For oil and gas has taken workers into new more distant locations including those offshore. The remoteness of the offshore platforms and vessels coupled with the potential risk of being cut off by bad weather presents particular challenges for medical emergency response. Medical professionals working offshore on installations and vessels are primarily responsible for the medical care of the workers. The medics have clinics with suitable medical equipment for managing emergencies as well as providing limited primary care. Companies within the sector maintain requiring their own set of minimum standards for emergency response.
On most offshore facilities there will be a sickbay: this usually comprises a treatment area that should have facilities for a seated consultation, a stretcher, with suction, oxygen and medical equipment easily accessible in cupboards and a sink with running water. There is often a bed for short-stay in-patient treatment. It is very important to stock enough medical items to deal with a major emergency with several casualties.
