Medical Advice Calls

MCA MGN 623 applies the Telemedical Advice Service to merchant and pleasure vessels. First contact HM Coastguard by VHF DSC or Channel 16 as appropriate. Phone or satellite communication may supplement the radio route but should not be the sole means of raising the request because the Coastguard coordinates the medical link and any maritime response.

For an urgent request below distress, the published voice opening uses PAN-PAN three times, ALL STATIONS three times or the named Coastguard station three times if known, THIS IS, vessel name three times, call sign, MMSI and I REQUIRE MEDICAL ADVICE, then OVER. HM Coastguard directs the working frequency and gathers a brief description before linking the vessel to a doctor.

Prepare observable facts: vessel identity and type, current position, intended landing port, casualty age and sex where relevant, consciousness, breathing, symptoms or injury, onset, changes, first aid given, medication and allergies if known. Do not delay immediate first aid to complete a perfect list. Telemedical advice supplements onboard first aid and published medical guidance; it does not replace them.