Heretical thoughts on the diver's medical form

[tridacna]

I haven’t had a medical doctor as my medical provider for more than 40 years.

Give it enough time.

 

[Seaweed Doc]

I see the “updated” form is still outdated. If needed there is no place for my PCP, a nurse practitioner, to sign the form. I haven’t had a medical doctor as my medical provider for more than 40 years.

I called PADI about this question. The fundamental problem seems to be that the form is international and nurse practitioner is not as universally recognized as physician.

 

[tridacna]

I called PADI about this question. The fundamental problem seems to be that the form is international and nurse practitioner is not as universally recognized as physician.

Curious: Which countries DO recognise a NP as a physician?

 

[chillyinCanada]

I know some international operators require a medical form outside of training. Who has needed a medical form, other than for training, and where was it?

To my recollection, I've had to sign one for every liveaboard and perhaps even some resorts in SE Asia locales.

 

[Seaweed Doc]

Curious: Which countries DO recognise a NP as a physician?

Well, US. But different states allow different scope of practice as I understand. So even within the US it varies.

UK and Canada also recognize them.

Not sure beyond that.

 

[uncfnp]

I called PADI about this question. The fundamental problem seems to be that the form is international and nurse practitioner is not as universally recognized as physician.

I just got off a LOB that had a medical emergency the first day of diving. Chest pain. I deal with various forms of chest pain at work (Urgent Care) almost daily. ACLS and PALS certified. They accepted the assistance from the Italian Dermatologist.

 

[Seaweed Doc]

I just got off a LOB that had a medical emergency the first day of diving. Chest pain. I deal with various forms of chest pain at work (Urgent Care) almost daily. ACLS and PALS certified. They accepted the assistance from the Italian Dermatologist.

Not surprised.

DOs working outside the US face the same issue.

 

[raftingtigger]

You may want to query DAN or UHMS about how to handle this. The logos on the new 2020 Diver Medical are from DAN, RSTC, WRSTC, and UHMS. At Recreational Diving Medical Screening System - Undersea & Hyperbaric Medical Society there is a way to submit comments for consideration for the next revision.

I note that @Dr Simon Mitchell was on the committee that drew up this new form, perhaps he has a comment on how only MDs can sign it.

Thank you, great suggestion. If it looks like divers would be more honest with such a form I will then submit the idea to the alphabet soups above.

 

[chillyinCanada]

I just got off a LOB that had a medical emergency the first day of diving. Chest pain. I deal with various forms of chest pain at work (Urgent Care) almost daily. ACLS and PALS certified. They accepted the assistance from the Italian Dermatologist.

I'm sorry that happened to you.

and neither accepted any assistance from you either?

How did the rest of the patient's week go?

 

[uncfnp]

I really didn’t mind (too much) since I doubted there was anything more available for care beyond an ACD plus I am sure they had DAN on call. And not sure about medical liability. Will have to check on that.

We did miss almost a day of diving.

He was airlifted from Socorro Island. No update beyond he seemed ok. Stable on board. Don’t know if it was actually his heart or precautionary.

Plane on runway...ok now headed back to gate...