2028 MedSail

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Join us for an adventure-filled sailing trip through the stunning British Virgin Islands, while earning FAWM and CME credits. You'll learn from expert instructors and network with colleagues in a breathtaking setting with the opportunity to explore ancient ruins, hike through rugged landscapes, or dive/snorkel in crystal-clear waters. You'll also have the chance to participate in hands-on simulations and scenario-based learning exercises. Don't miss this incredible opportunity to combine professional development with a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

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More Information

Please Note:

  • Registration is exclusively available for Standard and Premium WMS members only. 
  • If you see "Registration not available," please make sure you're logged in.
  • If you still do not have access, you likely need to become a member of the WMS or upgrade your membership type by emailing [email protected].
  • Participants who independently charter their own boats are entering into separate agreements not covered by our policy. If participants charter their own boats, WMS’s insurance provider will not extend liability coverage to those vessels. To ensure proper protection, participants are strongly advised to obtain a Certificate of Insurance (COI) from the boat charter provider and ensure they are named as additional insureds on that certificate.
When
1/29/2028 7:00 PM - 2/5/2028 11:00 AM
Eastern Standard Time
Where
The BVI Yacht Charters Marina Tortola Road Town, BVI VIRGIN ISLANDS, BRITISH
Spots available
5 spots left
Registration
Sign in or create an account to register
Last day to register is 1/23/2028

Program

Saturday, 29 January 2028

Description
Evening welcome reception and information session poolside at Mariner's Inn. Light Hors d'Oeuvres and beverages served.  All participants must attend and guest are welcome.  MedSail faculty will review important information about the week.
Time
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
7:00 PM

Sunday, 30 January 2028

Description
Continental Breakfast Provided.
Time
7:30 AM - 11:00 AM
7:30 AM
Understand the different properties of UVA, UVB, and UVC Familiarity with basic recognition of Basal cell cancer, Squamous Cell cancer, and Melanoma Understand the difference between organic and inorganic sun screens Discuss effective clothing, hats and glasses in blocking harmful UV radiation.
Time
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM
8:00 AM
Name the major components of the neurovestibular system Describe the pathophysiology of motion sickness Discuss the epidemiology of sea sickness Name three prevention strategies for sea sickness, including medications Describe three techniques to manage sea sickness, including medications.
Time
8:30 AM - 9:00 AM
8:30 AM
•Identify sailing/boating-related hazards  •Discuss common sources of injury aboard a sailboat •Name common shipboard sources of fire/burns •Explain fire prevention, suppression and rescue techniques aboard a sailboat •Identify shipboard rescue equipment and describe its use  •Describe the process of making a MAYDAY call for assistance over the VHF radio
Time
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
9:00 AM
Following morning lectures the group will sail to Norman Island.
Time
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
11:00 AM

Monday, 31 January 2028

Description
Continental Breakfast Provided.
Time
7:30 AM - 11:30 AM
7:30 AM
Define drowning, immersion and submersion.  Explain the 1:10:1 rule. Name three ways to prevent hypothermia in the marine environment. Review the cold shock response and the incapacitation that ensues. Discuss ways to mitigate the cold shock response in an effort to improve survivability.
Time
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
8:00 AM
Discuss concepts of medical evacuation from sea, including patient preparation and packaging Explain how to construct a marine-specific medical kit and relate to passenger-specific medical needs Compare the standard components of an off-shore vs. coastal medical kit Advise passengers and crew on strategies to prevent illness and injury in this environment Identify additional educational resources for marine medicine practitioners Explain the procedure for air evacuation of an injured crewmember by helicopter
Time
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
9:00 AM
Following the morning lectures the group will sail to Trellis Bay.
Time
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
11:00 AM

