The Anatomy Of An Emergency Evacuation

Consider this scenario: A diver and his partner travel to an island off Fiji, which is only a relatively short distance from Australia, and therefore a popular diving destination.

- Scott Jamieson

Consider this scenario: A diver and his partner travel to an island off Fiji, which is only a relatively short distance from Australia, and therefore a popular diving destination.

As it happens, a serious incident occurs involving paralysis of the lower limbs and loss of vision. A call is made to DAN for the doctor on-call to assess the diver based on the symptoms he is exhibiting, the dive profiles and location of the incident. In this instance, it is quickly determined that the diver needs higher level medical care that cannot be provided at the local medical centre.

DAN AP had preferred to arrange an air ambulance to bring the diver directly to Australia, but that would have taken time and there was concern the oxygen supply at the local medical facility would run out before the flight was available.