Disabled on scuba dive, man sues Coast Guard

May

During Hogan’s second dive of the day, his doctors believe, too much pressure built up in his lungs, causing gas bubbles in his arteries. Called an arterial gas embolism, the condition damaged his spinal cord and led to paralysis.

Many have died as a result of the diving condition, but some have lessened the damage after undergoing intensive hospital treatments where they breathed 100 percent oxygen.

Hogan believes he also could have reduced the harm to his system had he reached a hospital sooner. He is now paralyzed from the waist down.

DAN America, Chamber Operator Reach Settlement; Insurance Again Accepted at All SSS Chambers

By billrini

May

The Underwater Times is reporting some good news in the DAN/SSS debate:

In a news release dated April 26, 2006, Divers Alert Network (DAN America) and clinic members of the SSS Network of Recompression Chambers (SSS) announce that they have reached a settlement in the recent legal action over billing practices.

Dive Insurance

By billrini

Mar

I always recommend that people buy dive insurance. The costs of diving related injuries are usually pretty high due to the unique nature of the injuries and the fact that in many cases the injured has to be evacuated to a facility that is able to offer proper dive related medical care (hyperbaric chamers). Most plans are under $100 (some for as little as $25 or so) it’s a small price to pay just in case your HMO says they won’t cover the expenses. The problem is that it’s not easy to choose which company to insure with and then which plan offered by that company that makes the most sense for you and your diving. Rodale’s Scuba Diving has a good article explaining the pluses and minuses of various dive insurance plans.