Diseases and Injuries among Seafarers and Fishermen based on Consultation from Ships to Telemedical Maritime Assistance Service in Thailand

Abstract

          Seafarers and fishermen have a different working environment and routine life compared to the onshore workers. They have to work far from the coast for a long time, making it difficult to access proper medical care. This research aimed to study the characteristic of diseases or injuries among seafarers and fishermen based on consultation from ships to Telemedical Maritime Assistance Service in Thailand. The research’s study design was a descriptive study. The data was collected from Telemedical Maritime Assistance Service in Thailand case report, which composed of the Royal Thai Navy Area Command 1, 2, and 3 and Thai Marine Enforcement Command Center Command 1, 2 and 3 between 1 January 2015 to 30 June 2022. There were 316 consultations and 578 patients were reported in total. The majority were fishermen (92.91%). 91.52% had an injury and 8.48% acquired diseases. The most common injury was falling overboard or drowning which was a result of a bad weather and the most common diagnostic group of disease was central nervous system (34.69%). The majority of patients were evacuated and 69.55% were alive. Area command 1 had the most number of consultations. This research shows the important role of TMAS in saving seafarers and fishermen who get illnesses or injuries at sea. Most causes of injuries can be prevented. The majority of patients were fishermen who were informal workers, so the policy should focus on increasing working skills, safety, and first aid on ship for fishermen. Moreover, the data and database should be developed to improve TMAS in the future.