The Divers Alert Network® (DAN®) is pleased to announce that the hours of the Medical Services Department have been extended to meet the needs of the diving community as peak diving season begins. The DAN Medical Information Line will now operate from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM EST, Monday-Friday.
The DAN Medical Information Line, an extension of DAN’s 24/7 Emergency Hotline, provides critical information and medical recommendations to individuals who need assistance but are not in an emergency situation. As the number of potential incidents and requests for information increases with the season, the Medical Information Line will provide an increasingly valuable resource to members and the dive community at large. DAN’s Medical Services Team answer over 10 thousand non-emergency requests for information every year, and have assisted more than 250 thousand callers over the 35 year history of the program.
“We are committed to providing aid to divers in need across the globe, and this program allows us to extend the reach of our services and care for the greatest number of divers possible.” Said Dr. Matias Nochetto, Director of Medical Services and Programs. “This program, and its extended availability during peak diving season, show both the flexibility and the outreach of this organization, and exemplify the work that we do to further the DAN Mission and improve the safety of all divers.”
The DAN Medical Services Department is also actively supporting and training multiple Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine fellowship programs and hyperbaric centers. These extended hours will allow for improved training and support for hyperbaric physicians and chamber operators, and further the DAN mission of improving diver safety through education and outreach.
DAN’s Medical Information Line can be reached for non-emergency assistance at +1-919-684-2948, or questions can be submitted at any time via DAN’s Ask A Medic feature on DAN.org. The DAN Emergency Hotline remains available 24 hours a day to assist scuba divers with emergency situations, care coordination, and evacuation assistance, and can be reached at +1-919-684-9111. Assistance can be provided to divers and physicians in English, Portuguese, and Spanish.