Chapter 16

Sea Survival

THE OPEN SEA

Seasickness

16-64. Seasickness is the nausea and vomiting caused by the motion of the raft. It can result in—

• Extreme fluid loss and exhaustion.

• Loss of the will to survive.

• Others becoming seasick.

• Attraction of sharks to the raft.

• Unclean conditions.

16-65. To treat seasickness—

• Wash both the patient and the raft to remove the sight and odor of vomit.

• Keep the patient from eating food until his nausea is gone.

• Have the patient lie down and rest.

• Give the patient seasickness pills if available. If the patient is unable to take the pills orally, insert them rectally for absorption by the body. Do not take seasickness pills if you are already seasick. They tend to make the patient even sicker; always take seasickness pills before the symptoms appear.