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EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION:
If
you think you are suffering from a
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you must seek medical attention:
Generalized pain Joint pain Chest pain, uncontrollable coughing ("chokes") Rash Itching or tingling Fatigue Blurred vision Hearing or speech impairment Vertigo Weakness, loss of strength Loss of sensation Paralysis Unconsciousness
This list does not include all signs and symptoms of DCS or AGE. Most symptoms will manifest within a few minutes to 3 hrs after the dive.
CONTACT the following immediately if you think you are suffering from DCI:
DIVERS ALERT NETWORK
Diving
Emergencies
Emergency
Hotline:
Tell the operator you have a diving emergency. The
operator will either connect you directly with DAN or have someone call you back
at the earliest possible moment. DAN's medical staff may make an immediate recommendation or call you back after making arrangements with a local physician or the DAN Regional Coordinator. DAN Regional Coordinators are familiar with chamber facilities in their area, and because they're qualified in diving medicine, they can make recommendations about treatment.
These plans may take 30 minutes or longer, as several phone calls may be required. This delay should not place the diver in any greater danger.
However,
if the situation is life-threatening, arrange to transport the diver
immediately to the nearest local medical facility for immediate stabilization
and assessment of his or her condition. Call DAN TravelAssist at 1-800-326-3822
at this time for consultation with the local medical provider.
LOCAL BOSTON AREA EMERGENCY FACILITIES:
Both Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary and Bay State Medical Center have monoplace recompression chambers for treatment of DCI. The contact information has been provided below:
Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary Facility:
You must go to the MGH emergency room to be admitted and diagnosed as having DCI. You will then be transferred to the Norman Knight Hyperbaric Unit of Mass Eye and Ear. The contact information is available below:
Massachusetts
General Hospital
Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary 243 Charles St. Boston, MA 02114 617 573 5520
Norman
Knight Hyperbaric Medicine Center For referrals and/or emergencies please call (617) 573-4411, 24 hours a day.
For
patient referrals only, Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., please call
(617) 573-4084. Baystate Medical Center: Baystate Medical Center 759
Chestnut Street
Wesson Wound Unit 413 794-8640. The direct line to the chamber operator is 413 794-2825.
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