I need info on the lack of hyperbaric chambers in Florida

[The Chairman]

Specifically, I need instances where divers encountered problems getting to a chamber in a timely manner because of this. I know there was an inwater recompression in North Florida recently because of a lack of hyperbaric chambers. Anyone else with a story and even particulars would be nice.

 

[Kevrumbo]

Jump to 25:25 minute mark:

 

[Jack Hammer]

Maybe start with Tammy Storm, @tstormdiver.

 

[cerich]

I know there was an inwater recompression in North Florida recently because of a lack of hyperbaric chambers. .

no..you don't

 

[Rred]

Ergh. I've read comments from DAN staff, that there is after all a big difference between "a hyberbaric chamber", which is actually fairly popular for general medical uses and runs M-F 9-5, staffed by hyberbaric techs, and a DIVING hyperbaric recompression chamber, where there is a diving medical specialist on call 24x7 and the chamber is not booked for other routine medical purposes all day every day.

Why do I feel like Captain Obvious for asking if you've called DAN to ask for the list of diving chambers in Florida?

In the days before DAN existed...I had the direct phone number for every chamber in my area, and most of those were USN or similar, not hospitals or medical centers of any type. (I don't like to screw around playing telephone, I like to make one call and get connected without Muzak.)

 

[The Chairman]

Why do I feel like Captain Obvious for asking if you've called DAN to ask for the list of diving chambers in Florida?

Dan called me asking for these stories, Capt Not-So-Obvious! If you don't have information on any incidents where hyperbaric treatment was delayed or worse because of a lack of hyperbaric chambers in Florida, then this thread is obviously not for you. I would delete your post as being OT, but maybe everyone else will get a better idea of what I'm looking for.

 

[The Chairman]

Maybe start with Tammy Storm, @tstormdiver.

We would love to hear the details, thanks for alerting her.

 

[Akimbo]

Not specifically Florida but this may be helpful for other readers: Why Are Fewer Chambers Available for Emergencies?

 

[Kevrumbo]

Not specifically Florida but this may be helpful for other readers: Why Are Fewer Chambers Available for Emergencies?

Ergh. I've read comments from DAN staff, that there is after all a big difference between "a hyberbaric chamber", which is actually fairly popular for general medical uses and runs M-F 9-5, staffed by hyberbaric techs, and a DIVING hyperbaric recompression chamber, where there is a diving medical specialist on call 24x7 and the chamber is not booked for other routine medical purposes all day every day. . .

The cost of stand-by 24/7 operations for treating dive accidents only using volunteers and an on-call ER/hyperbaric physician is not as great as running a full service weekday 9-to-5 Hyperbaric Clinic facility with full-time employees and a physician treating diabetic wound care, burns and other chronic medical conditions, because DCI cases in comparison are rare, uncommon and sporadic (but when they do happen can be a hyper-acute, critically emergent, life-or-death occurrence).

We've had the multiplace Catalina Recompression Chamber for 24/7 emergency treatment of Civilian Recreational Diving Casualties only, as part of the Los Angeles County Lifeguard/Paramedic & Fire Dept, serving local & visiting divers (with and without Health Coverage or DAN Insurance) here in SoCal, for over 40 years. This is one of the only two such facilities mentioned in the Alert Diver article above (and they're both in California):


Location > USC Catalina Hyperbaric Chamber > USC Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences

 

[Johnoly]

.... Anyone else with a story and even particulars would be nice.

You should call/visit Edd at Cave Adventurers. Many times events like this don't get put into writing. IWRC happens alot more, but it's kept quiet.