Lessons from managing an injured suspected pirate onboard a Role 1 medical facility.

: The embarkation of detainees is complex and medical requirements and ethical considerations can collide with operational requirements. Morally and ethically the correct route of action is always to disembark the patient at the earliest opportunity to a first rate medical facility; however this is not always possible for a variety of geographical, operational, financial and political reasons. It is ultimately a command decision utilising the best advice that the Medical Officer can provide. It is important that Commanding Officers and Medical Officers have a strong working relationship and understand each other's responsibilities and constraints.