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Other medical problems aboard survival craft
Seasickness
Seasickness (motion sickness) is an acute illness characterized by loss of appetite, nausea, dizziness, and vomiting. Preventive measures are often effective.
Sunburn
Sunburn is one of the principal medical hazards of survival on the open sea, regardless of latitude. It may vary from a first- to a third-degree burn, depending upon the exposure and the protection available to the victim. Initially, sunburn is generally characterized by redness, oedema, and tenderness of the skin. It may be accompanied by local pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, or even prostration.
Sunburn is prevented by keeping fully clothed at all times and, if possible, staying under a canopy. Survivors should avoid looking directly into the sun or at the glare from the water. Those aboard the survival craft should wear sunglasses during all daylight hours. In addition to these obvious precautions, a sun-screening agent should be applied liberally to all exposed parts of the body during periods of exposure to strong sunlight.
Hydration and nutrition
If rescue is delayed, maintaining both hydration and nutrition aboard the survival craft will become progressively more difficult. Food supplies are less essential than water. Lifeboat stores are often limited to hard candy, which provides a small amount of energy. Its main value is in boosting the morale of hungry survivors.
Although survival craft carry a limited quantity of potable water, they may be equipped with desalting kits or a solar still, which would provide additional drinking water. Each desalting kit provides about half a litre of safe drinking water. Although the water is likely to be acrid and discoloured, it is safe when prepared according to the instructions on the kit. The capacity of a solar still is limited; it will yield about 4 litres of water per day in temperate climates with sunlight. This distilled water looks and smells better than the water produced by desalination. Efforts should be made to store rainwater.
If it is likely that more than one day will pass before rescue, a minimal amount of water should be issued during the first 24 hours. This will allow survivors1 bodies to activate water-saving mechanisms that will later reduce the need for water. Survivors who have spent some time in the water, or who have swallowed seawater, may have a demanding thirst; this should be partially satisfied. After the first day, half a litre of water daily per person should be consumed. In tropical climates, if stores are adequate, the ration should be increased to compensate for excessive loss of water due to sweating.
Heat exposure
Special problems are created aboard survival craft by exposure to tropical heat. In certain circumstances, fluid loss by sweating alone can be extremely high. The body will adjust to exceptional heat to some extent, but full acclimatization rarely occurs.
Dehydration can be prevented by minimizing activity during the daylight hours and by making the best use of clothing as a canopy. Treatment for dehydration consists of increasing the water ration, as supplies permit.
Heat exhaustion is caused by a loss of body water and salt.
Heat cramps are painful spasms of the muscles of the extremities, back, or abdomen due to salt depletion. The skin is usually moist and cool, and twitching of muscles is frequent.
Heat stroke (sunstroke) is a medical emergency.