Carnival Dropped the Ball when guy died.

[steven41782]

Here's where I'm sure carnival people will roll their eyes at me, but when I was on the Disney Magic in 2005, there was a heart attack. They literally stopped everyone in their tracks. and had stretcher, toolkit, debrillator, etc. at the guy in minutes. He was airlifted via helicopter that night. It was amazing response and a testament to how much that crew had emphasized passenger safety. These are just two accounts and perhaps there have been amazing rescues on carnival and not so polished ones on the Magic.... but it shaped my view of the two lines.

 

I am not going to defend the lack of response, but I seriously doubt it would be any better on any other ship (or public place), unless it was a heart specialist convention, and even then, their first thought might not be a heart attack in a 30-something guy.

 

It's very sad for his family and also for those passengers who witnessed this, but response like this is very common in public places unfortunately.

[klmorg]

I'm so sorry to hear the news about the man on the Fascination. I felt compelled to jump in with a positive experience though... the infirmary staff on the Liberty (doctor & nurse) pretty much saved my husband's life when he had a heart attack on board, and it was 2:00 am. Doctors at Cayman Islands hopsital and Jackson Mem in Miami were impressed with the ship's medical treatment. I'm sure there are many stories.... both good and bad. But without actually being there to witness what transpired, I'll reserve judgment on this one.

[Mikel1733]

Wow...someone thinks they are the only person entitled to suggestions! You must not understand how many women's health problems require an OB. If you did you would not try and sound so smart! These problems are life and death not just a prostate problem ;)

Actually prostate cancer is the #1 killer of men.

[Crewmates]

As a professional medical first responder, I can tell you that with rare exceptions that the chances of survival for that kind of event would have been no better on land than on that ship. By the time that someone recognizes a problem, calls 911, answers all their questions, dispatches the proper response, travel time etc. it is almost always too late to change the outcome. Unless someone is standing next to you with a defibrillator when you have the big one, then the outcome is usually bleak. So don't blame Carnival.

 

 

I tend to agree. A Co-worker suffered a severe (an ultimately, fatal) heart attack in her cabin aboard a RCI ship several years ago. Her husband called for help and responders were on scene within an estimated 5 minutes complete with oxygen, defib machine and meds. They kept her alive until they Helicoptered her back to Miami (from the area around Grand Cayman). She was kept in Miami for several weeks until they felt it she could be transported home (by med-air) to southern California. Unfortunately, her brain was deprived of oxygen for too long initiially and there was too much damage done. She died about a year later in a care facility.

 

I don't think having Dr. Wizard aboard and his Magic-Medicine Show would have saved her.

[VolzCruiser]

You really find posting about the death of a young man a laughing matter? The OP was not posting rumours but rather what he/she experienced. Maybe others can add to the little info. about the incident that the OP posted. Given these boards, I am sure that some will blame the victim.

 

I never said the man death was funny what I was laughing at is the qoute

 

Yeah. I cleared out and all I know was passed down from other passengers..

 

which clearly states that all he knew was passed along to him. Which would be rumors

[dan40]

Cruise ship infirmaries [ALL CRUISE LINES] are NOT ER's or Trauma Hospitals. They are only glorified first aid stations. That is not a complaint, that is ALL they are supposed to be. They are VERY WELL equipped first aid stations, but only that. There is one contract Doctor. He/she is not on duty 24/7 and is not a cruise line employee. There are usually 2 nurses, also independent contractors. On a modern mega-ship they treat 350 to 400 patients on a 7 day cruise. Most will be pain pills, sea sick meds or band aids, but they have to go thru some Q&A. Which takes some time. At 30 minutes per patient, times 400 patients, that is 200 hours That's more than the 168 hours in a 7 day cruise. They are not hangin' at the Disco like Doc on Love Boat.

I have had a heart attack. On land, in late afternoon, I was in surgery at 10, 11 that night. Doctor said I had a little tiny HA, glad he wouldn't lie to me.:D Did make me wonder why everyone stayed over to cut me that night! Point is, I cruise a lot, and KNOW what they can and cannot do. Had my HA been on a ship, I'd be a goner. I accept that and still cruise.

 

Dan

[tbjl24]

Here's where I'm sure carnival people will roll their eyes at me, but when I was on the Disney Magic in 2005, there was a heart attack. They literally stopped everyone in their tracks. and had stretcher, toolkit, debrillator, etc. at the guy in minutes. He was airlifted via helicopter that night. It was amazing response and a testament to how much that crew had emphasized passenger safety. These are just two accounts and perhaps there have been amazing rescues on carnival and not so polished ones on the Magic.... but it shaped my view of the two lines.

 

Unfortunately, Disney received many black eyes in the media at their Orlando resorts over poor response to medical emergencies in years past. I imagine the response on their cruise ships is the result of the bad publicity they received over the years.

 

Just saying, unfortunately, these big corporations probably will not change unless they really start getting raked over the coals in the public eye.

