RESEARCH, EDUCATION & MEDICINE
I remember my first call to DAN, which I made years before I became CEO (or even joined the board of directors). As my fellow divers and I rode out to a dive site, our conversation turned to asthma, and I casually mentioned that I had asthma as a child. While my condition had been under control for years, some members of the group were concerned about whether it was safe for me to dive. They encouraged me to call the DAN Medical Information Line to find out more. I distinctly remember how impressed I was not only with the medic’s expertise but also with his sensitivity and candour. Even though he told me it was probably safe for me to dive, he also helped me fully understand my fellow divers’ concerns and the considerable risks for divers with unmanaged asthma. Thanks to the information he provided, I was able to reassure the group and continue diving with confidence.
The DAN Medical Information Line is a core component of DAN’s service to its members. Established in 1982, this assistance line was created to provide relief to overwhelmed public emergency lines. It was initially staffed by a handful of medics who fielded approximately 200 calls annually. Today DAN medical information specialists answer more than 15,000 information and emergency calls and emails annually. Whereas DAN medics once kept track of calls using handwritten documentation, they now record notes as well as demographic and regional data in a central database that allows experts to identify trends to better target research and assistance efforts. With this information, DAN can identify regional needs for resource allocation and pinpoint topics that require more dedicated attention.
Even though the number of calls has increased since we first started this service, our team still employs that same level of sensitivity and expertise I recall from my first encounter. They continue to work diligently to provide divers with the most accurate, up-to-date and unbiased information on issues related to dive safety. The DAN medical services team is composed of dive instructors and leaders who carry impressive credentials: They are paramedics, emergency medical dispatchers, dive medical technicians, emergency medical technicians, certified hyperbaric technicians and physicians.
In addition, the team maintains an extensive network of medical professionals and subject-matter experts; if we can’t provide an answer directly, we can connect you with the resources that can. For divers who need to find local doctors familiar with dive medicine, we maintain an extensive physician-referral database. We also serve as a resource for physicians; about 10 to 15 percent of calls are from healthcare providers requesting consultation on fitness-to-dive assessments or nonemergent medical conditions related to diving. If you have questions about medical conditions or medications, we encourage you to call us. Even if you think it’s minor, don’t hesitate to dial the DAN Medical Information Line at +1-919-684-2948, or send us an email (medic@dan.org). Our team is standing by to assist you.
Dive safely, Bill Ziefle
President
DAN (Divers Alert Network)