Psychiatrists in restraints.

Abstract

and a third where there is no obvious injury but the accident has been so bad that the drivers are sent to hospital for observation and tests. Another ambition that David Nancekievill has had for years ?now, he says, unlikely to be realised?is to be medical officer on an offshore lifeboat. He has, however, been drawn into rescuing casualties in power-boat accidents. Like the motor racing, this happened accidentally : he bought a power boat for water skiing and was told that his best chance of being accepted as a member of the Chase Water Power Boat Club was to volunteer as medical officer. This he did, and now much enjoys this aspect of his leisure. The club has adopted a marvellous British invention?the first of its kind in the world?in the shape of a 17 ft Dell Quay Dory boat, which is unsinkable, and has a dropdown front (like a tank-landing craft) which enables the boat to be flooded to a depth of 6 inches or 1 foot so that casualties may be floated on board without having to be dragged over the side. When the flap is raised the water is automatically pumped out. The injuries are much the same as those in motor racing, with the added hazard of water, and the crew of the boat consists of one doctor (expert in resuscitation), two divers, and the driver. David NancekievilPs alternative occupation is something of a busman's holiday, and not exactly what he set out to do in the first place, but it provides him with excitement and a chance to watch motor and power-boat racing, and he obviously very much enjoys the challenge of on-site medicine. He has found this work helpful in his everyday work?and his work in intensive care has helped him in his rescue work?and particularly so when he was senior anaesthetist at the Moorgate tube-train disaster a few years ago. He was in the train in the tunnel most of the day, and found his on-site medical experience invaluable. No one who has met him can doubt that his drive and enthusiasm have had much to do with the present excellent rescue services available in Britain ?and he has lured many other doctors away from their gardens to help out. The drivers have much to thank him for.