This past week I had the opportunity to chat with several recreational boaters about a wide variety of topics. It was a great discussion covering everything from the latest safety equipment to the advantages and disadvantages of some of the latest power and sailboat designs. We even talked about the increasing number of kayaks near Waterside and Rudy Inlet.

One topic brought up was passengers. Don’t get me wrong, every boat owner I spoke with loved to bring people onboard and show them around their vessel. It was even more fun, remarked one owner, if the person had never been underway. Given some of the extraordinary weather we have had this week, what better way to introduce someone to recreational boating then a twilight cruise?

During the discussion another owner made a remark that got me thinking about this week’s column. He said, &uot;I wish the boating safety courses spent a few minutes talking about medical emergencies, specifically heart attacks.&uot;

Never thought of that.

Heart attacks are one of the leading killers nowadays. I lost my father in 1996 to a heart attack so the topic has been at the forefront of my thinking ever since. Boat owners and operators need to ensure that they understand the warning signs if a passenger has an attack, and what to do!

To look at this topic a little further, I consulted the American Heart Association Web site, AmericanHeart.org. They have some great information and recommendations.

First and foremost, it is important to realize that your passenger (or crew member) may be subject to several different kinds of heart attacks. Before we go any further, I am not a nurse or doctor; this column is designed for awareness. If you have medical issues please seek help from medical professionals!

Most of us, me included, thought that heart attacks are normally like the ones we see in the movies. Dramatic tightening of chest, the person doubles over, and no one is in doubt. These still exist. However some heart attacks can initially cause &uot;mild pain or discomfort. Often people affected aren’t sure what’s wrong and wait too long before getting help.&uot;

The American Heart Association offers the following signs meaning that a heart attack is happening. Every boat owner and operator should be aware of these major signs:

a. Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.

b. Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.

c. Shortness of breath. May occur with or without chest discomfort. Other signs may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

Any combination of these may indicate problems. If you are in a situation like this underway notify the Coast Guard via Channel 16 immediately. They can help coordinate with EMS to respond. If you are pier-side, at a marina or boat launch, call 911. Immediately!

I worked several cases as a Command Center Controller in San Juan Puerto Rico where we medevaced passengers off cruise ships that were having a heart attack. The important thing to remember is time. In an emergency like this a boat operator should have a plan thought out before they ever leave a dock. Many books on recreational boating address how to respond to medical emergencies while underway. Heart attacks are one emergency everyone should consider.

Until next week….Boat Safe and Boat Smart!

Joe DiRenzo is Coast Guard employee who lives in Suffolk. He can be reached at j.direnzo@charter.net.