Medical Emergency While Cruising in the Broughtons

[Chinook]

Over the past 13 years Sandy and I have enjoyed extended cruises on our Mac to many wonderful, and often remote, places. In the course of these travels, we've confronted just about every problem imaginable: rough weather, engine troubles, electrical problems, balky stove, grounding, anchoring hassles, and embarrassing docking scenes. We've always been able to adequately cope, often thanks to the generous assistance of fellow boaters. However, the situation we confronted while on our summer cruise to the Broughton Islands of coastal British Columbia left me feeling utterly inadequate and helpless.

We were on the 13th day of a planned 6 week cruise on the coast of BC. Things were going great: boat performing perfectly, all systems on board working properly, weather ideal, menu and itinerary planning working out to a "T", fishing and crabbing good, dolphins playing on our bow, scenery outstanding. On the morning of July 9 we took a slip at Pierre's Echo Bay Marina. We planned a 2 night stay so we could reprovision, take much needed showers, and catch up on a few boat maintenance chores. I signed us up for their special Wednesday evening fish and chips dinner, as well as the prime rib dinner on the following night. And of course, we planned on taking the walk over to Billy Proctor's Museum and cabin. Billy has spent a lifetime accumulating artifacts and stories about the Broughtons, has written a great book on the subject, and reputedly loves to visit and share his stories.

Around 3pm we started out on the rough trail which leads to Billy's place. The trail is rough, and winds along a steep, heavily forested hillside for about 3/4 mile. About half way there, I glanced back and saw that Sandy was moving slowly and unsteadily. I waited for her to catch up. She had a strange, distant look about her and she wouldn't say anything to me. For too long a time I figured that she was upset about something, and then I noticed that the right corner of her was sagging. A dreadful realization overcame my disbelief; I feared she was having a stroke. Events from that moment seemed to take on a life of their own: struggle to get her back to the boat, search for and locate a doctor, confirmation that she was having a stroke, arrival of the medevac helicopter, flight to Campbell River, ambulance transfer to the hospital, 5 days of scans, tests and care at the hospital, transfer by car (with the help of our 2 sons) back home. We learned that she'd experienced a potentially catastrophic stroke, but because of a series of extremely unusual circumstances, she has made a rapid recovery and doesn't appear to have any serious long term problems. We are once again beginning to hopefully and enthusiastically talk about future cruising plans. We feel incredibly blessed and thankful for all the caring people who have helped and cared for us.

I've taken away a number of lessons from this experience. I did some things right, however, I could have done many things so much better. The following points stand out:
1. Be quick to ask for help. In my case, even after getting back to the marina, I didn't ask for help, but rather continued assisting Sandy back to our boat. In the stress of the moment, I felt reluctant to intrude on the good times being enjoyed by other boaters. This was a big mistake, and we're incredibly fortunate that this lapse in thinking didn't contribute to a bad situation becoming worse.
2. Prepare a "Medical Evacuation Ditch List". Many cruisers put together a ditch bag, filled with emergency items in the unlikely event that they have to abandon ship and take to the dinghy or life raft. However, I suspect that few of us consider what we ought to quickly grab if we're faced with a medical evacuation. In my case, with the chopper on its way, my head turned to mush when I tried to think of what I'd need for the next several days. I did grab passports, wallets, checkbook, insurance cards, supply of boat cards, laptop computer and cell phone (thanks to Sandy we had 110 volt charging cords for both, instead of just the 12 volt cords we usually use while on the boat), toothbrushes and overnight stuff, sunglasses, Sandy's weekly pill cases, notepad and pen, small pillow, and something to read. Conspicuously absent from my hurried packing were my prescription medications, one of Sandy's prescriptions, our address book with contact info and passwords (I'm not a smart phone user), a change of socks and underwear, a daypack, a bottle of water, and some energy food like granola bars. I regretted each of the overlooked items in the days to come. My conclusion: prepare in advance a well thought out checklist of items to grab in the event of a medical evacuation. It's much easier to go down the list instead of trying to think of each item when the pressure is on.
3. Regarding the boat. Of course, the boat must be securely anchored or tied up, but beyond that, the boat is the least of one's concerns. If the emergency call goes out while on the water or at anchor, other boaters as well as Coast Guard will respond as quickly as possible. Rely on the good people who are out on the water or at the marina to take good care of the boat. In our case, the marina owner simply said "Don't worry about the boat. We'll keep a good eye on her till you can return." Good people are eager to help, and this is one area where they can and will.
4. Prepare a simple set of boat operating instructions. Every boat has its unique operating characteristics. In the case of MacGregors, things like starting tips, centerboard and rudder operation (down when docking, up when motoring over 5mph) and the like come to mind. I plan on printing out a set of basic boat operation points on small cards. If I have to hand the boat off quickly to someone not familiar with its operation, having a card to hand over will save time and help assure that the boat gets safely to the dock.
5. Manage the flow of information. In the days following admission at the hospital, I needed to contact family and friends to let them know what happened. Especially in the first day or two, this was an emotionally draining effort. I initially contacted both of our parents, as well as our church pastor. I asked them to coordinate notification and updates to other family and close friends. This proved very helpful.
6. Don't neglect yourself. The stress in coping with such a situation is significant, and can easily be underestimated. Paying inadequate attention to food, hydration, and sleep can easily result.
7. Cell phone. We were in a "Roaming" area, however, I gave it no thought as I burned up the minutes in the first few days. As the situation began to stabilize, however, I realized that I would likely be facing a substantial phone bill at the rate I was going. I called our cell phone provider and was relieved to learn that they had a "Canada/Mexico" plan, at very little added cost, which gave me 1000 out of country minutes. Even better, once I opted for it, this plan was retroactive to the start of the billing period. I hadn't bothered looking into such a plan prior to the trip since I hadn't planned on using the phone much.
8. Insurance considerations. Once the emergency strikes, it's really too late to consider the adequacy of one's insurance. The focus is, rightly, on getting the best possible care as quickly as possible. However, sooner or later, the bills must be paid. We are under Medicare, and in selecting a Medicare supplement, we opted for a plan which extended coverage outside the US.

