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Emergency Plan for Diving Accidents on Koh Chang

Diving is a safe sport, but accidents can happen. Being prepared and having a clear emergency plan can save lives. Here’s what to do in case of a diving accident on Koh Chang.

1. Immediate Actions on Board

After a diving accident, it’s essential to act quickly, calmly, and systematically. Follow these steps to assess the victim and provide first aid:

Assessing the Victim

Check consciousness: Speak loudly and clearly to the person. Ask, “Are you okay?” or “Can you hear me?” If there is no response, gently tap their shoulder.
Check breathing: Observe the chest for movement or place your ear close to the victim’s mouth and nose to listen for breathing sounds. Feel for airflow on your cheek.
Check pulse: Feel for a pulse at the neck (carotid artery) or wrist. If no pulse is detected, begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) immediately.

Providing First Aid

Perform CPR: If the victim is not breathing and has no pulse, start CPR immediately. Perform 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths, and repeat until professional help arrives.
Place in recovery position: If the victim is breathing but unconscious, place them in the recovery position. This keeps the airway clear and prevents choking in case of vomiting.
Administer oxygen: Provide 100% oxygen (1-15L/min)if available, using a mask or mouthpiece to support their breathing.
Prevent hypothermia: Cover the victim with a blanket or towels to keep them warm, especially if they’ve been in the water for a long time or if there’s wind.

Protect and Document

Avoid unnecessary movements: Keep the victim as still as possible to prevent further injury.
Check dive log and computer: Record important details such as dive times, depths, and surface intervals. This information will be crucial for the emergency responders.

2. Contact Local Emergency Services

Koh Chang offers professional and fast assistance for diving accidents. Contact the following services:

Emergency Number: 1669 (Thai Emergency Services)
DAN (Divers Alert Network): International diving emergency hotline: +66 2 381 8094
Marine Police Koh Chang: For assistance at sea: +66 39 511 135

3. Transport to the Nearest Decompression Chamber

If decompression treatment is needed, the victim should be transported to the nearest chamber as quickly as possible. The nearest chamber is located at:

Trat Hospital: Address: Trat City, Trat Province
Contact: +66 39 511 555

4. Additional Protection: Short-Term DAN Insurance

We want our divers to be as protected as possible. At our center, you can purchase a short-term DAN insurance for a small fee. This insurance provides additional coverage and support in case of a diving accident – a small investment for your safety!

5. Prevention is Key

To minimize the risk of diving accidents, follow these key safety measures:

Adhere to your no-decompression limits and dive within your personal limits.
Plan your dives carefully and always perform a safety stop.
Listen to your body and never dive if you feel unwell.
Take an EFR (Emergency First Response) course to learn essential first aid skills.

Conclusion

Having a clear emergency plan and knowing how to act in case of a diving accident can save lives. Be prepared and share this emergency plan with your dive buddy. Safe dives start with good preparation and the right mindset!

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