The Divers Alert Network donated funds and support toward the renovation of the hyperbaric chamber at the General Hospital of Cozumel. DAN’S assistance enabled the facility to complete the re-installation and return the recompression chamber back to operational status.
The General Hospital of Cozumel Hyperbaric Chamber, the only government funded facility in the area, is responsible for the treatment of local artisanal divers with limited resources. Due to the diving behavior and fishing techniques, these divers are at an increased risk of experiencing decompression sickness. A facility that can provide treatment to these divers is a crucial asset.
The hyperbaric chamber on Cozumel. Image: Costumed
The hospital recently underwent modifications, closing the chamber until completion. Due to limited funding, the recompression chamber couldn’t undergo needed repairs leaving the facility closed and inaccessible to the local community.
The hyperbaric chamber on Cozumel. Image: CostaMed
With assistance from DAN and Costamed Hyperbaric Centers of Cozumel, the General Hospital of Cozumel was able to restore the facility in a timely manner, limiting the closure time. The installation included refurbishing the compressor, a new oxygen high pressure regulator and creating an integrated work station. Thanks to these renovations, this chamber will continue to take care of the people with fewer resources on the island and help contribute to the safety of the local divers.
“DAN’s goal is to help assure quality chamber assistance to injured divers” explains DAN President and CEO Bill Ziefle. By providing technical and education support as well as equipment for the chamber we are committing to our mission of helping divers in need.” Ziefle added, “Without this chamber, the artisanal divers would not have access to a proper facility for treatment.”
DAN has been committed to diver safety for more than thirty years. As part of this commitment, the Recompression Chamber Assistance Program was established in 1993. The assistance program was developed not only to ensure the highest level of care available for divers, but also to provide for the future of diving in remote destinations. For information on how to apply for or to learn more about the Recompression Chamber Assistance Program, please visit DAN’s website.
You can also find additional information at http://cozumelhyperbaricchamber.com.