DSK wrote:
"Capt" Rob ...

.... the most significant item we carry is the
Philips HeartStart External Defibrillator.


Do you know which symptoms to use it for? Do you know which conditions
it will not help?

Oddly enough, my wife & I were sitting around with some sailing friends
and this exact subject came up. Fortunately there was a knowledgeable
professional present who laid out the basic facts very plainly.


Bob Crantz wrote:

Do you have a big red cross painted on the side of the ship?

What are you sailing, a hospital boat?


I don't think it's unreasonalbe to carry an AED, especially for somebody
to whom the cost (so important to Bubbles, he had to mention it first)
is trivial.

Why don't your ailing friends get implantable defibrillators? If they
are that prone to heart problems, that's an indication for an implant.


Yeah but then they wouldn't be depending on the generosity & courage of
Bobsprit.

Do you have an on board pulse-ox? Why not?


No, he carries a REAL ox... no wait, that may be a buffalo...


Do you have liability insurance for that defib? Remember, Suzy is a
nurse, she's no longer a good samaritan.


And that's a big big issue, especially in combination with the
requirement for coming to aid of other mariners. Bobsprit could be sued
by any boater nearby who had a cardiac incident. No wonder he's so
unwilling to go far from his slip!

DSK

My fear is that with the spread of these machines to local
establishments and businesses, more harm than hurt is going to
occur. And the thought of some little kid playing "doctor" on his
friends or siblings leaves me cold....