Learning Benefits of Well-defined and Well-structured Topside Medical Support in the Offshore Drilling Industry based on 10 Years of Global Experience with a Large Offshore Drilling Contractor

摘要

The offshore workplace is unique in that it concentrates heavy machinery and high-pressure operations in a self-contained and remote environment. It is hence an accepted-if not required-standard to maintain a clinic manned by a medical responder onboard the offshore drilling installations in order to handle routine ailments and provide the initial medical care and stabilization needed in the event of more serious emergency situations. For a global drilling contractor with a significant number of overseas operations, the importance of enhancing the offshore medical response was early understood, leading it to develop, structure and launch the concept of Topside Medical Support (TMS). The offshore medical personnel have been given round-the-clock access to a medical support line to provide all the guidance instructions and medical direction that may be required. A comprehensive set of medical protocols & procedures has been developed to support both offshore medical personnel and TMS teams. Several global and regional providers have been selected, trained and contracted to deliver TMS for the various Divisions and Business Units. 10 years of global experience have demonstrated the huge benefits of the concept in delivering a timely, appropriate and consistent medical response in the offshore workplace, in addition to preparing the way for further escalation whenever shore referral or international medical evacuation is required for the patient. The experience has also highlighted issues and challenges which have been addressed as far as is technically possible, as well as adding other features to maximize TMS effectiveness and benefits for the workforce, the employer and customers. This paper will develop, analyze and review the above success story-which has now become requisite “best practice” for the offshore industry – and will also discuss areas for improvement.