What is the basic medical care on a cruise ship?

What is the basic medical care on a cruise ship? Our medical facilities are stocked with a variety of equipment including cardiac monitors, automated external defibrillators, ventilators, x-ray machines and processors, laboratory equipment, a formulary of acute care medications, and a variety of minor surgical and orthopedic supplies.

Are there paramedics on cruise ships?

Job highlights As a shipboard Paramedic, you will have the opportunity to travel the world and practice your profession at sea in an exciting, challenging, and unique environment. The shipboard medical department prides itself in delivering high-quality, patient-centered, evidence-based healthcare to guests and crew.

What does Oscar Oscar Oscar mean on a cruise ship?

Operation Rising Star: A death or very serious medical emergency has happened on the ship. Oscar, Oscar, Oscar: Man overboard. Purell, Purell, Purell: Cleanup is needed in a public area.

Do cruise ships have pharmacists on board?

Do Cruise Ships Have Pharmacies? Cruise ships do not have full pharmacies onboard but will usually have a section of an onboard shop dedicated to medicine. Here you can find treatments for common problems such as headaches or colds.

Do cruise ships charge for medical care?

Medical Service Fees The physicians on board are independent contractors and are entitled to render services at a customary fee which may vary from ship to ship based on the time of day. The basic fee does NOT include medication, tests or treatment.

What happens if you have a stroke on a cruise?

Unfortunately, cruise ship passengers who suffer serious injuries or life threatening emergencies are forced to either take a helicopter trip off their cruise ship when possible, or must seek help from the medical care available on board their ship.

Do I need medical insurance on a cruise ship?

Cruise ships can treat a wide range of illnesses and injuries on board. Some onboard medical facilities look like urgent care centers, while others are more like doctor's offices. Health insurance often does not cover medical care on cruises, but travel insurance might.

Where is the morgue on a cruise ship?

The morgue is usually found on the lowest ship deck, away from guests. It is a refrigerated room made of stainless steel with individual compartments. Generally, the bigger the ship, the more shelves are found in the morgue. Morgues tend to be small and can typically hold three to six bodies.

What happens if you need a doctor on a cruise?

In general cases, cruise medical centers can prescribe and administer medications, perform minor surgeries and stabilize patients with more serious medical conditions. If your medical condition is treatable on board the ship, you will be given the relevant treatment or condition.

Are there nurses on cruise ships?

Both cruise ship and yacht nurses perform basic first aid skills, administer medications, and occasionally handle emergency medical care. They must be able to assess situations and triage, and also educate passengers on any medical issues or concerns.

What happens if you get strep throat on a cruise?

A guest that is diagnosed as having an infectious disease by a member of our medical staff onboard will need to isolate onboard for a period of time — either until they can be safely disembarked at a port of call with private transport home, or when the sailing concludes back at the home port where it started.

Can cruise ship doctors prescribe antibiotics?

The medical staff on cruise ships can diagnose and treat some illnesses on board and prescribe medications. While cruise ships typically stock a broad range of meds, including antibiotics, there's only sometimes a large supply. Doctors may give you a prescription you can fill at a pharmacy in the next port.

How much does it cost to be airlifted off a cruise ship?

Being airlifted off a cruise usually costs at least $20,000 and this can rise into the hundreds of thousands depending on location and other factors. This is one reason why taking out travel insurance with good medical cover is essential when cruising. Do not EVER cruise without travel insurance.