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WHAT TO DO IN AN
EMERGENCY
CALL
DAN
24-HOUR
HOTLINE
0800 020 111 (RSA)
+27(0)10 209
8112(INTERNATIONALLY)
Call DAN as soon as possible – no
benefit will be payable for Medical Expenses and Related Expenses that were not
authorized by the DAN Hotline prior to such expenses being
incurred.
The DAN Hotline will make all the necessary arrangements,
provide guarantees of payment for expenses with the service provider and ensure
that you are expected and receive the necessary treatment.
Please remember: evacuation from remote
locations may be difficult to arrange and may take some time, call DAN-SA as
soon as possible!
HOW TO FILE A CLAIM
Before a claim can be filed, the accident needs to be registered by contacting
the DAN Hotline. A case will be opened and all arrangements will
be made by our nominated service provider. Any other arrangements will not be
covered.
It remains the responsibility of the member to request a claim form
from DAN if they did not receive one at the time of contacting the Hotline. No
claim can be processed or paid without a completed claim form, In the event of a
claim form not being completed and returned promptly, the member becomes liable
for all expenses incurred.
All bills sent directly to the member must be
faxed to DAN immediately and the originals sent to DAN by return mail. This will
enable the claim to be paid. DAN accepts no liability for these bills if they
are not forwarded timeously.
For any claims, queries, or to request a claim
form, or to forward your claims details, please contact:
Helia van Zyl - DAN
Southern Africa
Private Bag X 197
Halfway House
Midrand
1685
Tel
: 0860 242 242
Emergency Hotline: 0800 020 111
Fax : 086 511
3698 Sharecall: 0860 242 242
E-mail : helia@dansa.org
International
admin numbers:
- Telephone +27 11 312
0512
- Fax +27 11 312 0054
EMERGENCY FIRST AID
FOR INJURED DIVERS
CALL
DAN
24-HOUR HOTLINE
0800 020 111 (RSA)
+27(0)10 209 8112
(INTERNATIONALLY)
(Any arrangements
made on your ownmight not be covered)
1.
Assess: Airway,
Breathing, Circulation
2.
Place diver in left
lateral (recovery) position & keep warm
3.
100% O2: Breathing
patient via demand valve or non-rebreather mask @15Lpm. Non-breathing patient
administer artificial respiration using a pocket mask
@15Lpm.
4.
Call DAN: 0800
020111 or +27(0)10 209 8112
5.
Check consciousness,
memory, muscle strength, skin sensation, balance and
coordination
6.
Give conscious divers
non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated liquids
7.
If trained – give
1000 mL Saline / Ringers Lactate over 60 minutes
8.
Record all
data:
Diver’s Name; ID & DAN Membership No (if applicable)
Location of
the emergency
Events leading to the diving emergency
Signs & Symptoms
plus onset times
Treatment given
Dive Profiles
9.
Keep diver’s gear
intact; turn air off; send gear with diver
10. Ensure no other
divers are missing or injured
Please Note: Although
DAN offers free, 24-hour advice and assistance to all divers, evacuation and
treatment are provided by regional private companies who require a guarantee of
payment for their services by means of validated emergency medical insurance or
a financial guarantee from the injured diver or their next of Kin.
DAN members
automatically enjoy full cover for evacuation and treatment of diving-related
medical emergencies as well as medical evacuation for non-diving-related medical
emergencies while away from home. This saves valuable time in an emergency. For
peace of mind, join DAN today:
DAN Admin Office
: 0860 242-242
(fax) 086 512 9091
mail@dansa.org
www.dansa.org.
DECOMPRESSION ILLNESS
(DCI)
A GUIDE
FOR HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS
Cause:
DCI (i.e.,
decompression sickness & arterial gas embolism) can result from any
exposure to compressed gas –
even a single breath of compressed gas leading
to a lung over-pressurisation of 150 cmH2O (110mmHg) can be fatal.
Symptoms &
Signs:
Neurological
signs & symptoms are common; some are subtle and require careful assessment.
DCI may mimic acute stroke, multiple sclerosis or even dementia. Symptoms may
occur immediately or up to 36 hours after the last dive. Onset may be rapid /
gradual and may improve / deteriorate unpredictably or spontaneously over
time:
Look for: Impaired consciousness or concentration; disorientation or
severe fatigue; weakness; paralysis; numbness or altered skin sensation;
deafness; dizziness; visual disturbances; joint pain; skin mottling; lymphedema;
shortness of breath; paroxysmal coughing; pneumothorax or
pneumomediastinum.
Treatment:
- ABC
assessment & management (Chest x-ray for suspected barotrauma or pulmonary
symptoms)
100% O2 via demand valve or @ 15Lpm. via non-rebreather (reservoir)
mask
Neurological & Physical Examination.
Aggressive fluid resuscitation: 1000 mL Ringers Lactate / Normal Saline over 60
minutes (NB. urinary retention)
Immediate recompression
If a scuba diver presents with
unusual signs and symptoms, call DIVERS ALERT NETWORK
(DAN):
Inside SA 0800 020 111 or
Internationally +27(0)10 209 8112
DAN, a not-for-profit organization,
provides free 24-hour specialist diving medical advice & assistance
to
divers and those helping them. DAN also has details for recompression
facilities.
DAN members have dive
medical cover that covers emergency medical management,
medical
evacuation and recompression treatment. When in doubt, call DAN.
Is your Operation
Equiped to deal with a diving emergency ? Fill out this Questionnaire and see how
prepared you really are.
Find out more about
DAN Newest Programme : Diving Safety Partners
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