Do you always need to do more than the 100% Oxygen for DCI/DCS?

[rhwestfall]

Very nicely stated Frank. That was a significant theme in OW/AOW/Rescue/MSD programs I have taken.

 

[AfroBoy]

Thanks everyone for all the support and comments.

But, I am surprised no one has pointed out how good an idea it is to have some dive insurance. As I read, my first question was, "What did DAN (insert your organization) have to say?" And, if it would have been a DCS event, starting with them would be a good idea for helping efficacy in diagnosis and downstream cost coverage.

Agree that DAN insurance would have sped up the diagnosis and reduced some of my anxiety. I'll be looking into it this week.

As far as costs for treatment, it wouldn't have made a difference for me here in Australia. The Hyperbaric Services unit in the state (where I eventually ended up) is publicly funded and being insured with DAN would not have reduced any of my costs (which came to a grand total of $0).

After speaking with the specialist, I now know that I can call or go there anytime, 24/7, without appointment or cost. Hopefully I never have to see them again, but if I do have a diving incident, they'll be my first point of call, bypassing the local emergency department.

Will still investigate DAN though, as it might be useful in other ways. Will definitely take it on if I ever dive o/s.

Had I had you in the hospital overnight on O2 and you didn't get better, I'd be looking elsewhere for what ails you.

Given my limited experience, this sounds like quite a sound diagnostic approach. As I understand it, giving O2 will do no damage if it's not required, so you might as well try it out. On reflection, oxygen therapy didn't provide any improvement of my condition. Unfortunately the doctors at my local hospital had little to no experience with this type of situation so it took a long time to recognise that it most likely wasn't DCI.

 

[doctormike]

Agree that DAN insurance would have sped up the diagnosis and reduced some of my anxiety. I'll be looking into it this week.

As far as costs for treatment, it wouldn't have made a difference for me here in Australia. The Hyperbaric Services unit in the state (where I eventually ended up) is publicly funded and being insured with DAN would not have reduced any of my costs (which came to a grand total of $0).

Actually, DAN will help you whether you have the insurance or not. Their specialists man an international emergency hotline who will help anyone who calls.

What the insurance does is cover the costs of treatment - which you are fortunate to have covered already at home! Does the Australian coverage extend to treatment done in other countries? If not, that might be a reason to get it, if you ever travel to dive. Also, transportation can be expensive, especially if you need to be evacuated by helicopter (again, not sure if your home public coverage covers that).

 

[Cave Chick]

Glad to hear you are ok!

 

[DocVikingo]

Does the Australian coverage extend to treatment done in other countries?

Victoria’s State Service for Hyperbaric Medicine (aka Hyperbaric Service) does not cover tx done in other countries, nor does OZ's Medicare system. I don't believe that its private health funds do, either, but I am not positive.

Cheers,

DocV

 

[AfroBoy]

Victoria’s State Service for Hyperbaric Medicine (aka Hyperbaric Service) does not cover tx done in other countries, nor does OZ's Medicare system. I don't believe that its private health funds do, either, but I am not positive.

This is correct, whilst the treatment is covered at no cost, the travel to the department isn't. I have ambulance cover so that part is good. Air Ambulances provided by the state are covered by my private health fund too, although ones like the Royal Flying Doctors Service, Care Flight Helicopter and Private Air Ambulance aren't.

Given most of my dives will be a couple of hours away from the nearest Hyperbaric Services unit, I'll investigate what additional transport options DAN can provide me. I would consider is compulsory insurance whenever I dive outside of Oz.

Great to know that they will help anyone who calls. That alone is probably a good enough reason to support them.

Thanks everyone.