ANALYSIS

The diver has previously experienced skin DCS whilst completing his PADI Tec 40 and 45 dives.

He developed an itchy rash on his stomach after each deco dive, although at that time he was told by his instructor “not to worry about it”. With this second incidence of DCI the diver has been advised to undergo testing for a PFO (a small hole between the left and right upper chambers of the heart that up to a quarter of the population has), which makes people more susceptible to DCI. The diver has been advised not to dive until he has been tested.

Once again, this incident highlights the need for contacting DAN as soon as you experience something abnormal during or after any dive. Unfortunately, symptoms of DCI are often easily explained away by the diver as being only minor or attributed to some other cause, particularly when impaired mental processes are one of the symptoms. Anything abnormal occurring after a dive should be considered as a possible DCI and should be discussed with a diving doctor.

Had this diver contacted DAN after the initial symptoms appeared, it is likely he would have been advised to breathe oxygen and cease any further diving until he had been properly examined by a diving doctor. As a result he may have avoided experiencing such severe symptoms or the need for as many, or any, recompression treatments and possibly the long delay in recovery.

Final word from the diver

My experience with DAN has been entirely, wonderfully different from dealing with your traditional insurance company. Not only did DAN help guide my treatment, they also removed the stress of making financial arrangements.