RYA First Aid

The one-day RYA First Aid course is aimed at anyone who goes afloat to provide a working knowledge of first aid and covers all the usual aspects of first aid but from a boating perspective. The syllabus is based on recommendations of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and fulfils the requirements for professional skippers of small craft working within 60 miles of a safe haven. An in-date First Aid course completion certificate is required for the Yachtmaster examination and is valid for 3 years.

Pre-course requirements

Age: no restrictions

No pre-course experience and assumed knowledge

Recommended reading

First Aid at Sea Manual

First Aid manual 10th Edition from St John’s Ambulance (€20.00)

Course Details

Duration: one day

Start/finish time: 09.00 to17.00

Location: Classroom at Calle de Sant Magi 74, Santa Catalina, Palma de Mallorca

Course syllabus

Unconsciousness and the recovery position in a confined space

CPR, including an awareness of AEDs

Drowning protocol

Breathing difficulties

Failure of the circulation: shock, blood loss and the control of bleeding

Recognition of internal bleeding, angina and heart attack

Levels of response and the AVPU scale

Head injury: concussion and compression

Immersion/exposure hypothermia, cold shock and burns (including sunburn).

Seasickness and dehydration

Diabetic emergency

Seizures

Fractures, including spinal injuries

First aid kits

Medical advice or assistance by VHF radio

Helicopter rescue (Medivac)

Cost: €199

Includes certificate, First Aid at Sea manual and refreshments

Deposit: €100 (secures place but can be changed to another date)

Certification

The RYA First Aid Certificate is awarded on completion of the course

Post Course

The RYA First Aid certificate fulfills the requirements for:

The MCA Code of Practice for skippers of small commercial vessels up to category 2, including boatmasters

A first aid certificate for offshore racers subject to ISAF regulations on first aid training (OSR: 6.05i)

All RYA practical instructors