It is our wish that none of the readers on this Board will ever experience a medical emergency while out enjoying your boats. However, if the unthinkable does happen, hopefully our experience will be of some help in responding in the best way possible.

[Y.B.Normal]

Thanks for a fantastic post.
We're praying her recovery is fast and complete.

I just found out a few minutes ago that our nephew almost drowned in Northern Wisconsin, and that the young woman who saves him didn't make it.
You never know when an emergency will happen.

The Crew of Y.B.NORMAL

[NiceAft]

First of all, without trying to be presumptuous in stating what others on this board think, I believe it is safe to say that I and others here are sorry to read of your events, and glad that the outcome is positive.

Second of all, thank you for such a concise, informative post. It is an eye opener. A slap back to the reality of what can happen, and how we should prepare.

Ray

[seahouse]

Ray has spoken for me. It's normal to second-guess your actions in hind sight, but your conduct was appropriate, Chinook, as the outcome attests. Thanks for posting; Godspeed.
-B.

[Highlander]

Yes I agree with Ray & Brian 10x2
Take care & wish Sandy a speedy recovery

J

[yukonbob]

Glad everything worked out well.

I would suggest to those considering an emergency responder course to look at an advanced remote wilderness first aid over basic CPR or first aid. It addresses a lot of concerns listed here not just the action of first aid and CPR but adds the element of keeping calm and collective in emergency situations and getting it in your head that help may be days away and you have this persons life in your hands.

In all our first aid kits we a fresh supply of Benadryl (mild-mod allergic reactions) Aspirin or Generic ASA (heart attacks, strokes: watch though this can thin blood x9 + internal bleeding=bad), Gravol & Immodium (severe vomiting/diarrhea can dehydrate and lead to more serious complications) and anbesol (numbs tooth pain but can also be used as a local anesthetic to remove items or stitch/clean someone up if required). A very small portion is dedicated to band-aides with the bulk of our FA kit comprised of gauze, emergency foil blankets (hypothermia is highly underrated and if not dealt with properly is lethal and can happen anywhere), anesthetic, bandages, lots of tape, and a suture kit (scissors, clamps, needles, line ect). I also keep flint & steel and a signal mirror in there as well.

Our ditch bag has hand held VHF, flares (new and all the expired ones), FA kit, horn, flash light. For coastal cruising US or Canada everything else can be replaced or dealt with later IMO rest is just baggage. Off shore or foreign country is a whole different game plan.

Best wishes.

[cptron]

Chinook, I could not read your post without being moved. This is something that none of us want to think about happening to our loved ones but by the same token we have to so we can be better prepared in these situations. The admiral and I would like to let you know that we will pray for you guys and we wish Sandy a speedy recovery.

[Jim Bunnell]

I, too, will be praying for you and Sandy. Thanks for posting, and God Bless.

[Obelix]

Chinook,

Thank you for this posting.
Let me extend me best wishes for both of you and for your wife's full recovery.
Your post made me aware how unprepared we are, should a medical emergency arise. You make a couple of very valid suggestions, something more to mill over and somehow implement.

Obelix

[raycarlson]

As someone who had a stroke event with a 100% recovery, I can recommend one small cheap thing all of us old farts need to carry at all times, that's a couple of the small packets of powdered aspirin, Any er doc will tell you next to expediting transport to hospital immediate dose of aspirin will greatly extend your chances of recovery in both stroke and heart attack events.

[Jeff L]

My prayers to you and your admiral for complete and fast recovery...
Jeff L

[mastreb]

I'm soooo glad she's going to be okay. That's such an incredibly scary circumstance.

The confusion you experienced is called shock. There's nothing you can do about it other than practice the situation until it no longer happens, which is what medical first responders and soldiers do, which for most people is just not reasonable considering that we don't know what form these kinds of emergencies are going to take.

It's a time when your advice to rely on the kindness of strangers is necessary: You can't avoid going into shock when these kinds of things happen to your loved ones, and people who are more detached can be more effective and capable than you can be. Please don't beat yourself up over a the few things you didn't know to do when you handled the entire situation extremely well.

The fact that you were prepared enough to get everything handled speaks volumes. You're a lot more prepared than we would be for a situation like that.

Thanks for sharing this very personal story. These are the kinds of things we all need to be aware of and thinking about.

Matt

[Russ]

Thanks for posting this. Prayers for total recovery going out.

Thank you for the useful information that we may be better prepared for emergencies. May some good come from you posting this.

--Russ

[tp56ihs]

Thanks so much for posting. As my wife and I are very close to hitting the 60 mark this is great info. Thanks all for adding info for preparedness as well.

[March]

Speedy recovery and best wishes!