Distant oceanic paramedical practice: an example of environmental health nursing in remote hazardous locations

Occupational health practitioners, whether they be medical practitioners or nursing practitioners, work in an ever-increasing diversified environment--from banks and insurance companies and other commercial outlets in the tertiary field to light and heavy manufacturing and engineering--but even this specialized area of practice has various subspecialities that are "off the beaten track." This article will focus on one of these fields--that of the petrochemical industry. Oil and gas production can be found both on land and at sea and this article looks at some of the different types of units from healthcare perspective. The method of practicing as an offshore nurse is described. A summary of practical tasks and skills is also presented within the setting of an offshore medic's job description. This is based on the current practices and legislation that is in force at this time, not only within the UK but also including Europe as a whole. The reader will attain a general understanding of how this industry operates. However, more relevant to the readership, a comprehensive idea of the medical and par-medical knowledge and skills required to practice in a worldwide context as an offshore medic/nurse is presented. Some of the items discussed include the qualifications needed, the tasks undertaken (medical and nonmedical), and some basic study of the medical problems that are encountered while working within marine and land-based hostile environments.