In relation to recompression facilities. The current situation is:

1. If a diving emergency occurs, CFT policy is that the Coastguard / emergency services should be contacted.
2. The Coastguard (with real-time medical support from the Emergency Department at Cork University Hospital) will advise the Coastguard on the appropriate Emergency Department and chamber (if necessary) to which the patient will be brought. 
3. UCHG recompression chamber is not available for use.
4. Craigavon Area Hospital continues to provide recompression facilities.
5. From 1st May, the recompression chamber at Haulbowline will be available on a 24/7 basis with medical and nursing support from CUH and technical support from the Naval Service.
6. The decision about the depth and duration of recompression required for an individual casualty will be taken on a case-by-case basis by the team providing care.  Haulbowline and Craigavon chambers have indicated they can deal with the full range of recompression issues.  Both chambers are restricted in dealing with very severely ill patients who are intubated, who may require special arrangements.

Gerard Bury
Medical Officer

Medical Commission Report January 2008

Introduction

CFT has had a well functioning medical assessment system for many years. Why change it in 2008? The reasons include:

• There is increasing evidence and experience in other diving organisations from which we can learn.
• It is important that our medical assessment process is linked to health standards that reflect international best practise.

While diving in Ireland is safely enjoyed by thousands of divers, we have sad experience of deaths and other serous incidents some of which may have been influenced by underlying health problems.

At the November 2007 CFT Delegate Meeting in Enniscrone, there was agreement that a new medical assessment system would be implemented. The main objectives of the changes are to ensure that:

1. CFT divers meet a minimum standard of fitness. This may well be as good a measure of health status as some of the more traditional medical checks.
2. The expense and administrative difficulties created by the medical assessment system are minimised and that we focus on those activities that are most likely to be beneficial.
3. That a robust system of regular reviews is put in place that includes self-assessment questionnaires, medical examinations and specialist reviews as required.
4. A transparent system of medical standards is available to divers and doctors alike. 

All of us, as responsible divers, take full responsibility for ensuring that we are fit and well enough to dive safely.

The medical assessment system from 2008

The key parts of the medical assessment will now be:

Water Fitness Test

This will be completed by every diver annually. The test may be done in the pool (swimsuit) or at sea (wetsuit, fins and mask).

Exercises

1. Snorkel with fins and mask or swim 200m without stopping
2. Snorkel dive with fins and mask a distance of 25m underwater
3. Tow a snorkel diver 50m
4.  

Instructions for Diving Officer

• The test may be carried out by the Diving Officer or by his/her nominee
• Repeat testing should be at the discretion of the Diving Officer
• If any person becomes unusually breathless the pool test must be stopped
• Upon completion of this test the Diving Officer must should sign each candidate's Annual Self Declaration / Fitness Form CFT409A.

Annual Self Declaration / Fitness Form CFT409A.

This questionnaire will be confidential and returned directly to the Chair of the CFT Medical Commission, a Registered Medical Practitioner. The only information forwarded to CFT Head Office will be a statement from the Medical Commission that a diver is cleared to dive or is not cleared to dive.

The questionnaire will ask about familiar health risks, about the date of your last medical and ask for permission for any issues that arise to be clarified with your doctor.

It is important to stress that the ‘wrong’ answer to a question does not immediately exclude you from diving. Many such issues may simply require clarification with you and/or your doctor. It is essential that all of us complete these forms fully and honestly, if diving safety is to be ensured.

Please ensure you have passed the water fitness test and part one has been signed off by the club Diving Officer before you return this form.

Medical Assessment

An assessment by your own doctor will be required

1. When you join CFT
2. When you reach age 35
3. Three yearly until age 55. 
4. Annually after age 55.

Chest X-rays, ECGs and other investigations will be at the discretion of the examining doctor. 

The main focus of these assessments will be on the important general risk factors such as heart, lung or neurological diseases or medicines that may create risks. When specific diving related issues are identified, they may require further specialist assessment.

Conclusion

Implementing the changes

The 2007 AGM has approved these changes. During 2008, CFT divers will be asked to comply with the fitness tests and self-assessment questionnaires; the frequency of assessments by your doctor will change in 2008 and the health standards will be implemented. From 2009, it is likely that CFT will require compliance with all of these procedures for any applicant to hold active diver status with the organisation.

In summary

From 2008, CFT divers will be asked to complete a fitness test and confidential medical assessment each year together with a medical assessment by their own GP which will be less frequent than in the past. Easily accessible health standards will provide benchmarks against which divers and doctors can assess the potential effects of health problems on their suitability to dive. 

All forms can be found in the download section under Documents Download /Medical Commission