This post presents an interesting problem.
In the UK, it is drummed into us that any adverse symptoms after diving are likely to be DCI, unless an obvious injury has been received. This is even emphasised by insisting that as divers we are required to advise medical personnel NOT to use Entenox to treat a diver after diving, even when treating obvious non diving related injuries. Entenox can make DCI worse and potentially induce a DCI problem in a casualty.
Getting quick early treatment is always advised. Minimising, long term injury, and reducing the amount of treatment required. Delaying treatment, significantly reduces the likely hood of long term injury and increases the treatment cycle (cost).
We have a national / international DCI helpline to ring (this used to be administered by the Navy). If you are walking wounded, then generally the advice is to attend a chamber, or A & E. Where the medical personnel will make the diagnosis.
The alternately is to contact the coastguard.
If anything, divers are very poor on getting treatment, often being in self denial. It is often the others that identify the issue.
In the case of serious DCI, the emergency services will evacuate you by the quickest means to the nearest available chamber (one not in use).
We do of course have the significant advantage that we don't pay for medical care (at point of use). This means there is no excuse not to attend.
There are a number of insurance companies we use when travelling. DAN being one of the preferred, with a reputation for quick action.
I am very aware that in many parts of the world you are required to pay, not only for treatment, but for initial diagnosis. This complicates giving advice to those out side Europe.
However, DAN will give free advice over the phone, if they advise seeming medical support, if only to confirm it is not DCI, I strongly advise that you follow their advice.
I would also strongly advise having appropriate insurance e.g. DAN cover.
Gareth
In the UK, it is drummed into us that any adverse symptoms after diving are likely to be DCI, unless an obvious injury has been received. This is even emphasised by insisting that as divers we are required to advise medical personnel NOT to use Entenox to treat a diver after diving, even when treating obvious non diving related injuries. Entenox can make DCI worse and potentially induce a DCI problem in a casualty.
Getting quick early treatment is always advised. Minimising, long term injury, and reducing the amount of treatment required. Delaying treatment, significantly reduces the likely hood of long term injury and increases the treatment cycle (cost).
We have a national / international DCI helpline to ring (this used to be administered by the Navy). If you are walking wounded, then generally the advice is to attend a chamber, or A & E. Where the medical personnel will make the diagnosis.
The alternately is to contact the coastguard.
If anything, divers are very poor on getting treatment, often being in self denial. It is often the others that identify the issue.
In the case of serious DCI, the emergency services will evacuate you by the quickest means to the nearest available chamber (one not in use).
We do of course have the significant advantage that we don't pay for medical care (at point of use). This means there is no excuse not to attend.
There are a number of insurance companies we use when travelling. DAN being one of the preferred, with a reputation for quick action.
I am very aware that in many parts of the world you are required to pay, not only for treatment, but for initial diagnosis. This complicates giving advice to those out side Europe.
However, DAN will give free advice over the phone, if they advise seeming medical support, if only to confirm it is not DCI, I strongly advise that you follow their advice.
I would also strongly advise having appropriate insurance e.g. DAN cover.
Gareth
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