[Tncontrygirl]

Just a note in Carnival's favor....

On my recent Holiday cruise... A lady apparently fell prior to boarding the ship (went down was the term used the following day). Our ship was 4 hours late leaving Mobile due to fog, and the Captian was going to have his job cut out for him making up the time so we wouldnt miss our ports. During that first evening the lady "went down" again, and was taken to the infirmary. Upon determining her condition to be serious, the ship reversed course and went back several hours towards Mobile to meet up with a Coast Guard boat and off-load her.

 

This put our trip almost 8 hours behind schedule, and had alot of irritated passengers, but even knowing 1500 persons were being inconvenienced...Carnival put the safety and well being of the one passenger ahead of all else and took her to emergency help.

 

I know they don't get it right all the time, and I have no personal knowledge on what happened on the other cruises, but on my cruise the ships Doctor and staff seemed to work excellently.

 

vicki

[Royaltmom]

A very sad and unfortunate event. I agree that there should be a plan in place. I would guess that there is since the crew train regularly. But I don't know that for sure.

 

What I do know is that while on the Triumph in 07', on my birthday to be exact....DH and I went to the buffet for breakfast. There was a little spot of water on the floor, and I had on flip flops and slipped and fell. It was not graceful in any way. I wanted to disappear. Yes, I had hit my knee...but it was just sore, nothing really wrong. Waiters came rushing to my aid. They brought me a towel, helped me up and cleaned up the mess I had just made. I said I was fine, went to the table with my DH. It was maybe 2 or 3 minutes later when a medical crew member showed up at our table. He really wanted me to go to the infirmary and get checked out. Since I didn't want to go he asked me some questions to make sure that I really was fine, as I had said.

Not the same as a man dieing. I know that. Just wanted to point out a positive response from Carnival.

 

This situation is a good reminder to us all to take CPR classes and if you have already....is it time for a refresher course? You could save someone's life.

[soulfulone]

Here's where I'm sure carnival people will roll their eyes at me, but when I was on the Disney Magic in 2005, there was a heart attack. They literally stopped everyone in their tracks. and had stretcher, toolkit, debrillator, etc. at the guy in minutes. He was airlifted via helicopter that night. It was amazing response and a testament to how much that crew had emphasized passenger safety. These are just two accounts and perhaps there have been amazing rescues on carnival and not so polished ones on the Magic.... but it shaped my view of the two lines.

I hate to break this to you.. But in sept I was on the Holiday and a woman had a heart attack and guess what She was airlifted off the ship and her hubby let them know she made it.. It happens accdents happen.. To bad he was not sailing on the holiday.. But if it is your time to met your maker then it is your time.. No matter where you might be...

[Mrs. Ram]

Actually prostate cancer is the #1 killer of men.

 

I did not mean that prostate problems can not be a serious problem but it more than likely wont kill a man in 2 days. When a woman has a problem concerning her reproductive system it could kill her in 24 hours depending on the severity. I also did not post this to cause a debate. Just to post our experience with the health care on Carnival. :p

[Irishlinny]

Horrible stuff! This is not good nor right. I truly believe the doctors on ships are not qualified and are doctor "rejects" from the real world where they couldn't make it in their own practices. I think they are second rate doctors and most of them are from other countries.

 

:cool:It make you wonder if you get the standard of care that you normally get.I also wonder if its a industry thing and not just Carnival.

Supposedly this is a problem within the cruise industry in general. Though I don't think it's fair to say that the doctors are substandard, the requirements for being a doctor on a cruise ship is a little different and governed by different rules. And yes, they are often from other countries, though in some cases that may be a plus. I watched a show that went over this very topic, and it is concerning, to be sure. But it is a problem with the entire industry. Everything we do can pose a risk to us, including cruising. But I don't think it's fair to blame a cruiseline for a situation on a ship. JMO....

I'm so sorry to hear the news about the man on the Fascination. I felt compelled to jump in with a positive experience though... the infirmary staff on the Liberty (doctor & nurse) pretty much saved my husband's life when he had a heart attack on board, and it was 2:00 am. Doctors at Cayman Islands hopsital and Jackson Mem in Miami were impressed with the ship's medical treatment. I'm sure there are many stories.... both good and bad. But without actually being there to witness what transpired, I'll reserve judgment on this one.

We had a gentleman pass away on our cruise last year as well, but not for lack of trying on the medical staff's part. They called the code, rushed to the cabin with the equipment and appeared to do the right things very efficiently, but unfortunately sometimes there is nothing you can do.

Very sad about the poor young man on Fascination, though...prayers go out to his family...

[soulfulone]

Here's where I'm sure carnival people will roll their eyes at me, but when I was on the Disney Magic in 2005, there was a heart attack. They literally stopped everyone in their tracks. and had stretcher, toolkit, debrillator, etc. at the guy in minutes. He was airlifted via helicopter that night. It was amazing response and a testament to how much that crew had emphasized passenger safety. These are just two accounts and perhaps there have been amazing rescues on carnival and not so polished ones on the Magic.... but it shaped my view of the two lines.

