Issue date
Time is fast running out to book your spot for Dr Dave Austin's renowned offshore medical course and ensure you're fully prepared for medical emergencies while at sea.
Registrations for the course, which has been extended to a two-day programme and will now be held on 11-12 February at the Bucklands Beach Yacht Club, close on Friday (February 3).
Click here to register.
It covers basic and advanced first-aid - including major trauma, cardiac arrest, burns, infections, fractures, dislocations, intramuscular injections and contacting the rescue co-ordination centre.
Dr Dave, as Austin is more commonly known, is a Kiwi and experienced yachtsman, with more than 40,000 miles under his sea boots. He's also the director of intensive care services for Central Queensland Health and in 2019 was nominated for Australian of the Year.
He is fresh off a fourth Sydney Hobart Race and says the practical nature and five-year validity are just some of the positives which set his course apart, along with being delivered by a doctor who has sailed and worked in an outdoor environment.
“We focus on putting skills learnt in the course into practice, and also cover preventative measures which stop medical issues from escalating into emergencies. I still get quizzed frequently by yachties for medical advice and advice on their medical kits - there’s no use having extensive supplies without knowing how to use them,” Austin said.
"Thinking about things like getting someone from the foredeck to down below via steep companionway steps if they have a fractured back, or dealing with a cardiac arrest onboard are just some of the situations we explore.”
This year’s course timing has been decided to suit the upcoming SSANZ events including the 2023 Round North Island - which Austin has completed twice.
The course is also suitable for any sailors cruising or racing offshore throughout the year.
It is recognised by Yachting New Zealand for category 1 and other events requiring an advanced first-aid qualification, as well as by World Sailing for events such as Auckland Fiji, Auckland Noumea, Sydney Hobart, and the Fastnet race.
Click here to register and secure your spot on the 2023 course.
