DCI Presentation

[NotDeadYet]

I've had a couple of experiences with A&E. Worst was we took a diver with a possible bend to Inverclyde, they just looked at us, suggested it was a pulled muscle and advised pain killers.

When I got bent a couple of years ago I called the NWHC on the Wirral directly and asked them for advice (I wasn't badly bent, arm/shoulder pain only). I didn't want to go through the hassle of going to A&E on a Saturday night in Manchester, sit for four hours amongst drunks and then be told to go to the Wirral.

The staff at NWHC were absolutely superb. They couldn't have been better and the breakfast in the BUPA hospital was great

[Hellvet]

I ended up at A&E for assessment as i wasn't sure when i rang up the chamber that i was bent, and nor was the duty diving doctor. As i had a few mild symptoms he asked me to go to my local A&E on o2 for assessment but as this was about 45mins away, and the chamber only 90mins he asked me to go to the A&E at the hospital next door to the chamber, as he felt he'd either have to speak to the local A&E staff, or see me anyway...

Originally Posted by dlegros

Did you inform the receptionist/assessment nurse that you had been diving?

Yes - but this did cause a bit of confusion - as i had been driven to the hospital by diving friends, they went to go and book me in and were told i had to book in myself, fine, ok but i'd have to bring my o2 with me as i didn't really want to come off it, ah but you can't walk round reception with o2. Well call the dive doctor and let them know we're here - no we can't do that till you've booked in - eventually the receptionist came out to the car to book me in!

Originally Posted by dlegros

If so, did you suggest DCI?

Yes, i'd had a profound episode of paresis of my left arm which had pretty much convinced me that i was bent, especially as it improved so markedly on o2.

Originally Posted by dlegros

Did you have a diver card (the one about DCI with treatment and warnings)?

Yes, but it was not neccessary as we were at the hospital next door to the chamber and it had been arranged for the dive doc to meet us there.

Originally Posted by dlegros

Did they take this on board and commence you on DCI first aid (lay down on a trolley and on O2)?

Yes, once the dive doc arrived, before this i was sat outside in the car on high percentage nitrox, as i wasn't allowed to take this in with me and they wouldn't commence treatment without his say so.
i was laid down and given o2 straight away once the dive doc arrived, with a nurse in continuous attendance

Originally Posted by dlegros

Did they contact RN Duty Doctor/DDRC?

Was the A&E next door to DDRC so the dive doc came over to assess me

Originally Posted by dlegros

Any other info you think may be of use as someone who has been through it - what can we as general A&E staff do better for divers?

I think its very difficult as you see such a wide range of symptoms to say you should be able to recognise the symptoms and signs of DCI, which will be rare at most a&E depts, and most things are going to be treated as if they are the more common possibility - common things being common!

i would say it would be nice if the training we receive as divers/buddies could give us the confidence not to take no for an answer till a dive doc has been involved in the process!

My other comment would be that from a personal point of view i was scared witless at the time - its scary to lose control over your body, and the level of shock (as well as the DCI problems) was amazing to me looking back. I did give up some responsibility of myself to my buddies who got me to the A&E and the chamber. But it did give me an insight into how important it is to get the right assessment and the right treatment.

Any other questions please ask!