DIVE LOG JUNE 2025 issue 412

Bloodwork and x-rays were conducted. The diver stated to have vomited “a lot” in the night. The diver admitted to not drinking enough water and attributed dehydration to being sick. The diver was transferred to a different facility later that night and reported having a seizure at about 2:00am. The diver, now in the new facility, was moved to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and was subjected to more tests, including an MRI, CT scan and more x-rays. While returning to his room, the diver complained of immense pain and suffered another seizure. It was much later in the day, after being seen by an ICU physician, neurologist and diving specific physician that the diver revealed his current medications for cervical arthritis, vitamins, aspirin as well as blood pressure medication. It was not until 9:00pm two days, after the diver’s last dive that he was diagnosed with DCS and began receiving treatment. The diver received three hyperbaric treatments, each lasting five hours. He was released from the hospital two days after final treatment. Review The significant delay in treatment highlights the importance of having access to a diving specialised physician. Had this diver seen a physician that specialised in diving sooner, he would have been treated sooner. Recommendations 1. One can suspect DCS if symptoms occur after a dive especially those symptoms that are neurologic deficit or cardiovascular instability. Do not delay care. 2. Immediately begin 100% oxygen when DCS is suspected. 3. Prompt evacuation to the nearest medical facility for evaluation and possibly transfer to a hyperbaric chamber if recompression is indicated. 4. Call DAN as soon as possible: The DAN Medics can liaise with physicians at the hospital or medical centre if they don’t have experience treating injured divers. The DAN Emergency Hotline is available 24/7/365 1800 088 200 – Australia +1-919-684 9111 – International. For more diving health and safety information visit World.DAN.org

Denial and Delayed Treatment Reported Incident

While on a diving holiday, the diver completed eleven dives over seven days. All dives were reported as uneventful, and the diver is said to have had good buoyancy and displayed skills of a competent diver. The diver is AOW certified with over seventy logged dives. The Incident On the second dive on the day of the incident, during the surface interval, the diver mentioned feeling tired and almost opted out of the last dive. After the final dive of the day, the diver removed their equipment and logged the dive. Approximately forty minutes after the dive, he complained of dizziness. A short time after these remarks the diver was placed on 100% oxygen and was monitored by the boat staff enroute back to the marina. During this time, the diver remained conscious but described being too tired to talk. The diver declined an ambulance and was reluctant to even go to the hospital saying he was feeling a lot better. However, when the diver began to leave the boat, he could not walk without assistance. The diver was transported to the hospital in a vehicle, not ambulance, was on 100% Oxygen for the duration of the drive and remained conscious although disoriented. When asked questions about his medical history, the diver denied having any allergies, being on medication or having any other medical concerns. When the diver arrived at the hospital his vitals appeared within normal range. The diver called his general practitioner for consultation and was advised by his practitioner that if he felt better, he could leave and return to the hospital for follow up the next day or wait until returning from their holiday. It is reported that the diver seemed weak but lucid. When the diver went to leave the hospital, he immediately felt dizzy again. At this point all agreed to keep the diver in hospital overnight.

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DIVE LOG Australasia #412 - June ‘25

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