From Bandages to Breakthroughs: A Client Success Story
Life at sea is unforgiving. For over 60 years, Mersey Seafoods has been a cornerstone of Canada’s Atlantic fishery, operating in some of the world’s harshest waters. But for Mersey’s crews, storms are never the only risk. Sudden injury, illness, or mental health crisis can strike kilometers offshore, where the nearest hospital is days, not minutes away. In such moments, medical preparedness can mean the difference between survival and tragedy.
The Challenge: Life at Sea Without a Net
Before partnering with PRAXES, Mersey’s fleet relied on Coast Guard radio support and carried only the most basic supplies – bandages, Tylenol, and little else. In medical emergencies, captains faced impossible choices: treat the crew member onboard with no medical expertise and press on, wait for a distant evacuation, or turn back – losing days of catch – all while knowing lives were at risk.
As Captain Andrew Titus recalls:
“We had nothing onboard other than what we thought we needed. We had a crew member’s knee struck and twisted ninety-degrees. We were six hours from a helicopter lift, unable to move them fully inside in the middle of winter, and all we had was Tylenol 3. We weren’t prepared for what could happen out there.”
Mental health, Andrew admits, was often an even greater concern. Long stretches at sea test even the strongest of crews. Captains were often left to improvise through severe psychological distress or attempts of self-harm without guidance or training.
“We’ve had challenges with mental health situations that we weren’t equipped or trained to deal with. Some turned into downright scary situations… Being able to call somebody to explain the situation and have your conscience cleared is huge, mentally, for all those onboard.” – Captain Andrew Titus
The Turning Point
It was not one or two incidents, but a pattern that convinced Mersey leadership something had to change. Fishing was demanding enough without the added burden of medical uncertainty.
That’s when PRAXES came aboard.
A Partnership at Sea
For over a decade, PRAXES has partnered with Mersey Seafoods to provide 24/7/365 Emergency Telemedicine Support and professionally curated Medical Kits. Every voyage now departs with experienced captains and crew, armed with the confidence that expert medical advice is just a call away.
From the beginning, PRAXES’ human-centered approach resonated with Mersey. Rather than a consultant, PRAXES doctors became trusted partners, joining vessel inspections, tailoring medical kits to real onboard risks, and treating crews like family.
“Never once have we felt we weren’t the most important people in the room. The connection is very human. It’s not sterile, it’s not about the money; it’s about helping people.” – Captain Andrew Titus
When captains call PRAXES, they know they’ll speak directly with a physician who understands the urgency and isolation of life offshore. The calls not only provide immediate medical support but also critical peace of mind.
For captains, it removes the burden of making life-or-death decisions alone.
For crew, it means minor injuries or illnesses can be treated onboard with fully stocked medical kits.
For families, it’s the comfort of hearing, “I talked to the doctor last night,” that eases anxiety back home.
The financial impact is just as clear. Minor ailments may have previously triggered costly diversions upwards of $17,000 a day, along with lost wages and missed catch. Now, PRAXES physicians guide captains through decisions: ordering immediate evacuations, or advising to stay on station, monitor, and treat. This expert support has saved Mersey countless unnecessary diversions while ensuring safety is never compromised.
More Than Medicine
Over the years, Mersey has relied on PRAXES for everything from broken bones to cardiac events to appendicitis. Andrew himself was once ordered off his vessel after showing symptoms he was inclined to dismiss.
“I probably would have died if I’d stayed. I don’t know how more real you can make it.” – Captain Andrew Titus
The partnership has reshaped life at sea. No longer told to “tough it out,” seafarers can now receive treatment onboard, boosting productivity, reducing compensation claims, and most importantly, showing crews that their health is valued.
A Shared Mission
In 60 years, Mersey Seafoods has grown from a single operation in Liverpool, Nova Scotia, into one of Atlantic Canada’s leading fishing companies. Despite its scale, its ethos remains deeply human – committed to people, communities, and the long-term strength of the fishery. That philosophy mirrors PRAXES’ own mission: safety is not an optional cost, but an investment in lives.
Andrew’s advice to other companies about telemedicine is clear:
“Get it before you need it, then after you could have had it. What’s a person worth? Don’t wait to make an incident push you over the edge.”
Closing Reflection
From the days of relying on bandages and Tylenol to today’s comprehensive medical kits and immediate physician support, Mersey Seafoods’ journey with PRAXES is one of transformation. Yet beyond equipment or expertise, it is a story about people – about captains who care deeply for their crews, families who wait anxiously at home, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing that no matter how far offshore, no one is ever truly alone.
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