Medical Signal Code
| A hoist of three flags | ||
| Flag Hoist | Code | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| MAA | I request urgent medical advice. | |
| The pennant at the bottom indicates a repeat of the second letter. | ||
The Medical Signal Code (incorporated in the International Code of Signals since 1930) is a means of providing assistance when medical personnel are not present. While plain language is preferred in such cases (presumably via radiotelephone), where there are language or communication difficulties the various codes provide a succinct method of communicating to a doctor the nature of the problem, and in return the recommended treatment. Even where there are no language problems the Medical Signal Code is useful in providing a standard method of case description and treatment. There is also a standard list of medicaments (medicines), keyed to a standard ships medicine chest carried by all merchant ships. The Medical signals all begin with the letter "M" (Mike) followed by two more letters, and sometimes with additional numerals or letters.
Read more about this topic: International Code Of Signals
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