I'm posting this in the Basic forum since it applies to all divers, and needs to be understandable to all divers. If it is better in the Medicine section, then it can get moved.
The current diver's medical form - or more precisely - the physician sign off, isn't worth the paper it is signed on. I'm a very experienced diver, and a medical professional, that is asked to sign these forms occasionally. In my case it is apparently healthy divers whose primary physician that can no longer sign them (ie. Kaiser, they will no longer sign any physicals) . So I have to take the diver's word for everything. All I get to do is see the obvious. In my own case I have prior issues that are not progressive and have been fully cleared. If I mention them, even though they have no effect and are more than 30 years past, I have to go find a provider to sign the form (I can no longer have my PCP do it - I'm covered by Kaiser). There is a LOT of incentive for divers to be less than forthcoming on these forms, so unless the signer really knows the diver, they are worthless.
This isn't to say that medical fitness to dive isn't important - it IS REALLY important. We need to change from a required medical sign off (which is only required if the diver has either clear medical issues OR is totally honest on the form) to self-regulation with adequate and understandable information so that the diver will seek evaluation by the appropriate level of medical provider if there are issues. This will take the onus off the dive operator and put it where it belongs - on the diver themselves.
A very rough draft of what I'm envisioning could look like this:
Cardiovascular: After carefully reading the information below I have
Do this for all the important body systems.
Have one for Covid-19. This is a critical issue. Young, previously healthy, and no longer (or never) symptomatic divers can still have damage that could cause problems with the pressure changes. This needs a strong discussion here.
Have a section on short-term issues ('colds', 'allergies', fatigue, etc)
Finish it off with a signed statement that the diver has had an opportunity to discuss any medical issues with a diving medical provider and self-certifies that they are medically fit to undertake the dives with the above listed precautions.
The dive operator is much more likely to get useful medical information this way. If someone is clearly unfit, the operator can still decline to take them.
I have added a poll. Please vote, but DO NOT consider whether you think the dive industry would use a new form or not.
The current diver's medical form - or more precisely - the physician sign off, isn't worth the paper it is signed on. I'm a very experienced diver, and a medical professional, that is asked to sign these forms occasionally. In my case it is apparently healthy divers whose primary physician that can no longer sign them (ie. Kaiser, they will no longer sign any physicals) . So I have to take the diver's word for everything. All I get to do is see the obvious. In my own case I have prior issues that are not progressive and have been fully cleared. If I mention them, even though they have no effect and are more than 30 years past, I have to go find a provider to sign the form (I can no longer have my PCP do it - I'm covered by Kaiser). There is a LOT of incentive for divers to be less than forthcoming on these forms, so unless the signer really knows the diver, they are worthless.
This isn't to say that medical fitness to dive isn't important - it IS REALLY important. We need to change from a required medical sign off (which is only required if the diver has either clear medical issues OR is totally honest on the form) to self-regulation with adequate and understandable information so that the diver will seek evaluation by the appropriate level of medical provider if there are issues. This will take the onus off the dive operator and put it where it belongs - on the diver themselves.
A very rough draft of what I'm envisioning could look like this:
Cardiovascular: After carefully reading the information below I have
O No known cardiovascular issues that will impact my diving
O I have cardiovascular issues and have addressed them with a medical provider and I need the following precautions:_________________________________________________________________
Blurb on cardiovascular fitness and diving and a layman's explanation of what is fit enough. An example could be the diver can climb X flights of stairs without resting.O I have cardiovascular issues and have addressed them with a medical provider and I need the following precautions:_________________________________________________________________
Do this for all the important body systems.
Have one for Covid-19. This is a critical issue. Young, previously healthy, and no longer (or never) symptomatic divers can still have damage that could cause problems with the pressure changes. This needs a strong discussion here.
Have a section on short-term issues ('colds', 'allergies', fatigue, etc)
Finish it off with a signed statement that the diver has had an opportunity to discuss any medical issues with a diving medical provider and self-certifies that they are medically fit to undertake the dives with the above listed precautions.
The dive operator is much more likely to get useful medical information this way. If someone is clearly unfit, the operator can still decline to take them.
I have added a poll. Please vote, but DO NOT consider whether you think the dive industry would use a new form or not.
