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Following is more information on the recompression chamber closing. This article is reprinted from Any Water Sports News Letter. The Blurb has resisted any editorial comment on this article.
On May 23, the recompression chamber in Pacific Grove closed indefinitely. While there are many reasons for the closure, the main ones seem to be a lack of fully qualified medical staff, the cost of liability insurance for the medical staff, inadequately trained chamber operators, and the cost of meeting Cal. OSHA safety requirements.
The enormity of the loss to the diving community in northern and central California cannot be overstated. With the closing of the Pacific Grove, facility, divers suffering from decompression sickness or lung overpressure accidents will have to be taken to the chamber in Catalina for treatment. The delay of up to several hours before treatment can begin will mean that divers requiring immediate treatment will be more likely to sustain permanent injury or death en route to Catalina.
The problem is not being taken lightly. Chamber operators are presently in Catalina being trained. OSHA decisions(concerning Hydrostatic testing of chamber equipment) are being appealed. More must be done.
The chamber can be reopened if suitable medical staff and insurance can be obtained. Please take time, NOW, to write the following individuals and request their help in locating suitable medical staff and funding liability insurance for the chamber.
Dr. Richard A. Pirotte, Chief of Staff
Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula
P.O. Box HH
Monterey, Ca. 93942
Dr. Gary Taylor, President
Monterey County Medical Society
P.O. Box 80308
Salinas, CA. 93912
Please note that Drs. Pirotte and Taylor are not responsible for the closing of the chamber, but can be instrumental in getting it reopened.
This is also a good time to review your health insurance coverage to
determine whether the cost of air ambulance and recompression treatments
are covered. If not, medical insurance is available from DAN and other sources.
Don't be caught short, write your letters today and obtain suitable insurance,
if necessary, before your next dive.
| Alacosta Calendar | |||
| August | 5 | Mon | General Meeting, Deadline for Catalina trip signup |
| August | 16-18 | Fri-Sun | Van Damme trip |
| August | 26 | Mon | General Meeting, Catalina |
| September | 7-14 | Sat-Sat | Catalina trip |
| September | 12 | Thurs | Executive Board Meeting at Catalina |