
- To be successful in any emergency, training and drills are key.
- The marine crew alerted the SAR helicopter, which then landed safely on the helideck.
- The interaction between the first aiders, medic, and the SAR crew was exceptional.
- Also, the doctors and nurses in the hospital did their part to make this happen.
- One particular crew member made an exceptional effort using leadership skills and medical expertise, to help save a life.
Actions
Our Member, while noting that it can be hard to motivate for training or drills after a long shift, nonetheless suggests that this uplifting success story will encourage extra training in basic CPR.
IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of the entire offshore industry.
The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on the industry sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Incidents are classified according to IOGP's Life Saving Rules.
All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate, and warnings for graphic content included where possible.
IMCA makes every effort to ensure both the accuracy and reliability of the information shared, but is not be liable for any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained.
The information contained in this document does not fulfil or replace any individual's or Member's legal, regulatory or other duties or obligations in respect of their operations. Individuals and Members remain solely responsible for the safe, lawful and proper conduct of their operations.
Share your safety incidents with IMCA online. Sign-up to receive Safety Flashes straight to your email.