related to rescue techniques for maritime accidents involving dangerous substances, such as measures and methods to protect against dangerous substances and methods to attach towing cables to burning ships.
5. System for Medical Emergencies at Sea
The system for medical emergencies at sea is set up so that when someone who is injured or falls ill at sea requires emergency medical attention and the Sea First Aid Center receives a request to dispatch doctors from a cooperating medical enactment, JMSA transports the doctor(s) and/or other medical personnel by patrol vessel, craft or aircraft. Generally, a helicopter-carrying-type patrol vessel rushes the doctor(s) and/or other medical personnel to the scene, and once it approaches the site, they are transported there as quickly as possible using the mobility of the helicopter. Then the patient is airlifted to the patrol vessel and transported to a land-based medical enactment while the doctor performs emergency medical treatment. When a medical emergency occurs very far offshore, the patient may be transported in stages, making use of remote islands or several helicopter-carrying-type patrol vessels deployed successively.
The Sea First Aid Center has handled an aggregate total of 332 cases (29 cases in 1995) and transported 620 doctors, nurses and other medical personnel (54 persons in 1995) from when it was inaugurated, up until the end of 1995.
6. Further Enhancement of the System for Medical Emergencies at Sea
JMSA carries out emergency medical treatment for persons rescued from maritime distress, at the scene of the accident or during transport to a medical enactment. However, some of the rescued people require sophisticated medical aid.
Because of these circumstances, since April 1992, JMSA has continued to have personnel receive training to acquire national certification as "medics," who are able to perform emergency life saving treatment under the direction of a physician. As of FY 1995, four JMSA personnel possessing this qualification were assigned to the Haneda Special Rescue Station. In FY 1996 and beyond. JMSA intends to continue to have qualified medics assigned to helicopter-carrying-type patrol vessels.
7. Cooperating with Related Organizations, etc.
When maritime distress or disaster occurs, JMSA requests support related to search and rescue, as needed, from the Self-Defense Forces of Japan, the U.S. military, or other relevant organizations.
In addition, to accommodate participation in the "International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue, 1979" (SAR Convention), in June 1985, Japan decided, through deliberations among its relevant government ministries and agencies, to establish a liaison
