What happens at DDRC?
The diving casualty will be taken into the examination room, all dive kit will be removed and a neurological examination will be done by the duty doctor.
If needed an intravenous cannula will be inserted into a vein to allow fluids to be given.
If needed a urinary catheter will be passed into the bladder to aid the drainage of urine.
Dry cotton clothes will be supplied and the treatment procedure in the chamber will be explained.
The buddy and any associates will be questioned and examined if necessary to exclude any diving related problems.
Possible treatment tables include:
- USN 5 - missed decompression (2hrs 15min. minimum)
- USN 6 - suspected decompression illness (4hrs 45min. minimum)
- Comex 30 - suspected gas embolism or serious suspected decompression illness (7hrs 30min. minimum)
If you have a diving computer we will download your dive profile.
You will be accompanied into the chamber by an attendant who will look after you for the whole period. This attendant may be a nurse or a diver medic.
Following the first treatment a decision will be made as to whether or not hospital accomodation (and treatment) is needed. If not we have bed and breakfast accomodation within walking distance.
You will be asked to stay approximately 24hrs after therapy if possible to ensure that there is no relapse of your condition.
Further treatments may be required and these will be discussed with you as necessary.
Family and or friends are welcome to the unit most of the time, however for obvious reasons we request that the numbers are kept to a minimum especially during the initial emergency treatment. |
