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Here are the basics, and keep in mind that you are only getting one side of the story. I think I have the basics correct...
He was on a group trip 3 or 4 years ago, and after a few shore dives the first day in Cozumel - was found on the dock unconscious. Not a good sign, but better than in the water. Turns out he had a history of seizures since a car wreck some years back, but had been doing so well that he got careless about taking his meds. [-]Well, we all know[/-] And it's been well covered in the Medical forum that a person with a history of seizures, even if controlled on meds, should not be diving, so he sit the trip out - went home to sell his gear, but - didn't.
He apparently did well back on his meds, got a doc's release to drive a vehicle or scuba dive. I certainly have not seen the release, but I guess a doc could be located who would sign one. I have seen physicians convicted of much worse over the years. However he got the release, I presume it exists, and he now is working on his DM card.
Now, he's booked on a trip that I'd already booked on. The group leader claims to have a copy of the release, so - what should I say or do? Nothing seems the obvious answer to me - keep my mouth shut on the trip and my eyes elsewhere. I did say that if he had an incident, that I was not risking my life to help - but that was my lie. Of course I would. We're taught in Rescue to not put ourselves at risk in aiding others, but it's just a degree of risk. Driving to the dock, boarding the boat, rolling off the boat - they all come with risks that we try to manage reasonably.
There will be a lot of dives in the 60 to 130 range, but at least he's diving air and not at risk for OxTox. The best I can think of is to pretend I never knew of a problem. I don't think I am violating any responsibilities or laws, and there's really just nothing I can do about this short of canceling my trip - which I'm not. Guess I'll play the roll of all three monkies...
But then - I thought I might open this up to suggestions...??
He was on a group trip 3 or 4 years ago, and after a few shore dives the first day in Cozumel - was found on the dock unconscious. Not a good sign, but better than in the water. Turns out he had a history of seizures since a car wreck some years back, but had been doing so well that he got careless about taking his meds. [-]Well, we all know[/-] And it's been well covered in the Medical forum that a person with a history of seizures, even if controlled on meds, should not be diving, so he sit the trip out - went home to sell his gear, but - didn't.
He apparently did well back on his meds, got a doc's release to drive a vehicle or scuba dive. I certainly have not seen the release, but I guess a doc could be located who would sign one. I have seen physicians convicted of much worse over the years. However he got the release, I presume it exists, and he now is working on his DM card.
Now, he's booked on a trip that I'd already booked on. The group leader claims to have a copy of the release, so - what should I say or do? Nothing seems the obvious answer to me - keep my mouth shut on the trip and my eyes elsewhere. I did say that if he had an incident, that I was not risking my life to help - but that was my lie. Of course I would. We're taught in Rescue to not put ourselves at risk in aiding others, but it's just a degree of risk. Driving to the dock, boarding the boat, rolling off the boat - they all come with risks that we try to manage reasonably.
There will be a lot of dives in the 60 to 130 range, but at least he's diving air and not at risk for OxTox. The best I can think of is to pretend I never knew of a problem. I don't think I am violating any responsibilities or laws, and there's really just nothing I can do about this short of canceling my trip - which I'm not. Guess I'll play the roll of all three monkies...
But then - I thought I might open this up to suggestions...??