Tuesday, 01 February 2028

Description
Continental Breakfast Provided.
Time
7:30 AM - 11:00 AM
7:30 AM
Differentiate between means of communication with the Coast Guard Identify three means of communication with shore and their benefits Demonstrate how to communicate a medical emergency request for assistance at sea
Time
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
8:00 AM
Visual recognition of different types of marine stings and punctures. Avoidance and treatment of jellyfish stings from a variety of species.  Avoidance and treatment of stings from stingrays and stinging fish.  Avoidance and treatment of sea snake bites.
Time
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
8:30 AM
Understand the risk of injury and death inherent in boating accidents Discuss injury and fatality prevention as it pertains to boating safety Describe common errors in decision making that can lead to the abandonment of a sailboat Describe the annual boating accident data with regard to cause of death and type of boat
Time
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
9:00 AM
List common wounds in the marine environment. Describe basic immediate care for wounds and burns, as well as prolonged wound care management. Identify when to consider referral to definitive care.
Time
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
10:00 AM
Explain construction of a marine-specific medical kit.  Assess passenger-specific maritime medical needs.  Compare the standard components of an off-shore vs. coastal medical kit.  Identify additional educational resources for marine medicine practitioners.
Time
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
11:00 AM
Following morning lectures the group will sail to North Sound, Leverick Bay.
Time
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
12:00 PM

Wednesday, 02 February 2028

Description
Continental Breakfast Provided.
Time
7:30 AM - 11:30 AM
7:30 AM
Discuss common hand injuries and their treatment. Be familiar with basic splinting of extremity fractures and use of the SAM Splint. Discuss recognition of shoulder dislocations and various reduction techniques. Describe the evaluation and management of abdominal pain at sea. Summarize the management of diarrhea and hypovolemia at sea.
Time
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
8:00 AM
Explain the recognition, pathophysiology, and treatment of scombroid poisoning. Explain the diagnosis, pathophysiology, and treatment of ciguatera poisoning. Discuss various diseases associated with harmful algal blooms. Discuss the pathophysiology and treatment of Fugu poisoning.
Time
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
8:30 AM
Describe the epidemiology and pathophysiology of hypothermia, Explain the 1:10:1 rule, Understand diagnosis and treatment of hypothermia in a marine/non-clinical setting, Name three ways to prevent hypothermia in the marine environment, Describe the challenges of recovering a crew overboard, Identify three means of re-boarding a person from the water, Describe how the vessels point of sail might affect the crew recovery maneuver used.
Time
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
9:00 AM

Thursday, 03 February 2028

Description
Continental Breakfast Provided.
Time
7:30 AM - 11:00 AM
7:30 AM
Discuss concepts of medical evacuation from sea, including patient preparation and packaging.  Explain the procedure for air evacuation of an injured crewmember by helicopter.  Describe the major components of the US maritime search and rescue system.
Time
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
8:00 AM
Summarize the epidemiology of common travelers’ illnesses Identify sources of current medical intelligence relevant to marine travelers, including recommended immunizations and prophylactic medications List standard prevention principles for common travel illnesses.  Explain treatment of head injuries at sea.
Time
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
9:00 AM
Describe a prioritized list of safety and survival actions given varied marine accidents and condition scenarios (group activity). Describe strategies to combat dehydration, fatigue, hyper/hypothermia, and nutritional deficits in a marine survival situation.
Time
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
9:30 AM
Following the morning lectures the group will sail to Jost Van Dyke.
Time
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
11:00 AM

Friday, 04 February 2028

Description
Continental Breakfast Provided.
Time
7:30 AM - 11:00 AM
7:30 AM
Identify boat equipment and supplies useful for marine survival situations.  Describe strategies to combat dehydration, fatigue, hyper/hypothermia, and nutritional deficits in a marine survival situation.  Explain the process of abandoning ship.  List common survival kit/ditch bag contents.  List 3 means of procuring food, water and shelter at sea
Time
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
8:00 AM
Describe common errors in decision making that can lead to the wrecking or abandonment of a sailboat and resultant injuries/fatalities.  Describe a prioritized list of safety and survival actions given varied recent marine accident and condition scenarios.  Discuss appropriate medical treatment given varied recent marine accident and condition scenarios.
Time
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
9:00 AM
You will be required to disembark the yacht no later than 11:00 AM Saturday morning.
Time
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
11:30 AM

Saturday, 05 February 2028

Description
Time
11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
11:00 AM