I am proud to support DAN Asia-Pacific (DAN AP). And as a DAN Asia-Pacific Member I feel it is important to share with you some important information about DAN and the reality of diving accidents, so that as avid divers we can ensure we are all prepared for the unexpected.
Who is DAN?
The Divers Alert Network (DAN) is a global network of not-for-profit, member-based, dive safety organisations working for the safety of all divers through education, research and training.
DAN AP provides Worldwide Emergency Evacuation Coverage and optional Dive Injury Insurance Services for Members. In addition the organisation is responsible for funding and/or manning 24-hour diving emergency hotlines throughout the
Asia-Pacific region.
DAN AP is a part of the International DAN Federation of Dive Safety Organisations with worldwide Membership presently exceeding 300,000.
Wherever members live or dive around the world they have peace of mind knowing that DAN is available 24-hours a day, 7 days a week to assist in the event of an accident.
Why is it so important that as Divers we are protected with DAN Membership & Dive Injury (Treatment) Insurance?
It's all about being prepared for the unexpected, namely dive accidents and illnesses. It's essential that divers have a reputable organisation to call that will be able to co-ordinate a rescue effort and get them to the most appropriate treatment for their injury or illness.
Then there is the issue of cost.
DAN protection ensures the diver will not be lumbered with the burden of a potentially hefty invoice in the event of an accident or illness.
What Does it Cost to Treat a Diver?
The costs associated with treating a sick or injured diver vary greatly based on several variables, such as the location of the incident, proximity to a chamber, proximity to a suitable medical treatment facility for the injury/illness, whether evacuation is required.
If an aircraft needs to fly in from another location with a medical team on board then naturally the associated costs will be significantly higher than if the diver needs to be driven to a local chamber. In addition to this is the cost of treatment that is required in a chamber and/or hospital for the accident/illness.
This can vary from $1,000 - $20,000 or more depending on where this treatment is and how much treatment is required. Suffice to say that the costs involved in evacuating and/or treating a diver can be significant.
The reality is that it can cost as much as US$100,000 for the evacuation alone!
This is why it is so important that divers have DAN protection. And the fact that DAN are the experts in diver accident management means the diver will receive the most effective response in co-ordinating their treatment/evacuation.
The Reality
In 2007 DAN was involved in the evacuation of a paralysed diver from the Solomon Islands to Australia. The evacuation cost was in excess of $90,000 (as an aircraft had to be sourced from far away). In addition, the treatment costs were in excess of $30,000, plus on-going expenses.
The essence of DAN Membership & Dive Injury (Treatment) Insurance is about being prepared. DAN offers members peace-of-mind, which comes from knowing they have the experts in diver accident management to call in the event of a diving accident or illness.
To learn more about DAN, or to become a member, visit www.danasiapacific.org