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Fishing Partnership Takes Overdose Prevention Message to the White House
Fishing Partnership Support Services navigators Debra Kelsey and Jenny Amaral are no strangers to the New Bedford waterfront, where they regularly engage with local fishermen to promote overdose prevention training offered by their nonprofit. But on October 8, their efforts took them beyond the New Bedford waterfront — they stood proudly on the steps of the White House, representing their organization as part of a major initiative.
Fishermen are First Responders at Sea
In the summer of 2021, a Mayday call went out from the captain aboard a fishing vessel who needed Narcan to help save a life due to an overdose on board. There happened to be another vessel in the vicinity that was able to respond, and they tossed a box of the over-the-counter drug on board.The captain administered one dose, but nothing happened. He gets back on the radio. A second vessel was carrying Narcan and tossed it on board. The captain, after the fourth dose, sent his crew member back onshore alive.“That day there were three fishermen first responders that saved a life at sea,” said Debra Kelsey, with Fishing Partnership Support Services…
Fisherman makes dramatic rescue
Near sunset last Nov. 6, commercial fisherman John Genther of Madison was steering his boat back home after a day of catching whelk when he spotted a bright blue object about a half mile ahead in the water. As he maneuvered closer, he realized it was a man wrapped in winter clothing, without a life preserver, clinging to the side of an overturned skiff in 55-degree water. Genther immediately recognized the signs of hypothermia and knew what to do, thanks to a first aid training he completed less than two weeks earlier.“You saved someone’s life,” said Nick Lajoie, commander and chief of response for Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound, speaking to Genther and a roomful of attendees at a ceremony on Feb. 8 honoring the heroic act. “It’s a big deal.” …
Down East commercial fishers join in for safety-at-sea training
JONESPORT, Maine — In collaboration with the Maine Lobstermen’s Association, both new and seasoned commercial fishermen and lobstermen are taking advantage of free safety trainings this week in Jonesport.The nonprofit Fishing Partnership Support Services travels up and down the East Coast each year to offer its full-spectrum safety course. …
Fishermen taught life saving measures in free safety at sea training
Organizers of a health and wellness event performed free health screenings and gave out Naloxone kits, life jacket rebates, and immunizations to those working in the commercial fishing industry. With schedules that change week to week or day to day, it can be difficult to plan ahead, but the Greater New Bedford Waterfront Task Force was committed to accommodating the fishermen’s schedules knowing that the information they share can have a real impact on their lives. …
FPSS safety training gives local fishermen tools for survival
A group of about 20 local fishermen gathered at the U.S. Coast Guard facility in Wanchese recently to take part in a two-day safety training provided by Fishing Partnership Support Services (FPSS), a non-profit dedicated to the health, safety and economic security of commercial fishermen and their families. FPSS has worked to strengthen the commercial fishing industry by supporting fishermen since 1997. Team navigators assist fishing families in applying for health coverage, enroll in offered wellness programs, learn how to stay safe at sea through free safety programs and assist with financial planning and retirement. “We try to meet fisherman where they’re at, not take them away from their work at sea,” said John Roberts, FPSS director of safety training.
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