Offshore life as a medical doctor can be challenging. Practice is relatively different from that of a typical hospital setting. In most locations, you are the Doctor, Nurse, Pharmacist and Laboratory scientist all together.
Although, it is challenging but challenges like this could also make your resilient and prepare for work in a difficult setting.
A typical circle begins when new crews join/ come to change the team already at the location after quarantine. On arrival, you would do the rapid covid test, take a brief medical history to note those with chronic medical conditions (e.g hypertension, diabetes) that would need follow up on checks/ drug compliance.
Providing healthcare in a remote (offshore)setting involves general outpatient services, rapid laboratory tests, basic surgical procedures in the event of an accident, wound dressing, counseling and making sure workers adhere to covid-19 safety practices.
Regular check/ follow up on hypertensive & diabetic crew, regular counselling on some important public health topics, looking out for food hygiene at the galley and working with MedVac team when necessary.
You also want to be observant of hazardous things, activities that could cause injuries or could affect the health of your crew. For this, working closely with your HSE officer could be rewarding.
These preventive steps are of health importance to the healthcare provider, crews and financially beneficial to the organization. Remember that MedVac can be expensive and accidents could have a long-term effect on the performance of employees.
In conclusion, as an offshore healthcare provider, make sure you don’t segregate, show love to all your team members equally. You also want be ready to talk/ counsel repeatedly, lead by showing examples. Exercising regularly and making sure you are properly dressed in your coverall, safety boots, hard hat and other necessary safety accessories when you go to the field.
