What is the BDMC?
The Badalveda Diving Medicine Center (BDMC) is a joint operation between the Bangkok Hospital Group and Badalveda Diving Medicine Network. The aim being to provide a comprehensive health service for divers in Phuket, Krabi, Phang Nga and surrounding regions The result, is a world class medical service that can treat any diving related illness or medical problem.
Our objective
To treat, educate and support the diving community.
Services we can provide
Bangkok Phuket Hospital has a team of doctors and nurses trained in underwater medicine and have gained their experience through working with the navy in either Thailand, the United States, or Australia.
- 24 hour, 7 days a week emergency room and recompression chamber
- 24 hour Ambulance service that covers Phuket, Krabi, Phang Nga, Koh Lak and Ranong
- Emergency phone number and radio frequency
- Air evacuation service (in conjunction with Royal Thai Navy)
- Multi language assistance – English, German, Russian, Japanese, French, Italian, and Scandinavian languages
- International ward – Private rooms where patients can stay for observation and ongoing treatment.
- MRI, X-ray and CT imaging
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy centre
Why use the BDMC at Bangkok Phuket Hospital?
Treatment for injured divers is more than just providing a recompression facility. It's about supplying total care for the patient. This includes ambulance service, X-ray and imaging, private rooms for observation after treatment and sometimes physical therapy and rehabilitation. All these services can be offered at the Bangkok Phuket Hospital.
The other benefit is that the patient is in the best place in case additional complications occur. Diving is one of the safest recreational activities in the world. But accidents can happen. If something does happen then you have the piece of mind that no matter what the problem may be, you are in a world class medical facility.
What equipment is used?
The BDMC features a Sechirst 2500 monoplace chamber. Our monoplace chamber provides total privacy and comfort. The patient lies down during the course of their treatment and can watch TV, or listen to music
Plus unlike multi place chambers the patient does not need to wear a mask for the entire process. The chamber is filled with 100% oxygen. All the patient needs to do is relax and breathe normally. The hospital also has access to multi place chamber facilities in case of multiple cases.
What are the symptoms and treatment
for Decompression Sickness?
Symptoms
- Altered responsiveness
- Weakness/paralysis
- Pain around joints
- Difficulty breathing
- Vision or speech difficulty
- Numbness/ tingling sensations
- Rash or blotchy skin
- Other neurological symptoms
Treatment
- Lay diver down flat
- Provide basic life support
- Provide as near to 100% oxygen as possible
- Give IV fluids (normal saline)
- Perform physical/neurological exam
Record details of
- Dive time and profile
- Signs and symptoms
- First aid treatment.
Even divers who have dived conservativly can get DCI. If you feel any of the above sysptoms then please contact the hospital as soon as possible. By delaying treatment the diver runs the risk of causing more damge to themselves.
What do I do if a suspect I have DCI?
1) If you suspect you have DCI then please come to the emergency room at the hospital or you can call 076 25 44 25 to arrange for an ambulance. Our ambulance service can arrange collection from any where in Southern Thailand. Air evacuation is also available in emergency situations.
2) Once at the hospital you will see the ER doctor or Diving Medical Officer (DMO) who will ask about your symptoms and conduct a basic motor function test. A DMO is a doctor qualified in underwater medicine and hyperbaric chamber operation.
3) If the doctor suspect DCI then a chest x-ray will be conducted to determine the extent of the injury. Chest x ray are recommend before receiving treatment within a chamber. The x-ray helps identify pneumothorax -air trap in pleural cavity.
4) After the x ray the patient will placed in chamber under supervision of DMO and DMT. When receiving chamber treatment it is essential to remove any items of clothing, jewelry, watches etc that may generate static electricity. This can prove dangerous. It is also essential to tell the physician if you are or may think you are pregnant.
5) How long your treatment will take is dependent upon your condition. Most patients receive a US Navy Treatment Table 6. This will take approx 5 hours to complete.
6) After treatment you will be moved to a private room on the international ward for observation. The Diving Medical Officer will assess your condition and determine whether additional treatments are required.
What will I feel inside the chamber?
As you are being placed under pressure you will need to equalize your air spaces. Patients who have ear or sinus problems may experience some discomfort. Please notify the chamber operator of any changes in how you feel. The rate at which your are placed under pressured can be altered so you feel more comfortable.
Total care for divers
The Badalveda Diving Medicine Center at Bangkok Phuket Hospital can provide treatment for all diving related accidents or injuries.
This includes:
- Decompression treatment
- Marine animal injuries
- Ear barotraumas
- Near drowning incidents
- Heat exhaustion/Stroke
- Fractures
- Coral cut wounds
- Aquatic infections
The hospital also conducts
- Diving physical check up
- Education programs for divers
- First aid classes
- Chamber orientation programs
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