At DAN AP we often get asked by Members if we can provide a list of chamber locations throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Our answer to this question is quite simple: No.
There are several good reasons for this as explained below.
Why no list?
Why does DAN simply not give out a list of hyperbaric chamber locations?
- Chambers frequently change their availability, are offline for periods of time or we may not deem them safe or up to minimum required standards to treat our Members.
- It would be impossible to keep divers aware of these changes if we distributed chamber contact information. It could lead to problems with divers turning up to locations that are closed, delaying their treatment and leading to a worsening of symptoms.
- Not all diving injuries require chamber treatment, so a diver may take themselves off to a chamber when in fact they need hospital attention (e.g. lung expansion injuries like pulmonary barotrauma, viral illnesses etc).
Supporting these reasons is the fact that the PNG chamber is currently offline as well as the chamber in Fiji. DAN stays up to date with this information, so you don’t have to!
Did You Know?
There are 1,600 hyperbaric facilities in the US yet less than 130 will treat a diver. The rest are primarily non-emergency wound care facilities.
What to do
The DAN DES Emergency Hotline is available 24 hours, 365 days a year, to both DAN Members and non-Members*. Call us at +61-8-8212 9242 at the time of the emergency/incident.
DAN’s emergency management team take many factors into account in the event of a diving incident and different cases quite often receive different advice as to how they should be managed and where the patient should go. And if it is to a chamber calling DAN will ensure you are directed to an appropriate, operational and safe chamber.
Read more about DAN AP’s Emergency Procedures.
*Whilst all divers can call DAN for advice, we can only arrange treatment, co-ordinate an evacuation and cover associated costs for current DAN AP Members, within the limits of their coverage.
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