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 DAN Offers New DVD
Many divers may not know that someone can get decompression illness even while following safe diving rules. To better educate divers, DAN has created a new DVD about DCI and what to do if you suspect a diver has it.
Joel Dovenbarger, Vice President of DAN Medical Services, said the best way for all divers to learn comes from the experiences of other divers. “This new DVD from DAN will help divers recognize the signs and symptoms of a variety of dive-related issues and be better prepared to respond appropriately,” Dovenbarger said.
Dive centers or dive clubs can request the free DVD from DAN. It features a 40-minute presentation by Marty McCafferty, DAN Medical Informational Specialist. Use the DVD as part of your dive training programs, at your next dive club meeting or at dive gatherings.
The DVD emphasizes that the symptoms of DCI are similar to other medical conditions, such as a heart attack or upset stomach, so only a physician is qualified to make a diagnosis. The diver has three responsibilities:
- to recognize the signs and symptoms;
- to provide standard care within their levels of training; and
- to help transfer the injured diver to a higher level of care.
Denial is the most common reason for delay in seeking assistance. Injured divers usually call DAN because their symptoms will not go away. Amazingly almost 15 percent of injured divers continue to dive after initial DCI symptoms are recognized.
DAN wants to educate divers in recognizing DCI and seeking immediate medical evaluation, which improves and shortens the treatment and reduces the chances of long-term problems. The risk of DCI increases as divers dive deeper, stay down longer, ascend faster, or shorten their surface intervals.
To order call DAN Membership Services at +1-919-684-2948 or 1-800-446-2671 (from the U.S. or Canada) and ask for:
Title: I May Be Bent… Now What? with Marty McCafferty
Run time: 40 minutes
Product code: 171-0000
Cost: FREE
Let’s hope you never encounter a diving accident, but if you do, it's better to be prepared and ready to help. DAN is here for you.
Jim Gaston, DAN Marketing Manager
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