Peace of Mind, Medical Assistance for Divers a 24/7 Job
MedAire and Divers Alert Network Provide Lifeline for Divers and their Families

TEMPE, Ariz. (March 9, 2005) Medical emergencies can happen anywhere and without notice. For divers, knowing that they have medical assistance resources available to them in case of an emergency is key, not only to diving enthusiasts, but also their families and friends at home. That’s why more than 200,000 divers are members of Divers Alert Network (DAN), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to recreational scuba diving safety and the largest membership organization in recreational scuba diving.

On December 26th, 2004, a DAN member was teaching a diving class on the beach in Surat Thani, Thailand, when he was dragged nearly 1 kilometer by the tsunami wave. He suffered infected wounds in both legs, with torn muscles and tendons, and was taken to a local facility, where it was recommended that he be evacuated to Bangkok for possible skin grafts or amputation.

Because all DAN members have exclusive access to diving medical evacuation assistance through MedAire, a health and security assistance provider, MedAire’s Global Response Center (GRC) was contacted and immediately arranged for the injured man to be transported to Bangkok for additional treatment on his legs.

According to Karen Buettner, who monitored the case in MedAire’s GRC, the diver spent more than a week in the Bangkok hospital, where he underwent multiple surgeries and skin grafting, without the loss of limbs, before being discharged. He is currently undergoing extensive outpatient rehab in Thailand. "It has been a hard road for him,” Ms. Buettner explained. “He was still at risk for serious infections, but there is no doubt in my mind that had he not been evacuated, he would have died from his injuries."

Based on recent statistics, DAN members have learned to depend on MedAire. In 2004, MedAire fielded more than 900 calls for medical assistance from DAN members, with the GRC receiving an average of 80 calls per month.

“DAN members are known for being worldwide travelers, and they need a company that has the capabilities to assist them anywhere they choose to travel,” says Joel Dovenbarger, vice president of medical services for DAN. “At least one DAN member will need medical evacuation each month from outside the United States to the nearest appropriate healthcare facility. And although the vast majority of calls from DAN members are related to diving medical issues, other medical emergencies do occur, including cardiovascular events, trauma and broken bones that also demand our members contact MedAire.” 

A case in point: last May, what began as a snorkeling adventure in Ixtapa, Mexico, turned into a life-and-death situation for 73-year-old Laurence Sprecher, who developed internal bleeding during his vacation. Treatment at a local clinic resulted in stabilization of his condition, but a need for several units of blood presented a challenge in this city of 75,000, where the blood supply was depleted.

Sprecher contacted MedAire’s Global Response Center where utilizing its global community of preferred hospitals, physicians and facilities, MedAire had one of its own physicians, who was fluent in Spanish, contact Sprecher and the local Mexican doctor. MedAire then arranged for his air transport to the American British Cowdray Hospital in Mexico City, where the cause of his bleeding was determined and stopped. MedAire also coordinated final travel arrangements for Sprecher to return to his home in Portland, Ore., following his recovery. Mr. Sprecher’s decision to contact MedAire resulted in timely and appropriate medical care in an unfamiliar emergency environment.

“The hospital MedAire chose was as good a hospital I have seen anywhere in the world, including the United States,” Larry Sprecher stated. “The doctors were outstanding, the equipment the latest, and the ward staff so friendly and attentive. I cannot say enough good things about the DAN staff and MedAire. They were efficient, professional and comforting.”

DAN’s Dovenbarger believes that the most important aspect of the DAN/MedAire partnership is that DAN members can depend on someone being there 24/7 when they need medical assistance.

About MedAire, Inc.
Established in 1985, MedAire offers fully integrated health and security solutions including remote emergency assistance services, evacuations, training and web-based education programs, specialized resources such as medical and security kits and a network of western-standard medical clinics in Asia.

MedAire provides services to international business travelers and expatriates, commercial airlines throughout the world, corporate flight departments, government agencies, military and maritime operators.  MedAire, listed under MDE on the Australian Stock Exchange, can be found on the Internet at www.medaire.com. 

MedAire Contact: 
Steve Holstein, Phone: +1.480.333.3700, Email: sholstein@medaire.com