I hate to break this to you.. But in sept I was on the Holiday and a woman had a heart attack and guess what She was airlifted off the ship and her hubby let them know she made it.. It happens accdents happen.. To bad he was not sailing on the holiday.. But if it is your time to met your maker then it is your time.. No matter where you might be... sorry for his family but when we are born we do have a exit time.. and no one knows when that will be.

[steven41782]

This is excellent news, why would you hate to break that to me?

 

I hate to break this to you.. But in sept I was on the Holiday and a woman had a heart attack and guess what She was airlifted off the ship and her hubby let them know she made it.. It happens accdents happen.. To bad he was not sailing on the holiday.. But if it is your time to met your maker then it is your time.. No matter where you might be...

[Nuttycruisegirl]

I think many people may be under the misconception that their are fully staffed medical facilities on Ships that operate like E.R's.....They are more like AM/PM clinics and treat more minor health problems. Any accident or major illness at Sea is very sad...But these things do happen. I work in Labor & Delivery and it always scares me to see pregnant women on board for this reason...I think some of them assume their is more advanced care on the Ship than there is....Not the case.

[5waldos]

Wow...someone thinks they are the only person entitled to suggestions! You must not understand how many women's health problems require an OB. If you did you would not try and sound so smart! These problems are life and death not just a prostate problem ;)

 

Try not peeing for a day and you may reconsider "just a prostate problem"

[Mikel1733]

I did not mean that prostate problems can not be a serious problem but it more than likely wont kill a man in 2 days. When a woman has a problem concerning her reproductive system it could kill her in 24 hours depending on the severity. I also did not post this to cause a debate. Just to post our experience with the health care on Carnival. :p

 

I understand.......I couldn't resist. I know a man though whose urinary track shut down and he literally about exploded. While doing a rotor rooter job they discovered the prostate cancer.

[Crewmates]

Try not peeing for a day and you may reconsider "just a prostate problem"

 

Ohhhhh!!!! Well said.

[Mrs. Ram]

Try not peeing for a day and you may reconsider "just a prostate problem"

 

Although I should not even respond because it seems to me like you are only trying to get me going, I am going to say one last thing! Would you really get on a cruise ship if you not only have prostate cancer (I dont see this as a reason not to cruise as long as you are feeling good) but if you also could not pee all day? I would personally rather be in the comfort of my home if I were having such problems! JMO

[Mrs. Ram]

I understand.......I couldn't resist. I know a man though whose urinary track shut down and he literally about exploded. While doing a rotor rooter job they discovered the prostate cancer.

 

I do have to say that I would never want that problem! OUCH!

[kyrisong1]

Hi everyone, just to add my 2 cents worth in, I was coming off the ship when a man tripped and fell on the walkway OFF of the ship, the ship medical people were there within minutes, the man was sent to hospital because they did not have xray on ship, he was treated and back on the ship before sail away, he had a bad sprain, no breaks, lucky for him.

I do know that they ask for ACLS (advanced cardiac life support)trained nurses, they also have Nurse Practitioners and MD's on board.

If you saw poor response, perhaps they were in the middle of another event or emergency. People die in ER's all the time, and I might add with Cardiomyopathy ( I believe that is what the article said killed the young man) they probably couldn't do much for him anyway, unfortunately a virus can give a young person the heart of a 90 year old without even knowing you have it. It's tragic, but it's part of life.

Carole

[tha sista]

Actually prostate cancer is the #1 killer of men.

 

No it isn't. Depending on the age of the man, heart disease is #1, then at another age replaced by lung cancer, with colon cancer creeping up there. Prostate cancer is found in many dead men, but is not the number 1 cause of killing them...Just my $0.02

[LanaJae]

Here's where I'm sure carnival people will roll their eyes at me, but when I was on the Disney Magic in 2005, there was a heart attack. They literally stopped everyone in their tracks. and had stretcher, toolkit, debrillator, etc. at the guy in minutes. He was airlifted via helicopter that night. It was amazing response and a testament to how much that crew had emphasized passenger safety. These are just two accounts and perhaps there have been amazing rescues on carnival and not so polished ones on the Magic.... but it shaped my view of the two lines.

 

I haven't been on Disney Magic (would love to!) and that's great to hear.

 

Hopefully this was a wake up call and Carnival will do some more training. I can see how they might become lax due to typical cases of dehydration, etc.

[Tncontrygirl]

I hate to break this to you.. But in sept I was on the Holiday and a woman had a heart attack and guess what She was airlifted off the ship .

 

WoW she was airlifted off Holiday? We wondered about that when the passenger on our cruise was offloaded to Coast guard boat. We thought maybe helicopter landing were not possible on the Holiday, Glad to hear we were wrong...

 

vicki

[eastoftheboston]

My partner is an MD, so I'll have immediate medical attention in case of an emergency on my cruise!